Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why wasn't my trash picked up?
A: Some of the most common problems and solutions are:

  1. Late setout. Your materials were set out after 7:00 a.m. (Please set materials out before 7:00 a.m. on your collection day or the night before)
  2. Overweight. The bag or container weighed over 30 pounds. (Please reduce the size or weight of the container and set the materials out next week.
  3. Driver's view obstructed. The materials were blocked by a parked car, carts, leaf bags, trees or other items. (Please place materials to the left of any obstruction)
  4. We made a mistake. (Please call the hotline at 483-4400, your materials will be picked up within 24 hours)

Q. How do I get rid of Household hazardous waste like oil-based paints, pesticides and toxic chemicals?
A. The Ingham County Health Department offers free collections of Hazardous Household Waste which include the following substances:  

  • Pesticides Oil paint & paint
  • Products (thinners, solvents, varnish)
  • Household batteries Photographic chemicals
  • Cleaners & Polishers Gasoline and other flammables
  • Aerosols Home Repair products (glues, cements)
  • Wood preservatives Mercury (thermometers, thermostats)
  • Asphalt & roofing tar Acids & bases (pool chemicals)
  • Automotive products

Bring your hazardous waste to a FREE collection. Call The Ingham County Health Department at 887-4312 for more information.

Q. Why can't I recycle plastics like yogurt tubs, trays, and plastic grocery bags, even if they are labeled for recycling?
A. Items like yogurt tubs, trays, and plastic grocery bags are manufactured differently and have different properties than #1 and #2 plastic bottles. Additional chemicals are necessary for this manufacturing process, which could ruin a load of #1 or #2 plastic bottles.

Q:  What should I do with my Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs (CFL) when they burn out?
A:  CFL's contain a small amount of mercury, about 5 milligrams, roughly the size of the tip of a ball-point pen, therefore the US EPA recommends taking it to a local household hazardous waste collection.  In Ingham County, these collections take place each Thursday, from 2-6pm at the Ingham County Health Dept. at the corner of Cedar and Jolly, from April – September.  Please call 887-4312 for more information.

The Board of Water and Light also offers a free drop off for CFL's at their customer service center, located at 1232 Haco Drive, 8am-5pm, M-F. 

Please double bag the bulbs before dropping them off.