Maya Ellison
If you're a resident of Waukesha County, WI, and want to know how to recycle your plastic, there are several options available to you. The county provides a recycling collection service through Johns Disposal, which operates weekly and bi-weekly, with residents putting their recycling in a cart with a yellow lid. You can also take your plastic to the Waukesha Recycling Center in New Berlin, which provides an array of commercial, industrial, and residential services. The county also has an educational recycling campaign called 'Recycle Right', which provides information on what is accepted for recycling and how to recycle properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling collection company | Johns Disposal |
| Recycling collection schedule | Every other week |
| Recycling bin | Cart with a yellow lid |
| Items accepted | Cardboard, paper, bottles, cans, scrap metal, used oil/antifreeze, cooking oil |
| Hazardous waste | Chemicals, oil-based paint, oil-based stain, lawn fertilizers, pesticides |
| Fluorescent lamp recycling | UV, neon, argon, halogen, incandescent, and other types of bulbs |
| Plastic items accepted | Kitchen/laundry/bath bottles and containers (#1, #2, #5) |
| Plastic items not accepted | Plastic bags |
| Additional resources | Waukesha County Recycles Mobile App, Disposal Guide |
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What You'll Learn
What plastics can be recycled
In Waukesha County, WI, residents can dispose of recyclables such as cardboard, paper, bottles, cans, scrap metal, and used oil/antifreeze/cooking oil at the drop-off center. However, it is important to note that this center is for residential use only and not for businesses, contractors, or related materials.
Now, when it comes to plastics, it is important to understand that not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recyclability. The recyclability of plastic depends on factors such as the type of plastic, the presence of contaminants, and the availability of recycling facilities.
Plastics are typically identified by resin codes, which range from 1 to 7, with 7 being "other." The general rule is that the lower the resin code, the more likely the plastic is to be easily recyclable. For example, PET or PETE (coded as #1) is the most widely recycled plastic globally and is used for plastic bottles, cooking oil containers, and food jars. These can be recycled into new bottles or transformed into flakes that can be spun into yarn for fashion items like polar fleece clothing, backpacks, and carpets. HDPE (coded as #2), commonly used for milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent containers, is also widely recycled and accepted at most centers worldwide.
On the other hand, some plastics are incredibly challenging to recycle. These include crisp packets, salad bags, plastic wrap, and others. PVC, a flexible plastic used for tubing, toys, and trays, cannot be recycled. Similarly, LDPE, found in grocery bags and newspaper sleeves, and PP, used for disposable cups and containers, are sometimes recyclable but may not be accepted by local recycling programs due to processing difficulties.
It is important to check with local waste management providers to understand which specific plastics they accept for recycling, as this can vary by location.
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How often is plastic recycling collected
The City of Waukesha contracts garbage and recycling collection through Johns Disposal, which operates six days a week. Garbage collection occurs weekly, while recycling collection occurs biweekly, with both being collected on the same day. Recycling is collected every other week and should be placed in a cart with a yellow lid. Items should be loose (not bagged) when placed in the recycling bin.
The following plastics are accepted for recycling:
Kitchen/laundry/bath bottles and containers (#1, #2, #5)
In addition to the regular recycling collection, the county hosts a program for hazardous waste, typically twice a month. Veolia Environmental Services comes into the City of Waukesha to do the collection. Collections occur on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, March through October, and on the 2nd Saturday of November. Any city or county resident may bring household hazardous waste materials to this collection at no cost. Examples of household hazardous waste include chemicals, oil-based paint, oil-based stain, lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and more.
There is also a Drop-Off Center where any Waukesha County resident may dispose of recyclables such as cardboard, paper, bottles, cans, scrap metal, used oil/antifreeze, and cooking oil. The center is for residential use only, and residents must show a valid ID and proof of residency.
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Where to drop off plastic for recycling
Plastic recycling in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, is collected bi-weekly by Johns Disposal. Place your plastics for recycling in the cart with the yellow lid. Items should be loose and not bagged. Accepted plastics include kitchen, laundry, and bath bottles and containers (#1, #2, #5).
In addition to the curbside collection, there is a Drop-Off Center where any Waukesha County resident may dispose of recyclables. The center is for residential use only. No businesses, contractors, or related materials. At the entrance booth, all residents must show a driver’s license or similar picture ID showing residency. If a driver’s license does not show current residency within the City of Waukesha, residents must provide additional proof of residency, such as a property tax bill or utility bill.
The Drop-Off Center accepts cardboard, paper, bottles, cans, scrap metal, used oil/antifreeze, and cooking oil.
The county also hosts a program for hazardous waste, typically twice a month. Any city or county resident may bring household hazardous waste materials to this collection at no cost. Examples of household hazardous waste include chemicals, oil-based paint, oil-based stain, lawn fertilizers, pesticides, and more.
The new location for hazardous waste is at the University of Wisconsin–Waukesha Campus (1500 N. University Drive). Collections will occur on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, March through October, and on the 2nd Saturday of November.
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How to dispose of hazardous plastics
Hazardous plastics, such as those containing toxic chemicals, pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. While it is important to reduce plastic waste and switch to safer, toxic-free materials, here is how you can dispose of hazardous plastics in Waukesha County, WI:
Identify the Type of Plastic
Different types of plastics have distinct properties and recycling requirements. For instance, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is commonly used for water bottles and food packaging due to its lightweight and durable nature. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is sturdy and chemical-resistant, making it suitable for detergent bottles and milk jugs. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is strong and versatile but less recyclable due to toxic additives. Understanding the type of plastic you are dealing with is crucial for proper disposal.
Check with Local Recycling Facilities
Hazardous plastics, such as PVC, are often not accepted in curbside recycling programs. Contact your local recycling facility in Waukesha County, WI, to inquire about their hazardous waste disposal procedures and whether they accept these plastics for proper disposal.
Drop-Off Locations in Waukesha County, WI
Waukesha County provides a drop-off center for residents to dispose of recyclables, including cardboard, paper, bottles, cans, scrap metal, and used oil/antifreeze/cooking oil. This service is free for residential use, and residents must provide proof of residency.
Additionally, the Waukesha County Household Hazardous Waste program accepts household hazardous waste materials, such as chemicals, oil-based paint, lawn fertilizers, and pesticides, at no cost. Residents can refer to the Waukesha County Household Hazardous Waste website or call their hotline for detailed information on accepted items and schedules.
Alternative Disposal Methods
If you have PVC materials that cannot be easily recycled, consider donating them to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, where they can be reused. Alternatively, some plastics can be chemically recycled and converted into new plastics. However, always prioritize proper disposal methods to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the environment and food chain.
Remember, it is essential to prioritize reducing plastic waste, switching to sustainable alternatives, and advocating for safer plastic production to protect the health of our communities and the planet.
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How to recycle plastic electronics
Recycling plastic electronics in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, is simple and helps keep the planet safe and green. Some electronic items, including TVs, are banned from landfills by Wisconsin state law due to the hazardous materials they contain, such as lead, chromium, and mercury. By keeping electronics out of landfills, we can reduce land, air, and water pollution and their negative impact on human health.
Waukesha County provides several options for recycling plastic electronics. The City of Waukesha hosts special e-waste recycling event days, where you can bring your electronic waste for proper disposal and recycling. Additionally, Recycle Technologies, a Midwest-based company, offers electronic recycling services in Waukesha. They accept items like bulbs, lamps, TVs, and other electronic junk. They separate different materials like plastic, metal, and rubber from the electronic waste, ensuring that everything is recycled responsibly, with nothing ending up in landfills. You can also purchase their recycling kits online and mail in your electronics if you can't drop them off.
Another option for recycling certain electronic items is through specific retailers. For instance, all vehicle battery retailers accept used lead-acid batteries at no charge when you purchase a new battery. Always remember to wear safety goggles and gloves and carry the battery in a wooden box or leak-proof container. If you accidentally drop a battery, neutralize any spilled acid with baking soda or lime.
It is important to dispose of and recycle plastic electronics properly to protect the environment and human health. By following the options provided, you can ensure that your electronic waste is handled securely and sustainably, contributing to a greener planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic recycling is collected bi-weekly in Waukesha County, WI.
The City of Waukesha contracts garbage and recycling collection through Johns Disposal.
You can refer to the Disposal Guide to help you find resources that collect these items. There may be additional costs for the collection and disposal of these items.
Plastics such as kitchen, laundry, and bath bottles and containers (#1, #2, #5) can be recycled. Other plastics such as wire, circuit boards, and bulbs can be recycled at Recycle Technologies.
You can visit the Waukesha County website or call 262-896-8300 for more information. You can also follow @WaukCoRecycles on Twitter or like Waukesha County Recycles on Facebook. Additionally, the free Waukesha County Recycles mobile app provides detailed information on what is recyclable and how to recycle it.
