Recycling at Home

We recycle because it is good for our environment, good for our economy, and because in Wisconsin, it's the law. Since 1990, Wisconsin's recycling law requires all residents to recycle banned materials, and ensures all residents have access to a local recycling program.

Contact your local responsible unit [PDF 84KB] (RU) representative to learn details of how your specific recycling program works. Your local representative will be able to inform you of collection locations and times, materials collected, other program details. You may also be able to find out more about your local program at Recycle More Wisconsin [exit DNR].

What to expect from your local recycling program:

• recycling service for banned materials;
• an education program to inform you of the recycling requirements at residential and non-residential properties; and
• an enforcement program to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Your RU may provide residential recycling services in your community directly or through contract with a private hauler. When the RU does not provide direct service, it must ensure recycling services are available through subscription between haulers and citizens, or at drop-off centers.

Curbside collection is required by law in communities with populations over 5000 and population densities of at least 70 persons per square mile.

• Single-stream collection allows residents to place glass, aluminum, plastic, tin AND paper into one container. We have prepared a single-stream fact [PDF 41KB], a compilation of information from a variety of sources to assist communities that might be considering a switch to a single-stream system.
• Source-separated collection requires paper products (such as newspaper, magazines and corrugated cardboard) to be separated from other recyclable materials (such as plastic and metal containers). Source-separated collections are often referred to as "dual stream" collections.

Drop-Off centers are an option for RUs with populations under 5000 or population densities of less than 70 persons per square mile. Residents may deposit banned and other recyclable materials at designated spots around town. RUs or private haulers may manage drop-off centers.

Doing More

Wisconsin is a leader in recycling; to remain at the forefront each of us can do more. Consult the links below for ideas on further reducing your waste stream.

• Compost yard materials and vegetable food scraps. These are smart ways to keep valuable materials out of the landfill. Making your own compost saves you money and makes your plants happy.
• Eliminate open burning. It is illegal to burn treated wood, plastic, household garbage and most all other trash. State law allows burning of clean wood or brush and non-recyclable paper, but local ordinances may be more stringent than statewide requirements. Burning even just brush can cause pollution and health problems for you or your family and neighbors.
• Recycle electronic materials. Keep these out of the landfill by recycling your used electronics and cell phones, fluorescent bulbs, and rechargeable batteries. Your public works department or recycling program should have information about recycling options in your area.
• Recycle used automotive materials. Used oil, oil filters, lead acid automotive batteries and used antifreeze should be recycled.
• Reuse or recycle construction and demolition materials. Much of this material is a mix of reusable or recyclable material that should be kept out of the landfill.
• Properly manage fluorescent and other light bulbs. Many types of bulbs contain metals such as mercury at toxic levels. These bulbs should be properly disposed of to avoid contaminating the environment or harming human health.
• Buy products in recyclable containers and with as little packaging as possible. Look for packaging that can be recycled in your community and items, which you can repair or reuse. Also, support recycling markets by buying and using products made from recycled materials.
• Reduce use of disposable shopping bags and use canvas or other reusable bags instead.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle when you move.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Moore
(608) 267-7550