
Brown County, Wisconsin, is a single-stream recycling community, meaning that residents can put all of their recyclable materials, including paper and plastic, into one recycling container without needing to separate them. The Brown County Port & Resource Recovery Department aims to meet the solid waste disposal needs of local communities and businesses through environmentally and economically sound methods. While each municipality in Wisconsin has distinct recycling rules, all recyclers in the state accept plastic with resin codes #1 and #2, which comprise about 97% of all plastic bottles. However, some communities also accept other types of plastics, such as #3 through #7. In St. Croix County, Wisconsin, Waste Management, Hometown Disposal, GFL, Murtha's, and Olson Sanitation accept plastics #5, including prescription bottles and yogurt tubs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | #5 |
| Recyclable in Brown County, WI | Yes |
| Recyclable in St. Croix County, WI | Yes |
| Recyclable in Winnebago County, WI | No |
| Recycling method | Single-stream recycling |
| Recycling cart | Designated curbside recycling cart |
| Container preparation | Rinsed to remove all product, lids replaced |
| Additional information | Plastic bags, wraps, and films are a major contaminant |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic containers #5 can be recycled in St. Croix County, WI
- Brown County is a single-stream recycling community
- Plastic bags, wraps, and films are the #1 contaminant in Brown County
- Plastic containers #1 and #2 are accepted by all recyclers in Wisconsin
- Brown County operates a Single Stream Recycling Transfer Facility that transfers paper and commingled containers to the Tri-County Material Recovery Facility

Plastic containers #5 can be recycled in St. Croix County, WI
St. Croix County's recycling haulers accept plastics #5, including prescription bottles and yogurt tubs. Other accepted plastics include #1 and #2 bottles, tubs, jars, and jug containers. It is important to note that recyclables should not be placed inside plastic bags. Instead, they should be disposed of loosely in the container. All containers need to be empty of liquids and food.
The county also provides an A-Z Recycling & Disposal Guide, which offers detailed information on various types of bulbs and their proper disposal methods. St. Croix County residents are encouraged to bring expired, unwanted, or unused medications to collection locations for proper disposal. Additionally, the county offers a voucher program for free disposal of hazardous waste.
St. Croix County is committed to promoting recycling and protecting the environment. The county's recycling programs aim to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. By implementing effective recycling initiatives, organizations in the county can reduce waste disposal costs and contribute to a greener community.
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Brown County is a single-stream recycling community
Brown County's single-stream recycling programme helps to prevent plastic from entering the county's waterways. It is one of many local recycling programmes and drop-off centres across Wisconsin that accept a wide range of materials for recycling.
Wisconsin's recycling law bans certain materials from disposal, but the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) allows them to be landfilled or incinerated. Materials that should not be placed in recycling bins or carts include food or drink containers with significant amounts of liquid or food left inside, plastic jugs used for waste oil collection, and newspapers used for cleaning. However, even if a plastic item has the triangular "chasing arrows" symbol, it doesn't necessarily mean it's recyclable in the county or state.
Each municipality in Wisconsin has distinct recycling rules regarding what it accepts, including plastics. All recyclers in Wisconsin accept plastic with resin codes #1 and #2, which make up about 97% of all plastic bottles. However, many communities now accept some types of plastics #3 through #7, so residents are advised to check with their local recycling programme or recycling hauler to find out what can be included in their recycling.
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Plastic bags, wraps, and films are the #1 contaminant in Brown County
Plastic films, casings, and wrappings are everywhere. They are used to keep products safe from damage or contamination before purchase. However, they pose a significant threat to the environment. Plastic bags, wraps, and films are the #1 contaminant in Brown County. They can cause litter, jam recycling equipment, and are difficult to recycle.
In Brown County, plastic bags, wraps, and films should not be placed in recycling bins or carts. They can slow down the recycling process and end up as trash. Instead, residents are encouraged to take these items to designated drop-off spots at grocery stores, big-box stores, department stores, or chain pharmacies. Many of these locations accept clean plastic bags, packaging, or film for recycling. It is important to compact or densify plastic bags before dropping them off.
If there are no local recyclers, plastic bags and films can be thrown away in the garbage. However, it is recommended to use the compacting/densifying method to prevent them from being carried away by the wind and becoming litter. Additionally, residents are encouraged to reduce their use of plastic bags and films by using reusable bags or containers whenever possible.
To determine if a plastic item is recyclable, it is important to look for the resin identification code, usually imprinted with a triangular arrangement of arrows on the bottom of the container. However, even if a plastic item has this symbol, it does not necessarily mean it is recyclable everywhere. It is always best to check with local recycling programs or haulers to find out what specific types of plastics they can accept.
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Plastic containers #1 and #2 are accepted by all recyclers in Wisconsin
Plastic containers with the resin codes #1 and #2 are accepted by all recyclers in Wisconsin. These include milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, soda and water bottles, tubs, jars, and jug containers. However, it is important to ensure that containers are empty of liquids and food residue before placing them in the recycling bin. In Brown County, Wisconsin, residents can recycle paper, plastic, glass, tin/steel, and aluminium cans by placing them in a designated curbside recycling cart. This is known as single-stream recycling, where all recyclable materials can be placed in one container without the need for separation.
It is important to note that different municipalities in Wisconsin have distinct recycling rules, and it is always a good idea to check with your local recycling program to ensure you are following the correct guidelines. For example, some communities in Wisconsin now accept additional types of plastics beyond #1 and #2, so checking with your local program can help you properly recycle more materials.
To recycle plastic containers, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any remaining product. Caps and lids should also be recycled, but it is recommended to replace them on the container before placing it in the recycling bin. This helps to ensure that the containers do not cause contamination during the recycling process.
While plastic containers #1 and #2 are widely accepted by recyclers in Wisconsin, it is important to be mindful of other types of plastics and their recyclability. Plastic bags, wraps, and films are a common contaminant in recycling streams, and it is recommended to return clean and dry plastic bags to store drop-off collections instead of placing them in your recycling bin. Additionally, certain plastics may be accepted at drop-off locations or landfills if recycling is not feasible.
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Brown County operates a Single Stream Recycling Transfer Facility that transfers paper and commingled containers to the Tri-County Material Recovery Facility
Brown County, Wisconsin, is a single-stream recycling community, meaning residents can put all their recyclable materials, including paper and plastic, into one recycling container without needing to separate them. The county operates a Single Stream Recycling Transfer Facility that transfers paper and commingled containers for county residents, businesses, and municipalities to the Tri-County Material Recovery Facility. This facility is part of Brown County's commitment to meeting the solid waste disposal needs of its communities and businesses through environmentally sound and economical methods.
The Tri-County Material Recovery Facility serves Brown, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties and provides landfill and recycling services to benefit all residents. It is important to note that plastic bags, wraps, and films are the number one contaminant at this facility, so residents are encouraged to recycle items loosely and not place them in plastic bags. Clean and dry plastic bags can be returned to store drop-off collections, and residents are encouraged to bring reusable bags when shopping.
In addition to paper and plastic, Brown County residents can recycle glass, tin/steel, and aluminium cans through their curbside recycling programme. All containers should be rinsed to remove any residual product, and lids and caps should be replaced before recycling. Cardboard should be cut to size, and shredded paper should be avoided as it can create unnecessary maintenance issues for recycling equipment.
While Brown County accepts a wide range of materials for recycling, it is important to note that each municipality in Wisconsin has distinct recycling rules. Therefore, residents should refer to their local recycling program or recycling hauler for a complete list of what can be recycled in their specific area. Additionally, certain materials, such as plastic containers with resin codes #1 and #2, are universally accepted by all recyclers in Wisconsin. These codes are usually imprinted with a triangular arrangement of arrows on the bottom of plastic containers and comprise about 97% of all plastic bottles.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic number 5 is recyclable in Brown County, Wisconsin. However, it is recommended to check with your local recycling program or recycling hauler to find out the correct procedure for your area.
Plastic number 5 includes items such as prescription bottles and yogurt tubs.
Containers should be rinsed to remove all products, and lids or caps should be replaced before recycling. Do not put recyclables inside plastic bags.
Recyclable paper, glass, tin/steel, and aluminum cans are also accepted in Brown County.
You can contact Brown County Port & Resource Recovery or refer to the Tri-County Recycling Guide for detailed information on recycling in Brown County, Wisconsin.























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