Waste Disposal & watershed protection
Proper waste disposal is one way you can help preserve and protect the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed.
Ordinary Waste
Recycling or composting ordinary waste helps protect the watershed by minimizing the amount of waste buried in nearby landfill sites.
Did you know?
Virtually all the solid waste collected in the watershed is buried in landfills within 10 miles of Glen Lake and the Crystal River. Although landfills utilize techniques intended to protect groundwater from waste-related contamination, if leakage occurs, pollutants can affect both the nearby groundwater and surface water.
What Can be recycled?
Paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass may generally be recycled. Please refer to the Leelanau County Recycling Guide for more details.
Where can i recycle?
Leelanau County offers a number of convenient locations for household recycling. Find a location near you, and see for yourself how easy it is to protect the watershed through your recycling efforts!
What Can be Composted?
Fruits and vegetables, grains, eggshells, and certain paper products (including unbleached napkins and coffee filters) may generally be composted. Composting organic kitchen waste protects the Glen Lake-Crystal River watershed. It not only reduces the volume of household waste placed in nearby landfills, but it lightens the load on your septic system.
Hazardous Waste
Unfortunately, hazardous chemicals are extremely common in everyday household use. Anything labeled “Poison”, “Danger”, “Flammable”, or “Warning” should be considered toxic and a significant threat to the watershed.
What Are Some Examples of Hazardous Chemicals?
Oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and old paint are just a few examples of hazardous chemicals which may be found in just about every home or garage within the Glen Lake area. If these chemicals are not properly disposed of, they can ultimately enter the groundwater. Throwing out hazardous waste with other household garbage or pouring hazardous liquids down the drain will cause great harm to the watershed.
Did you know?
One gallon of motor oil waste poured into the soil can make its way into the groundwater supply, ruin water wells, and take hundreds of years to work its way out of the water system.
Where Should I Dispose of Hazardous Waste?
Leelanau County sponsors a hazardous waste collection program. Contact the Leelanau County Planning Department to schedule an appointment.
Leelanau County Planning Department (231) 256-9812