Recycle Ann Arbor announces that, effective March 1, 2025, hard-to-recycle items will no longer be included in the Gate Fee at the Drop-Off Station. Instead, a $5 Hard-To-Recycle Fee will be introduced for these items. This fee will be added to the existing Gate Fee and will apply to both residential and large-volume recycling loads.
Hard-to-recycle items include the following:
- soft/film plastics,
- expanded polystyrene
- motor oil
- motor oil filters
- antifreeze
- vegetable oil.
The Drop-Off Station, operated by Recycle Ann Arbor鈥攁 501(c)(3) non-profit organization鈥攊s a community-supported, one-stop location for all recycling and safe waste disposal needs. This marks the first rate increase we have implemented in 15 years and is necessary due to rising costs associated with materials handling, the influx of some challenging types of materials we receive, and to sustain the current levels of support and participation at the Drop-Off Station. We will continue to conduct cost analyses to ensure that the Drop-Off Station operates safely and efficiently while continuing to provide convenient, accessible, and equitable recycling services for hard-to-recycle materials and improve landfill diversion.
The Hard-To-Recycle Fee is as follows:
Residential Volume: $5
Large Volume*: $17
Serving residents and businesses in Washtenaw County and beyond for over 45 years, the Drop-Off Station provides recycling services for hard-to-recycle materials such as electronics (e-waste), appliances, textiles, plastic bags, freon appliances, lightbulbs, tires, as well as expanded single-stream and metal recycling. All materials will be assessed at the gatehouse prior to entry, and additional fees will apply based on what materials you bring, including hard-to-recycle items, electronics, and appliances.