Van Buren Conservation District

Recycling Basics

About Our Program

The Van Buren Conservation District (VBCD) contracts with Van Buren County to run the Resource Recovery and Recycling Program! The program includes events and services for hard-to-recycle items.

We also provide recycling education, local resources, and county planning. Program funding comes from the VBCD Operations Millage, Van Buren County, local municipalities, and various grants. 

Looking for Something Else?

What is Commingled Recycling?

You might know “commingled recycling” as “mixed recycling.” Sometimes, it’s even called “single stream recycling.”

Commingled recycling is when all your recycling materials are mixed together in the same container.

This type of recycling is the most popular type. It is also what curbside bins and most of the drop-off recycling in Van Buren County are.

What Goes In Commingled Recycling?

Commingled Recycling Accepts:

  • Plastic bottles and containers
  • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Cardboard (flattened)
  • Newspaper, junk mail, mixed paper

Where Can I Recycle?

  • Drop-off Transfer Stations
    • Use the map to find the location closest to you
    • Some transfer stations may be used by non-township residents. 
    • Get your questions answered in our FAQs below
Antwerp Township Waste and Recycling Center

On 64th Ave near CR 657

269-668-2615 x208

https://antwerptownship.com/transfer-station/ 

Hours: Tuesdays and Saturdays  9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Drop-off Waste & Recycling

Arlington Township Waste and Recycling Cneter

Opening Soon!

51998 26th Avenue, Bangor 

269-207-7746

https://www.arlingtontownship.com/

Hours: TBD

Drop-off Waste & Recycling

Bangor Township Transfer Station

41559 63rd Street, Bangor

269-427-8965

https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/318/Bangor-Township-Transfer-Station-Recycli

Hours: 1st and 3rd Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Drop-off Waste & Recycling 

Bloomingdale Township Transfer Station

Rocky Road (1 Block West of town), Bloomingdale 

269-521-3800

https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/331/Transfer-Station-Recycling-Center

Hours: 

Tuesday – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (April 1 – October 31)

Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (year-round)

Drop-off Waste & Recycling

Columbia Township Transfer Station

18868 52 ½ Street, Grand Junction 

269-434-6227

https://www.columbiatwp.com/transfer-station-1

Hours: 

1st Sunday of the month – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

Each Saturday following the first weekend of the month – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Waste Only

Tire Drop off Program Location

Drop-off Waste & Recycling

Covert Township Transfer Station

76890 34th Avenue, Covert

269-764-8986

http://coverttwp.com/local/transfer-station

Hours:  Saturdays – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Closed Holidays)

Drop-off Waste & Recycling

Tire Drop off Program Location 

Decatur Area Waste and Recycling Center

Opening Soon!

300 W Beers Street, Decatur

269-423-6114

https://www.decaturmi.org/

Hours: TBD

Drop-off Waste & Recycling

Tire Drop off Program Location

Keeler Township Transfer Station

1/2 mile south of Keeler on CR 687

269-621-6481

https://www.keelertownship.org/areainfo.htm

Hours: Saturdays – 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM (April – October)

Drop-off Waste (no recycling)

Paw Paw Township Waste and Recycling Center

Site Flyer

38016 Red Arrow Hwy Paw Paw 

269-657-4101

https://pawpawtownshipmi.gov/transfer-station/

Hours of Operation: 

Tuesdays – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Fridays – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (April-September)

Saturdays – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Drop-off Waste & Recycling 

Pine Grove Transfer Station

15797 32nd Street, Gobles, MI 49055

269-628-4380

https://pinegrovetownshipmi.gov/recycling-waste/

Hours of Operation: 

Wednesdays – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM (March 2 – October 31)

Saturdays – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM 

Drop-off Waste & Recycling

South Haven & Geneva Township Transfer Station

70294 CR 384, South Haven

269-427-7607

https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/358/Transfer-Station

Hours: Saturdays  8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Tuesdays 8 AM to 2 PM (Summer Hours)

Drop-off Waste & Recycling

Orchard Hill Landfill

3290 Hennessey Rd Watervliet, MI 49098

269-463-5588

https://myorchardhill.com/

Hours: 

Monday through Friday – 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturdays – 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Drop-off Waste & Recycling

WHAT IS A RECYCLING DROP-OFF PROGRAM?

A recycling drop-off program is a community-based
initiative that allows community members to drop off
recyclable materials at designated collection sites.
This is a great way to recycle when curbside pickup is
unavailable.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC HOURS OF OPERATION FOR RECYCLING DROP-OFF LOCATIONS?

Yes, our drop-off locations have set hours of operation
or accessibility. Check our webpage for their schedule to
ensure you drop off your recyclables at the right time.

WHAT MATERIALS CAN I DROP OFF?

Above is a list of what can be dropped off. 
All containers should be empty and dry and free of all
food and food residue. Unclean containers and food can
cause odors and attract pests. Replace caps on empty
plastic containers.

IS THERE A FEE TO DROP-OFF RECYCLING?

Each site varies.

DO I NEED TO SORT MY RECYCLABLES BEFORE DROPPING THEM OFF?

No, our drop-off sites collect material in single-stream
containers, so all recycling is mixed together. No
sorting needed.

CAN I DROP OFF MATERIALS IN PLASTIC BAGS?

No. Avoid placing recyclables in plastic bags into
drop-off containers. Plastic bags can create safety,
mechanical and quality issues at recycling facilities.
Instead, use reusable bins to store and bring your
recyclables to the drop-off location. If you must use
bags to transport your recycling to the drop-off, make
sure to empty those bags into the recycling collection
containers and take the bags with you. All recycling
should be loose in the bin.

CAN I DROP OFF MATERIALS THAT ARE SOILED OR DIRTY, LIKE PIZZA BOXES WITH GREASE STAINS?

No, it’s best to avoid dropping off heavily soiled with
food or grease, or containers still full of food, as they
can contaminate the recycling stream, and can attract
pests, insects, and rodents.

DO I NEED TO REMOVE LABELS AND CAPS FROM BOTTLES AND CONTAINERS BEFORE RECYCLING THEM?

No, leave labels and caps on bottles and containers.

CAN I RECYCLE PLASTIC BAGS OR PLASTIC WRAP AT THE RECYCLING DROP-OFF?

No. Plastic bags and wrap cause equipment jams at the
recycling processing facility. Your household plastic film
—like grocery bags, drink case wrapping, cling wrap,
and bubble wrap—can be dropped off at almost any
large retail or grocery store for recycling. Most people
save up their clean and dry plastic film and take it to
the grocery store every few months.

CAN I RECYCLE SHREDDED PAPER AT THE RECYCLING DROP-OFF?

Yes, shredded paper is allowed in the recycling
container if contained inside a bag. This will ensure
the shredded paper doesn’t become a litter hazard at
the drop-off site and ensure it will make it through the
recycling process.

CAN BUSINESSES OR COMMERCIAL ENTITIES USE THE RECYCLING DROP-OFF PROGRAM?

No, the recycling drop-off program is designed for
residential use only, both from single-family and
multifamily residents.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MATERIALS I DROP OFF FOR RECYCLING?

The materials you drop off are taken to Recycle Works
in Elkhart, Indiana where they are sorted and processed
for recycling. They are then turned into new products
or materials, reducing the need for new resources and
creating a circular economy.

HOW CAN I STAY UPDATED ON CHANGES TO MY LOCAL RECYCLING DROP-OFF PROGRAM?

To stay informed about any program changes, such as
new locations or guidelines, sign up for notifications
at the bottom of the page or social media channels facebook.com/VanBurenCD.
You can also visit our website frequently or contact us
directly for information updates at 269-633-9314.

WHAT DO I DO WITH ITEMS LIKE LIGHT BULBS OR BATTERIES?

Light bulbs and batteries are considered hazardous
waste and should not be placed in regular recycling.
You can drop these off for safe and proper disposal
at Van Buren Recycle Roundup Events. For more
information, call 269-633-9314 or visit us online at VanBurenCD.org/van-buren-county-recycling-
collections/.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH OLD ELECTRONICS, SUCH AS COMPUTERS OR SMARTPHONES?

We accept electronics at our recycling drop-off
sites in South Haven and Paw Paw. Please call us
for a full list of acceptable electronics or visit our
webpage VanBurenCD.org/recycling-guides for more
information. Additionally, we host several electronics
recycling events annually. Electronics recycling event
dates will be posted on our website.

ARE THERE ANY ITEMS THAT ARE NEVER ACCEPTED AT RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTERS?

Yes, items like medical waste, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects are not accepted at our recycling drop- off. These items require specialized disposal methods.

Visit our website VanBurenCD.org/recycling or contact
us directly at 269-633-9314 for more information.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISTAKENLY PUT NON- RECYCLABLE ITEMS IN THE RECYCLING BIN AT A DROP-OFF LOCATION?

Putting non-recyclable items in recycling can disrupt
the recycling process and cause safety, labor, and cost
issues. Pay attention to signage in the drop-off location
to know what can and cannot be recycled in that
location.

To find out more about recycling in Michigan, click on the “Recycle, MI” logo below!

Van Buren County Solid Waste Plan & Materials Management Planning

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