The City of Ann Arbor’s expanded recycling program started Monday for all city residents and businesses. Here’s a quick guide to frequently asked questions about the new services. The city provides an online recycling Web page on what is recyclable and a printable poster.

What is single-stream recycling? Single-stream recycling allows all recyclables to be placed into one recycling bin without separating papers from containers. (Single-stream recycling does not mean placing trash and recyclables into the same cart—consumers still have to separate recyclables from trash.)

What items continue to be recyclable? Mixed papers—newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper, flattened cardboard (including pizza boxes without food—grease stains are OK) and cereal-type boxes—as well as milk cartons, juice boxes, metal cans and lids, glass bottles and jars, and scrap metal (up to 1 cubic foot, 20 pounds per piece) continue to be accepted for recycling. Place shredded paper in a clear plastic bag (to be removed at the start of the recycling plant sorting line so the plastic bags do not get into the gears).

What new items will be taken for recycling? Clean plastic bottles and tubs are now recyclable. The expanded recycling program accepts many new materials, including all clean plastic bottles and tubs numbered 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 (such as yogurt tubs, plastic produce containers, plastic cups and microwavable frozen food trays). The expanded recycling program also accepts clean frozen food boxes and bulky plastic items, such as laundry baskets, lawn chairs, and buckets. The city provides an online recycling Web page on what is recyclable and a printable poster.

Only clean plastic bottles and tub shapes are desired. The city is not able to recycle plastic shapes besides clean bottles and tubs (and bulky plastic items such as buckets and lawn chairs). Why? Small items cannot be easily separated from papers and other containers during sorting. Please do not place these items into your recycling bin for city pickups: straws, plastic bottle caps, packing materials, film plastics, small toys, lids, etc. For super-recyclers who are willing to deliver separated materials to special locations, a directory of additional plastic recycling options is managed by Washtenaw County online at www.recyclemyplastic.com.

What materials are not accepted for recycling through the city’s collection program? Biodegradable/PLA plastics, #3 (PVC) plastics, Pyrex and ceramics will not be accepted because they contaminate the regional plastic and glass markets. These materials melt at different temperatures and cause unacceptable “Swiss cheese-like” holes in new plastic products, or create lumps in new glass items. Ann Arbor’s single-stream program will also not accept plastic bags or polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) because these items clog and break the sorting machinery. Clean plastic bags are accepted for recycling at most area grocery stores, and packing peanuts are accepted at most shipping stores for reuse. Also, household batteries, used motor oil, and oil filters will no longer be accepted since these toxic materials cannot be placed inside the recycling carts. Rechargeable batteries can be dropped off for recycling at most stores that sell rechargeables (e.g., Best Buy, Target, Radio Shack, Batteries Plus, etc.) and in The City of Ann Arbor's City Hall lobby and the Customer Service Center. As of the last 10 years, U.S.-made alkaline batteries do not contain added mercury, so the original rationale for collecting non-rechargeables has become obsolete. Household and motor batteries, used motor oil, oil filters, plastic bags and Styrofoam are taken for recycling at the Recycle Ann Arbor's Drop-Off Station, 2950 E. Ellsworth Road, 734-971-7400. A $3 entry fee is charged.

Recycling carts: When will I get a new recycling cart? New recycle carts will be distributed to residents starting Friday and will continue delivery for 6-8 weeks. Truckloads of Ann Arbor’s recycling carts are being assembled and delivered to approximately 1,200 addresses per day. The new carts have a recycling guide imprinted on the lid and an informational packet enclosed, which provides details on the new recycling program and suggestions on how to handle the old recycling bins. Information is also posted online at www.a2gov.org/recycle.

Will all of my recyclables have to fit inside the cart? Yes. All materials to be recycled must be placed inside the cart, even materials that previously had to be placed outside the bins, such as cardboard. All materials to be recycled must fit inside the cart with the lid closed, or they will not be picked up for recycling. Using the cart and automated truck collections is part of the efficiencies of the new system.

Is there any fee to me associated with the delivered recycling carts? All sizes of the new recycling carts delivered this summer are provided at no additional cost or fees as part of the solid waste millage.

What if I want to change my cart size? If, after receiving your cart, you decide you want a different size, you may exchange the cart at no charge by bringing it to Recycle Ann Arbor, 2420 South Industrial Hwy., open weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. A $25 delivery fee will apply to requests to pickup and deliver a replacement cart to your address.

How about new recycling bins for businesses and multifamily locations? Businesses should place all materials to be recycled in their current “papers only” recycling dumpsters or use new or refurbished carts, depending on the age of the current containers. Most apartment complexes will receive new recycling carts to replace the containers that have been in-use for nearly 20 years. Multifamily resident locations should use their existing recycling carts for the blended, expanded materials until their new carts arrive.

What should I do with my old recycling bins? Reuse of the old bins is the best option—for continuing to store recyclables or other items. Old recycling bins may be returned to Recycle Ann Arbor, 2420 S. Industrial Hwy., or to the Drop-Off Station, at 2950 E. Ellsworth for reuse. Anyone returning two or more bins to the Drop-Off Station will have the $3 DOS entry fee waived one time. Residents may also place old bins into the new recycling carts for recycling (not reuse).

Recycling Collection Service: Will the city use new trucks for single-stream collection? The City of Ann Arbor has purchased four bio-diesel hybrid vehicles with automated arms to lift and empty the new single-stream recycling carts. These vehicles use 25 percent less fuel.

How do I sign up my business to recycle? Please contact Recycle Ann Arbor at 734-662-6288 or info@recycleannarbor.org for a free site visit and to receive exterior recycling storage bins and collection service at no additional charge. Businesses must be located within the city's tax base to be eligible.

Recycle Bank: What is RecycleBank? RecycleBank is a company that helps communities make the most of their recycling programs by offering rewards to residents who recycle. The RecycleBank program is offered in conjunction with single-stream recycling collection.

How does RecycleBank work? The new recycling carts have a tag that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to track if the cart is set at the curb on any week. Residents on each recycling route earn points based on how much material is recycled on the entire route. Points can be redeemed for rewards - such as discounts and offers -- from local and national businesses.

Will everyone get to participate in RecycleBank? The RecycleBank program initially will be available for single-family residences and duplexes. The city is working with RecycleBank to develop a new, innovative approach to allow businesses and apartment complexes to participate at a later date.

How does one collect RecycleBank rewards? Eligible residents in single-family and duplex homes will receive information in the mail after the recycling carts are delivered and before Sept. 1 with instructions on setting up and using a RecycleBank account online or via phone to check points and shop for rewards. More than 1,500 businesses participate in the RecycleBank rewards program, and many of Ann Arbor’s RecycleBank rewards will be from locally owned businesses. Typical RecycleBank rewards include discount coupons, 2-for-1 purchase options, cash value certificates, and gift cards. Participants may also choose to donate their points to RecycleBank’s Green Schools initiative, which helps provide educational grants to local schools.

For more information Recycling collection is contracted by the city to the local nonprofit Recycle Ann Arbor, www.recycleannarbor.org, 734-662-6288. For 24-hour information on the city’s solid waste services, please phone 99-GREEN or consult the city’s website at www.a2gov.org/recycle.

Nancy Stone is the Communications Liaison for Public Services at the City of Ann Arbor. She can be reached at nstone@a2gov.org. Visit www.a2gov.org for more information on local environmental topics including recycling, composting, water conservation, and choices for green living.

Your World provides local environmental information to our community. Contributing partners include: Washtenaw County’s Environmental Health Division; the nonprofit Recycle Ann Arbor; the City of Ann Arbor’s Public Services Area, Natural Area Preservation, Systems Planning programs for Energy, Environmental Coordination, Solid Waste, Transportation, and Water Resources.