Wisconsin’s Recycling Program: A Guide for Families

Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides a comprehensive guide to help families reduce waste and save money by recycling. The program encourages residents to recycle a wide range of materials, making it easy to participate and make a positive impact on the environment.

Understanding the Benefits of Recycling

Recycling is not only good for the environment, but it also has numerous economic benefits. By recycling, families can save money on waste disposal costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

However, many communities do not accept plastic wrap, gift bags, and other types of packaging materials.

Recycling Basics

Understanding Your Community’s Recycling Program

Before you start recycling, it’s essential to understand what your community accepts and what doesn’t. Check your local government’s website or contact your waste management provider to learn about the specific materials that can be recycled in your area.

Understanding the Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling

When it comes to recycling, it’s easy to get confused about what can and cannot be recycled. While many items can be recycled at drop-off sites, there are certain items that should not be placed in curbside recycling bins or carts. In this article, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of recycling to help you make informed decisions about what to recycle and what not to.

What Can Be Recycled at Drop-Off Sites? Household hazardous waste (HHW) such as batteries, electronics, and chemicals

These items can be taken to designated drop-off sites, where they will be processed and recycled.

What Should Not Be Recycled in Curbside Bins or Carts? Holiday light strings and cords

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, while plastic bags and wrap can get stuck in machinery.

Why is Proper Recycling Important?

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 throw recyclable materials into a bag and then toss it into the recycling bin, this practice poses significant challenges for workers and facilities. In this article, we will explore the problems associated with bagged recyclables and discuss potential solutions.

The Uncertainty of Bagged Recyclables

One of the primary concerns with bagged recyclables is the uncertainty of what’s inside. When workers sort through bags, they often have no idea what materials are contained within. This lack of clarity can lead to contamination, as workers may inadvertently sort recyclables with non-recyclable materials.

Electronics can also cause fires if they are crushed or damaged during the collection process.

The Problem of Waste Management

The issue of waste management is a pressing concern for communities around the world.

The staggering amount of food waste is a result of several factors, including overbuying, poor storage, and inadequate meal planning.

The Problem of Food Waste

Food waste is a significant issue in the United States, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and society. The sheer scale of the problem is staggering, with an estimated 40% of the food produced in the US being wasted. This not only affects the food industry but also has a profound impact on the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and soil degradation.

Causes of Food Waste

The Environmental Impact

Food waste has a significant environmental impact, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and soil degradation. The production, transportation, and disposal of food waste result in the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions