Waste Acceptance Guidelines
Michigan’s solid waste law and rules contain restrictions about certain waste being disposed of in municipal solid waste landfills. The following items are either prohibited from being disposed of in municipal solid waste landfills like Granger’s or have restrictions on their disposal. If you have questions about whether to dispose of a certain item or material, please contact us.
Medical Waste
Sharps materials, such as syringes, may be disposed of as household trash if special procedures are followed. Sharps should be disposed of in one of the following:
- Commercially available rigid plastic sharps container
- Plastic laundry detergent bottle with lid taped shut
- Plastic bleach bottle with lid taped shut
Other types of medical waste may not be disposed of with household trash.
Beverage Containers
State law prohibits the disposal of beverage containers in a landfill. This rule applies to beverage containers that are 1 gallon or smaller in size and contained a soft drink; soda water, carbonated natural or mineral water or other nonalcoholic carbonated drink; beer, ale or other malt drink of alcoholic content; or mixed wine drink or mixed spirit drink. If a deposit was paid on a beverage container, the container can be returned to any retailer that sells that beverage for deposit refund. Alternatively, these containers may be recycled.
Motor Vehicle Tires
State law prohibits the disposal of whole tires in a landfill. Prior to disposal, tires must be cut in half or otherwise processed into pieces. Most tire retailers will accept old tires when new tires are purchased. Some communities hold special waste collection days. Scrap tires can also be taken to a registered end-user, scrap tire processor or scrap tire retailer that is in compliance with the scrap tire law.
Yard Waste
State law prohibits the disposal of yard clippings in a landfill. Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, vegetable or other garden debris, shrubbery or brush or tree trimmings, less than 4 feet in length and 2 inches in diameter, that can be converted to compost humus. Use yard clippings as mulch, practice backyard composting or self-haul to a Granger Disposal Center. (Diseased or infested yard waste should be disposed of as trash.)
Used Oil
Granger cannot accept liquid wastes, including used oil. Many oil change locations and auto supply stores accept used oil. Some communities hold special waste collection days.
Asbestos
Granger recommends working with an asbestos professional to properly identify and handle asbestos. Older household materials, such as ceiling tiles, floor tiles and insulation, may contain asbestos. Asbestos waste must go to a licensed disposal site. Special labeling and packaging requirements apply.
Rechargeable Batteries
(Includes car batteries, camera batteries, cell phone batteries and similar batteries) Used batteries can be returned to many retailers when purchasing new ones. Some communities hold special waste collection days. Granger Recycling Center accepts ONLY used lead acid batteries.
Low-level Radioactive Waste
Some household items like clocks and smoke detectors can contain radioactive components. Contact the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy or the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Region III office, at 630-829-9500 for disposal options for radioactive waste.
Regulated Hazardous Waste
Granger is prohibited by state and federal law from accepting regulated hazardous waste. Residents are encouraged to participate in community special waste collection days. Contact the EGLE Waste and Hazardous Materials Division District Office for more information and disposal options.
Non-household Liquid Waste
Granger cannot accept liquid wastes. Contact the EGLE Waste and Hazardous Materials Division District Office at 517-335-2690 for more information and disposal options.
Septage/Sewage
Granger cannot accept liquid wastes, including raw sewage. Waste water and sludge may only be transported by licensed septage waste haulers. Contact the EGLE Waste and Hazardous Materials Division District Office at 517-335-2690 for more information and disposal options.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Fluorescent light ballasts and other materials may contain PCBs, which can only be disposed of in certain landfills. Granger does not accept these items. Contact the U.S. EPA, Region 5 Office, at 312-886-7061 for more information.