We’ve mentioned many aspects of green living in Ann Arbor, and it’s important to note that an environmentally conscious lifestyle always begins at home. When you think about recycling, what comes to mind? For many people recycling seems like a daunting prospect; maintaining different bins for glass, plastic, metal, and paper, lugging bins to the end of the driveway, and spending time separating recyclable waste can feel like an overwhelming task!

Beginning yesterday, Ann Arbor residents now have an easy solution. Thanks to a commitment by the city to single stream recycling, and a partnership with RecycleBank, homeowners can put all their recyclable materials in one convenient wheeled recycling cart. As an additional incentive, RecycleBank provides vouchers and coupons to residents based on the amount each household recycles. The new carts will have radio-frequency identification (RFID) cards to electronically track how much households are recycling and award points accordingly. The vouchers and coupons can be used at certain businesses, or donated to charities. The RecycleBank program will begin on September 1.  

The combination of the single-stream program with the RecycleBank incentive program will substantially increase the city’s recycling rate, while lowering solid waste costs. The city is spending $3.25 million to upgrade their Materials Recovery Facility and $1.4 million for the new recycling carts. It is anticipated that the program savings will pay back this investment in less than six years.  

Ready to get started right now? You can use begin single-stream recycling today by using your old stackable bins. Glass, paper, metal, plastic bottles and plastic tubs can all be placed together in your bins, then later in the carts provided by the city. Carts are scheduled to be delivered over the next six to eight week, beginning July 9.  What could be more convenient? Just remember items that will not be accepted: polystyrene (Styrofoam®), PVC plastics, plastic bags, ceramics, porcelain, batteries, used motor oil,  and oil filters can’t be placed in the new carts.

Some Ann Arbor complexes make the process even easier.  The Georgetown Commons Condominiums, for example, includes recycling pick up as part of their resident association fee. If this sounds like your kind of place, Martin Bouma – your Ann Arbor neighborhood expert – can show you units that are currently for sale and meet virtually all of your Ann Arbor real estate needs. Our Condo Hotline includes Georgetown Commons and many others in the Ann Arbor condominium market. If you’re buying or selling a home or condo, The Bouma Group can answer any questions you have about real estate in Ann Arbor. Interested in Washtenaw County, Saline, or a specific Ann Arbor neighborhood?  Call the Bouma Group today!