Maya Ellison
Recycling is mandatory in Wisconsin, with each municipality having distinct rules regarding what plastics it accepts. All recyclers in Wisconsin accept plastic with resin codes #1 and #2, which include milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, soda and water bottles, and comprise about 97% of all plastic bottles. Many communities now accept plastics with codes #3 through #7, but some direct residents to keep them out of recycling bins. Plastic bags are recyclable, but not through curbside collection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Containers Accepted | #1, #2, #5 |
| Plastic Containers Not Accepted | #3, #4, #6, #7 |
| Plastic Items Accepted | Plastic bags, Plastic straws, Plastic plates, Plastic silverware, Plastic drink pouches, Plastic bottles, Plastic jugs, Plastic food containers, Plastic deli containers, Plastic ice cream containers, Plastic yoghurt containers, Plastic bakery containers, Plastic medicine/pill containers, Plastic kitty litter containers |
| Plastic Items Not Accepted | Plastic film, Plastic shrink wrap, Plastic frozen food containers, Plastic foam/polystyrene, Plastic electronics, Plastic light bulbs, Plastic mirrors, Plastic window glass, Plastic ceramics, Plastic clay pots, Plastic tissue products, Plastic paper towels, Plastic soiled paper, Plastic dirty cardboard, Plastic CD cases, Plastic vinyl, Large plastic items (15-gallon containers or larger furniture items, toys, etc.), Aseptic Boxes and Paper Cartons |
| Other Items Accepted | Bi-metal containers, Corrugated cardboard, Yard waste, Electronics, Used automotive materials, Construction and demolition materials |
| Other Items Not Accepted | Plastic bags through curbside collection, Plastic bottle caps loose in cart or bin, Styrofoam, Plastic toys, Plastic paint cans with lids on, Food-soiled portions of pizza boxes |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic containers with resin codes #1 and #2 are accepted by all recyclers in Wisconsin
- Plastic bags can be recycled at local retail or grocery stores
- Plastic straws, plates, and silverware are not accepted by Stevens Point, WI
- Plastic bottles, jugs, and food/beverage containers are accepted by Brown County
- Hard, molded plastics like children's toys are not accepted by Brown County
Plastic containers with resin codes #1 and #2 are accepted by all recyclers in Wisconsin
It's important to note that recycling requirements can vary across Wisconsin, and each municipality has distinct recycling rules. While all recyclers in Wisconsin accept resin codes #1 and #2, some communities may also accept other types of plastics, such as #3 through #7. It's always a good idea to check with your local recycling program to find out the specific rules and requirements for your area.
To help keep different types of resins separate, the plastics industry uses a standardized numerical resin code system. These codes, usually imprinted on the bottom of plastic containers within a triangular arrangement of arrows, help consumers identify the plastic type. However, even if a plastic item has this recycling symbol, it doesn't guarantee that it can be recycled everywhere.
In addition to plastic containers, Wisconsin residents are required by law to recycle items like cardboard, bottles, and cans. It is also important to properly dispose of hazardous materials, such as used electronics, automotive materials, and construction waste, which should be recycled or taken to designated facilities.
When recycling plastic containers, it is essential to rinse them out and remove any food residue or liquids. This helps prevent issues with sorting equipment and contamination of other materials, such as paper and glass. By following these guidelines and staying informed about local recycling programs, Wisconsin residents can ensure they are doing their part to recycle correctly and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
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Plastic bags can be recycled at local retail or grocery stores
Recycling requirements vary across Wisconsin, so it is essential to check with your local community to see what is accepted in your recycling program. You can contact your local recycling program representative or refer to the Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory to find out specific details about your community's recycling program.
When recycling plastic bags, ensure they are clean and dry. Many grocery stores and other retailers in Wisconsin accept these for recycling. However, do not place plastic bags in curbside recycling bins as they can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities, causing safety hazards and costly shutdowns. Instead, return them to a retailer that accepts plastic bags for recycling. Some retailers provide this information on their websites, or you can check with the store directly.
In addition to recycling, there are other ways to reduce the waste associated with plastic bags. Individuals can reduce their use of disposable shopping bags by opting for reusable bags or containers. Reusing old plastic bags for multiple shopping trips or repurposing them as trash liners or pet waste bags are also effective ways to minimise waste.
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Plastic straws, plates, and silverware are not accepted by Stevens Point, WI
The City of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has specific guidelines for recycling plastics. Plastic straws, plates, and silverware are not accepted by Stevens Point, WI, and must be placed in the garbage cart. Plastic bags, shrink wrap, and plastic film are also not recyclable and should be put in the brown-lid garbage cart.
However, Stevens Point does recycle other plastics. Plastics with resin codes #1, #2, and #5 are accepted. These include plastic containers such as bottles, jugs, food, beverage, and deli containers. Plastic bottle caps should be returned to the empty bottle, but they should never be loose in the recycling bin or cart.
It is important to rinse all containers before recycling them and to separate different types of plastics. Food residue and liquids can cause problems with sorting equipment and impact other materials. Additionally, the wrong type of plastic can contaminate a bale of plastic sent to a manufacturer, making it unusable or less marketable.
Other items that are not accepted for recycling in Stevens Point include large plastic items (such as furniture, toys, and containers over 15 gallons), Styrofoam, and certain hazardous materials like fuels, solvents, and paints.
Wisconsin has a comprehensive recycling program, and each municipality has distinct rules regarding accepted plastics. It is always best to check with local recycling programs or haulers for specific guidelines.
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Plastic bottles, jugs, and food/beverage containers are accepted by Brown County
Plastics with resin codes #3–#7 are generally harder to recycle into new products, and some municipalities may direct residents to keep these out of recycling bins or carts. To recycle these plastics, check with your local recycling program or recycling hauler to find out if they are accepted in your area. Additionally, plastic bags, wraps, and other film plastics are recyclable but not through curbside collection. These can be taken to a local retail or grocery store for recycling.
It is important to rinse all containers before recycling them, as food residue and liquids can cause problems with sorting equipment and impact other materials such as paper and glass. Caps may remain on bottles, but they should be placed in the recycle cart only after ensuring the bottle has been rinsed out.
Wisconsin's recycling law requires all residents to recycle items like cardboard, bottles, and cans and ensures that all residents have access to a local recycling program. This law also bans certain materials from landfill disposal, such as used automotive oil filters and absorbent materials. By understanding the specific rules and guidelines in your area, you can ensure that you are recycling correctly and contributing to a better environment and economy in Wisconsin.
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Hard, molded plastics like children's toys are not accepted by Brown County
Wisconsin's recycling law requires all residents to recycle items like cardboard, bottles, and cans, and ensures all residents have access to a local recycling program. However, it is important to note that each municipality in Wisconsin has distinct recycling rules regarding the types of plastics they accept. While All recyclers in Wisconsin accept plastic with resin codes #1 and #2, which include milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, soda and water bottles, plastics with codes #3 through #7 are harder to recycle into new products. Some municipalities may ask residents to keep these plastics out of their recycling bins.
Despite the wide acceptance of certain types of plastics for recycling in Wisconsin, hard, molded plastics like children's toys are not accepted by Brown County. This is likely due to the fact that these toys are made from a different type of plastic resin that is not commonly recycled in the county. Hard, molded plastics used in children's toys are designed to be durable and impact-resistant to ensure the safety and longevity of the toys. However, the specific type of plastic resin used in these toys may not be accepted by Brown County due to market restrictions or a lack of demand for recycled materials of that specific resin type.
Additionally, there may be safety concerns associated with certain plastic compounds used in children's toys. While innovative plastic formulations have been developed to limit exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, quality issues in plastic injection-molded items can affect the performance, safety, and function of the final product. These issues could be linked to the material used, tooling design, or the molding process itself. As a result, Brown County may refrain from accepting hard, molded plastics to ensure the safety of its residents and to adhere to any relevant regulations or standards pertaining to the recycling and reuse of these materials.
Furthermore, the recycling process for hard, molded plastics may be more complex and costly. The molding process used to create children's toys often involves unique shapes and designs that differ from standard bottles or containers. This specialized molding process may require additional steps or treatments during the recycling process, which could be a challenge for Brown County's current recycling infrastructure. It is important to remember that the acceptance of specific materials for recycling can vary based on local capabilities and demand.
To properly dispose of hard, molded plastics like children's toys in Brown County, it is recommended to contact the local recycling program or refer to their guidelines. They can provide information on alternative disposal methods or collection programs specific to these types of plastics. It is important for residents to stay informed about the accepted materials in their local recycling programs to ensure proper recycling practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
All recyclers in Wisconsin accept plastics with resin codes #1 and #2, which include milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, soda and water bottles, and make up about 97% of plastic bottles. Some communities also accept plastics with resin codes #3 through #7, so check with your local recycling program.
Plastic bags are not recyclable through curbside collection. However, they can be recycled by bringing them to a grocery or department store collection bin.
Plastic straws, plates, silverware, drink pouches, Styrofoam, and hard, molded plastics such as children's toys and refillable plastic bottles are not recyclable in Wisconsin.
In addition to plastics, Wisconsin recycles paper, cardboard, cans, bottles, electronics, and used automotive materials such as oil, oil filters, and batteries.
