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

Learn more about the projects happening at the transfer stations by clicking here.

Antwerp Township Waste and Recycling Center

Recycling key fob required: $25 for Antwerp residents

Waste: Public access to trash for fee, pay onsite with cash or check

Address: On 64th Ave. near CR 657, Lawton

Phone: 269-668-2615 x208

Website: AntwerpTownship.com/Transfer-Station/ 

Hours: Tuesdays (summer months only) and Saturdays  9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Accepts: waste & recycling

Arlington Township Waste and Recycling Center

Opening soon for Arlington Township residents only

Accepts: waste & recycling

Hours: TBD

Address: 51998 26th Avenue, Bangor 

Phone: 269-207-7746

Website: ArlingtonTownship.com

Bangor Township Transfer Station

Bangor Township residents only, punch cards available for waste fees and free recycling

Accepts: waste & recycling 

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

Address: 41559 63rd Street, Bangor

Phone: 269-427-8965

Website: VanBurenCountyMI.gov/318/Bangor-Township-Transfer-Station-Recycli

Bloomingdale Township Transfer Station

Open to Bloomingdale Township residents

Accepts: waste & recycling

Hours: Tuesday – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (April 1 – October 31) & Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (year-round)

Address: Rocky Road (1 Block West of town), Bloomingdale 

Phone: 269-521-3800

Website: VanBurenCountyMI.gov/331/Transfer-Station-Recycling-Center

Columbia Township Transfer Station

Tire Drop-off Program location

Open to the public 

Accepts: waste & tires

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

Address: 18868 52 ½ Street, Grand Junction 

Phone: 269-434-6227

Website: ColumbiaTwp.com/Transfer-Station

Covert Township Transfer Station

Tire Drop-off Program location 

Tire drop-off open to public. Waste and recycling, Covert Township residents only.

Accepts: waste, recycling, & tires

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

Address: 76890 34th Avenue, Covert

Phone: 269-764-8986

Website: CovertTwp.com/local/transfer-station

Decatur Area Waste and Recycling Center

Tire Drop-off Program location

Opening April 26, 2025 for Decatur Township, Village of Decatur, and Hamilton Township

Hours: Tuesdays 10 AM – 1 PM & Saturdays 10 AM – 2 PM

Accepts: waste & recycling

Address: 300 W Beers Street, Decatur

Phone: 269-423-6114

Website: DecaturMI.org

Keeler Township Transfer Station

Keeler Township residents only

Accepts: waste only

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

Address: 1/2 mile south of Keeler on CR 687

Phone: 269-621-6481

Website: KeelerTownship.org/areainfo

Paw Paw Township Waste and Recycling Center

Open to the public

Recycling passes available at Paw Paw Township Hall. Free passes for residents, $50 annual pass for other non-residents.

Site Flyer

Accepts: Waste, mixed recycling, concrete recycling, scrap metal recycling, and yard waste (Paw Paw Township residents only)

Hours: 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

Address: 38016 Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw 

Phone: 269-657-4101

Website: PawPawTownshipMI.gov/Transfer-Station/

Pine Grove Transfer Station

Open to the public

Recycling passes available at the Pine Grove Township Hall. Free passes for residents, $50 annual pass for non-residents.

Accepts: waste & recycling

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

Saturdays – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM 

Address: 15797 32nd Street, Gobles, MI 49055

Phone: 269-628-4380

Website: PineGroveTownshipMI.gov/recycling-waste

South Haven & Geneva Township Transfer Station

Open to South Haven and Geneva Township residents

Accepts: waste & recycling

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

Address: 70294 CR 384, South Haven

Phone: 269-427-7607

Websites: VanBurenCountyMI.gov/358/Transfer-Station

Orchard Hill Landfill

Private business, open to the public

Hours: Monday through Friday – 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Saturdays – 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Accepts: cut tires, waste, recycling, construction materials, appliances, & yard waste

Address: 3290 Hennessey Rd, Watervliet

Phone: 269-463-5588

Website: myorchardhill.com

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

×
×

Cart