Courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering tips to help families save money, reduce waste and keep recycling and trash workers safe during upcoming holidays.
“We know recycling can be confusing,” said Jennifer Semrau, DNR Waste Diversion and Recycling Coordinator. “But there are some basic tips people can use to make tackling holiday waste less overwhelming. Knowing the right thing to do with things like batteries and light strings can prevent damage to recycling facilities and keep workers safe.”
What should go in your recycling bin
Many items can be recycled anywhere in Wisconsin. These items, which the state bans from landfills, include:
Wrapping paper that can be torn and doesn't have any glitter, foil or other adornments can be recycled in the majority of programs in Wisconsin.
Be sure the items are empty of any liquids and excess gunk, but you don't need to wash them with soap or put them through the dishwasher. For cans or bottles going into a curbside recycling cart or container, don't crush or flatten them – this makes it harder for equipment at recycling facilities to recognize and properly sort things like aluminum cans.
Most communities include junk mail and other mixed paper, such as cereal boxes. Check locally for a complete list, and don't rely on packaging labels. Keep in mind that what you can recycle at a relative's home may be different than what you can recycle at your own.
What should not go in your recycling bin
Some items can cause serious problems at recycling facilities that aren't designed to handle them, including a risk of fire and worker injury. Many of these can be recycled at drop-off sites but should not go in curbside recycling bins or carts.
These include:
For more information about what can and can't be recycled, visit the DNR's What to Recycle in Wisconsin webpage at www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Recycling/Banned.html.
Find more information on reducing household waste during the holidays on the DNR's Recycling and Waste reduction webpage at www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Recycling/Tips.html.
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