Items That Can Be Recycled in Wisconsin

• Paper and cardboard
• Glass bottles and jars
• Metal cans
• Electronics
• Batteries
• Tires
• Textiles
• Hazardous waste

How to Prepare Items for Recycling

• Sort items by type
• Remove lids, labels, and caps
• Rinse containers
• Flatten cardboard
• Shred paper and cardboard
• Remove batteries and electronics from devices
• Tape or wrap tires

Recycling Centers and Drop-Off Locations

• Search online for local recycling centers
• Check with local government for drop-off locations
• Contact local recycling centers for specific guidelines
• Consider using curbside recycling

Benefits of Recycling

• Reduces landfill waste
• Saves energy and natural resources
• Helps conserve water
• Supports local economies
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions

Tips for Effective Recycling

• Know what can be recycled in your area
• Participate in community recycling programs
• Educate others about recycling
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Compost

Conclusion

Recycling is an essential practice that benefits the environment, the economy, and our daily lives. By understanding what can be recycled, how to prepare items, and where to take them, we can make a positive impact on our community.

However, some programs may not accept wrapping paper with certain types of ink or dyes.

Understanding the Recycling Process

When it comes to recycling wrapping paper, it’s essential to understand the recycling process. The process typically involves collecting, sorting, and processing the paper into raw materials that can be used to manufacture new products. However, not all wrapping papers are created equal, and some may not be suitable for recycling.

Types of Wrapping Paper Accepted by Recycling Programs

• Some recycling programs accept wrapping paper that can be torn and doesn’t have any glitter, foil, ribbons, or other adornments.
  

  Items That Should Not Be Recycled in Curbside Bins

  • Holiday decorations, including wreaths, garlands, and other ornaments
  • Candles, including votives, tea lights, and pillar candles
  • Plastic wrap and bags
  • Styrofoam
  • Paper towels and tissues
  • Shredded paper and cardboard
  • Plastic containers with lids, including yogurt and margarine tubs
  • Glass containers with lids, including jam and peanut butter jars
  • Metal containers with lids, including tin cans and aluminum foil
  • Batteries, including alkaline and lithium-ion batteries
  • Electronics, including computers, phones, and televisions
  • Tires
  • Motor oil and other hazardous waste

  ## What to Do with Items That Should Not Be Recycled

  ## Drop-Off Sites and Special Collection Events

  If you’re unsure about what can be recycled, you can check with your local government or waste management agency to find out about drop-off sites and special collection events. These events are usually announced in advance and may be specific to certain types of items. Some communities have designated drop-off sites for hazardous waste, electronics, and other non-recyclable materials.

  The Challenges of Bagged Recyclables

  The practice of bagging recyclables has become increasingly common in recent years, but it poses significant challenges for waste management systems. One of the primary concerns is the inability to accurately sort and process the contents of the bag. This can lead to contamination of the recyclables, which in turn affects the quality of the final product.

  The Problem of Unknown Contents

  When workers are unsure what’s inside a bag, they may inadvertently contaminate the recyclables. For example, if a bag contains both paper and plastic, the worker may accidentally mix them together, resulting in a lower-quality final product. This can lead to financial losses for the recycling facility and a decrease in the overall quality of the recyclables. The problem of unknown contents can be further exacerbated by the fact that some bags may contain non-recyclable materials, such as food waste or broken glass. In some cases, workers may not even realize that a bag contains non-recyclable materials, leading to contamination of the recyclables.*

  The Solution: Emptying the Bag

  To address the issue of unknown contents, it’s essential to empty the bag into your bin or cart before placing it in the trash.

  Batteries can ignite and cause devastating fires when not disposed of properly.

  The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Items

  Rechargeable batteries, tissue paper, and collection trucks are just a few examples of everyday items that pose hidden dangers to our environment and health. These seemingly harmless objects can have devastating consequences when not handled or disposed of properly.

  The Fire Hazard of Rechargeable Batteries

  Rechargeable batteries, in particular, are a significant fire hazard. When not disposed of properly, they can cause fires in collection trucks and facilities.

  The average American consumes 11.8 pounds of turkey per person, with 46% of that being wasted. The rest of the food is either consumed or used for non-food purposes.

  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 U.S. 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 loss of biodiversity.

  Causes of Food Waste

  There are several factors that contribute to the problem of food waste. Some of the most significant causes include:

  • Overproduction: The U.S. produces more food than it can consume, leading to a surplus of perishable items. Inadequate storage and handling: Improper storage and handling of food can lead to spoilage and waste. Consumer behavior: Consumers often purchase more food than they need, leading to waste. Food packaging: Single-use packaging can contribute to food waste, as it is often not recyclable and can end up in landfills. ## The Impact of Food Waste

  The Impact of Food Waste

  The impact of food waste is far-reaching and multifaceted. Some of the most significant consequences include:

  • Environmental impact: Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Economic impact: Food waste costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year.

    The USDA also provides guidance on how to check for spoilage and how to store food properly to maintain quality.

    Understanding Food Dates

    What Do Food Dates Mean? Food dates, also known as “Best By,” “Best If Used By,” or “Use By,” are labels that indicate the manufacturer’s recommendation for the optimal quality and freshness of a food product. These dates are not regulated by federal law and do not necessarily indicate food safety. Instead, they serve as a guideline for consumers and retailers to determine when a product is at its peak quality. #### How to Interpret Food Dates

  • Best By: This date indicates the last day of the week the product is at its peak quality. It’s a general guideline for the product’s quality and freshness.
    

    Planning and Preparation

    When it comes to hosting gatherings, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the event and forget about the logistics. However, having a plan in place can make all the difference. One of the most effective ways to reduce food waste is to buy only what you need. This means taking stock of your fridge and pantry before heading to the store. Make a list of the dishes you plan to serve and the ingredients you’ll need

  • Check what you already have at home
  • Consider any dietary restrictions or preferences
  • Plan for leftovers and how you’ll use them

  By taking the time to plan and prepare, you can avoid buying too much food and reduce the likelihood of waste.

  Organizing Your Fridge

  Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to organize your fridge. The Store It Guide provides a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

  Frozen eggs can be stored for up to 12 months. Frozen eggs can be used in cooking and baking.

  The Benefits of Freezing Food

  Freezing food is a simple and effective way to preserve food for a longer period. It is a great way to save money and reduce food waste. Here are some benefits of freezing food:

  • Reduces food waste: Freezing food helps to reduce food waste by preserving food that would otherwise go to waste. Saves money: Freezing food can help to save money by reducing the need to buy new food.