List: Organizations to donate your stockpile of cans, bottles to amid the pandemic

Of the many problems communities face due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the accumulation of cans and bottles -- and no where to put them -- may be the most annoying for some.

Typical can and bottle return locations have suspended services to help reduce the spread of the virus. One local recycler estimates that Michiganders could be holding onto more than $50 million worth of containers since collection sites have closed.

Thankfully organizations are recognizing residents’ need to rid of their returnables and are offering a solution: charitable can and bottle drives.

The following organizations are willing to take your empty cans and bottles and put them to good use:

Bloomfield Township Police

Bloomfield Township Police announced in a Facebook post Tuesday that the department will collect cans and bottles to support their Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Those interested can drop off returnable cans and bottles at the police department from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 30.

Livingston County Animal Shelter

The Livingston County Animal Shelter is collecting cans and bottles from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 19-21 and May 26-29. Donations brought to the shelter will support their dogs, cats and kittens.

Kalamazoo Animal Rescue

Kalamazoo Animal Rescue is accepting can and bottle donations at the rescue’s office location between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Grand Rapids West Catholic Football

The Grand Rapids West Catholic Football non-profit is collecting cans and bottles from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at West Catholic High School on May 19-21.

Lapeer Paradise Animal Rescue

Paradise Animal Rescue in Lapeer is accepting donations of empty bottles and cans anytime. Donations can be dropped off at their front door.

Garden City’s Sports Venue Bar and Grill

The Sports Venue Bar and Grill in Garden City is collecting bottles and cans to donate proceeds to P.O.E.T Animal Rescue. Returnables can be delivered to the restaurant from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Wyandotte Boat Club

The Wyandotte Boat Club is accepting donations of cans and bottles on site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 25. Proceeds will support their youth rowing programs.

Pan Equus Animal Sanctuary - Oxford

The pan Equus Animal Sanctuary in Oxford is collecting empty cans and bottles on site to support the care of their animals. Donations can be dropped off any time.

Boxer Haven Rescue - Lincoln Park, Troy & Walled Lake

Boxer Haven Rescue is collecting can and bottle donations at the following locations during the following dates and times:

• Vito’s Pizzaria, Lincoln Park
  • May 23 and June 6
  • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• HUBworX360, Troy
  • May 24 and May 30
  • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Mary Helen Guest Elementary School, Walled Lake
  • From May 22-31
  • Anytime

Royal Oak Titans Football

The Royal Oak Titans youth football and cheer teams are collecting empty bottles and cans from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at their field house at Memorial Park. Returnables will be collected from the donor’s vehicle without any contact. To have a volunteer pick up the returnables from your home, email TitansFootballGM@gmail.com.

Habitat for Humanity Capital Region - Lansing, Williamston

Habitat for Humanity is accepting empty can and bottle donations at their ReStore locations in Lansing and Williamston between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

Know of a can or bottle drive not mentioned here? Let us know and we’ll try to help spread the word!

Click here to read our latest coverage on the COVID-19 pandemic.