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Dept of Natural Resources : Reduce reuse and recycle waste this holiday season

Tips for Reducing Waste and Saving Money

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides several tips to help families reduce waste and save money. These tips are designed to be easy to implement and make a positive impact on the environment.

Battery Disposal

  • Batteries contain toxic materials that can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of properly. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends recycling batteries at designated facilities. Some communities have designated battery drop-off locations. Check with local authorities to find out if there are any battery recycling programs in your area.

    Properly Prepare Your Containers for Recycling to Ensure Efficient Processing and Reduce Contamination.

    Clean and dry containers before putting them in recycling bins.

    Preparing Your Containers for Recycling

    Before you start recycling, it’s essential to prepare your containers properly. This ensures that they can be efficiently processed by recycling equipment and facilities. Here are some key steps to follow:

  • Flatten boxes before putting them in carts or bins so that recycling equipment can handle them properly
  • Remove lids, labels, and caps from containers
  • Empty containers of liquids and excess gunk
  • Rinse containers with water
  • Clean and dry containers before putting them in recycling bins

    • Why Proper Preparation Matters

    Proper preparation of containers is crucial for several reasons:

  • Efficient processing: Recycling equipment and facilities are designed to handle specific types of materials. If containers are not prepared correctly, they may not be processed efficiently, leading to delays and increased costs. * Reduced contamination: Improperly prepared containers can contaminate other materials, making them unusable for recycling.

    Understanding the Limitations of Curbside Recycling

    Curbside recycling programs are convenient and widely available, but they have limitations. While many items can be recycled at drop-off sites, there are specific items that should not be placed in curbside recycling bins or carts. In this article, we will explore the items that should not be recycled in curbside programs and provide guidance on how to properly recycle these items.

    Items to Avoid in Curbside Recycling

  • Holiday light strings and cords
  • Tires
  • Batteries
  • Electronics with non-functional or damaged components
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastic bags and wrap
  • Textiles and clothing
  • Shredded paper and cardboard
  • Hazardous waste such as paint, pesticides, and chemicals

    • Why These Items Should Not Be Recycled in Curbside Programs

    These items can cause problems at recycling facilities that aren’t designed to handle them. For example, holiday light strings and cords can get tangled and cause equipment damage. Tires can be difficult to process and may require specialized equipment. Batteries can leak acid and contaminate other materials. Electronics with non-functional or damaged components can be hazardous to workers and the environment. Styrofoam is not biodegradable and can contaminate other materials. Plastic bags and wrap can entangle machinery and cause problems. Textiles and clothing can be difficult to sort and may require specialized equipment. Shredded paper and cardboard can be difficult to process and may require specialized equipment.

    Bagged recyclables create uncertainty and pose challenges for workers and facilities.

    The Challenges of Bagged Recyclables

    The use of bagged recyclables has become a contentious issue in the recycling industry. While it may seem convenient to simply bag up recyclable materials and toss them into the recycling bin, this practice poses significant challenges for workers and facilities.

    Electronics can be hazardous to the recycling process if not handled properly.

    The Challenges of Recycling Batteries and Electronics

    The recycling of batteries and electronics poses unique challenges for waste management facilities. These items require specialized handling and processing to ensure they are recycled safely and efficiently. The lack of infrastructure and training for facilities to handle these items can lead to contamination and damage, which can result in the destruction of the materials and the loss of valuable resources. Key challenges: + Lack of infrastructure: Many recycling facilities lack the necessary equipment and facilities to handle batteries and electronics. + Lack of training: Recycling workers may not have the necessary training to handle these items safely and efficiently. + Contamination: Batteries and electronics can contaminate other recyclables if not handled properly. + Damage: Batteries and electronics can cause damage to collection trucks and facilities if they are damaged by equipment.

    Solutions to the Challenges

    Several solutions have been proposed to address the challenges of recycling batteries and electronics.

    The staggering amount of food waste is a result of several factors, including the abundance of food available, the lack of education on proper food storage and handling, and the increasing demand for convenience foods.

    The Problem of Food Waste

    Food waste is a significant issue in the United States, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and public health. The sheer scale of the problem is staggering, with an estimated 40% of the food produced in the United States being wasted.

    The USDA also provides guidance on how to check for spoilage and contamination.

    Understanding Food Dates

    What Do Food Dates Mean? Food dates are labels that indicate the best quality or peak freshness of a product. These dates are not regulated by federal law and do not necessarily indicate food safety. Manufacturers provide these dates to help consumers and retailers decide when food is at its best quality. #### Why Are Food Dates Important? Food dates serve several purposes:

  • Quality control: Manufacturers use these dates to ensure that products are sold at their peak quality. Consumer education: Food dates help consumers understand the shelf life of a product and make informed purchasing decisions. Retailer guidance: Food dates provide retailers with information to help them manage inventory and reduce waste.

    Store It Guide gives ideas on how to organize your pantry.

    Preparing for Gatherings

    As the weather warms up, social gatherings become more frequent. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a potluck dinner, or a casual get-together with friends, it’s essential to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you shop with a plan and store food effectively:

  • Make a list of the dishes you plan to serve and the ingredients needed. Check your pantry and fridge to see what you already have in stock. Plan your menu around seasonal ingredients to ensure freshness and flavor. Consider the number of guests and the length of the gathering when planning your menu. ### Shopping with a Plan

    • Shopping with a Plan

    Shopping with a plan can save you time and money. Here are some tips to help you shop more efficiently:

  • Make a list and stick to it: Avoid impulse buys by sticking to your list. Shop the sales: Check the weekly ads for your local grocery stores and plan your shopping trip around the items that are on sale. Buy in bulk: Purchasing items like pasta, rice, and canned goods in bulk can save you money in the long run. * Shop at discount stores: Consider shopping at discount stores or dollar stores for non-perishable items. ## Storing Food Effectively**

    • Storing Food Effectively

    Proper storage is crucial to extending the life of your food.

    Frozen eggs can be stored for up to 12 months. Frozen eggs can be used in cooking and baking, and they can be used in recipes that call for eggs.

    The Benefits of Freezing Eggs

    Freezing eggs is a convenient and cost-effective way to preserve eggs for future use. Here are some benefits of freezing eggs:

  • Convenience: Freezing eggs allows you to have a steady supply of eggs at home, without having to worry about buying them every week. Cost-effective: Freezing eggs can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to buy eggs every week. Year-round availability: Freezing eggs allows you to have eggs available year-round, regardless of the season or region you live in. ## How to Freeze Eggs**

    • How to Freeze Eggs

    Freezing eggs is a simple process that requires some basic equipment and a little bit of planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze eggs:

  • Gather equipment: You’ll need a few pieces of equipment to freeze eggs, including a freezer-safe container, a spoon, and a freezer bag. Crack and remove shells: Crack the eggs into a bowl and remove the shells. Beat the eggs: Beat the eggs together until they’re well mixed. Pour into containers: Pour the egg mixture into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label and date: Label the containers or bags with the date and contents. * Freeze: Place the containers or bags in the freezer and store for up to 12 months.

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