Recycling Centers in Charlevoix, MI

Recycling in Charlevoix: A Local Guide

Charlevoix, Michigan — the seat of Charlevoix County on the Lake Michigan shoreline — has two county-operated single-stream recycling drop-off sites within a short distance of each other on Grant Street. Because Charlevoix County has no curbside recycling pickup, these permanent bin sites serve as the primary recycling access for city and county residents. The program is funded by a voter-approved millage of 0.15 mills on property taxes, which is why drop-off costs nothing at the gate.

Charlevoix County Recycling Location at 1030 Grant St (near the county complex) is one of six permanent sites the county maintains across the region. It accepts paper, glass, mixed plastics, and metals together in a single-stream bin — no sorting required — and is open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at no charge. The county routes collected materials to Michigan-based mills including Georgia Pacific and Padnos Iron and Metal, with 90 percent staying in-state.

Charlevoix Recycling Dropoff at 1198 Grant St, next to the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office and County Jail, is the same county single-stream program at a nearby location. It maintains identical hours (8 a.m.–8 p.m., 7 days/week) and accepts the same materials: newspaper, magazines, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, mixed plastics, and cartons. No appointment is needed; drive up and use the bins. Note: items left outside the bins are considered littering under MCL 750.552a and can result in fines up to $500.

Neither drop-off site accepts electronics, appliances, household hazardous waste, clothing, or food waste on a walk-in basis. Charlevoix County holds HHW collection events twice a year (spring and fall) at a separate location — registration required — where electronics, motor oil, batteries, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, and medicines are accepted. Call (231) 547-0080 for upcoming event dates.