Chloe Zhang
Wisconsin's approach to recycling plastics varies across the state. All recyclers in Wisconsin accept plastic with resin codes #1 and #2, which include milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and soda and water bottles. These two categories of plastic make up about 97% of all plastic bottles. However, the state's many municipalities have distinct recycling rules, with some now accepting plastics #3 through #7. It is important to check with your local community to see what is accepted in your recycling program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Recycling | Varies depending on location |
| Rules | No loose plastic bags, no bagged recyclables, no food or liquid |
| Recyclable Items | Bottles, cans, paper, cardboard, plastic bags, glass bottles and jars, junk mail, tin and steel food cans, colored plastic bottles, clear plastic water bottles, plastic milk jugs |
| General Tips | Check local programs, keep items clean and dry, use recycling bins |
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Plastic bottles
However, plastics with resin codes #3-#7 are harder to recycle into new products and may not be accepted by all municipalities. Some communities may direct residents to keep these types of plastic out of their recycling bins. Plastic bags, plastic film, and shrink wrap, for example, can often only be recycled at specific locations.
It is important to check with your local community to see what is accepted in your recycling program. Just because an item has a recycling symbol on it does not mean your community accepts it in your curbside or drop-off program. For example, thin plastic such as water and soda bottles, dairy containers, and deli containers are recyclable in some areas, but hard, molded plastics such as children's toys and refillable plastic bottles are not.
To recycle plastic bottles properly, make sure they are empty of liquids and food. Bottle caps should be returned to the empty bottle, although some communities may require them to be placed in the garbage. Regardless, bottle caps should never be loose in your cart or bin.
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Plastic bags
In Wisconsin, plastic bags should not be placed in curbside recycling bins or carts as they can get tangled in the equipment used to recycle cans, bottles, cardboard, and paper. This issue can cause costly facility shutdowns and put workers in danger. Instead, plastic bags can be returned to retailers for recycling. Many grocery stores and other retailers accept clean, dry, and non-degradable plastic bags for recycling. It is important to check with local stores, as different retailers may have variable processes for recycling plastic bags.
Some examples of plastic bags that can be recycled include grocery bags, bread bags, newspaper bags, zip-lock bags, cereal or baking box liners, and film wrap from water bottles. It is important to ensure that the bags are clean and free of any receipts or other items before recycling.
To reduce the waste generated by plastic bags, individuals can opt for reusable bags when shopping, such as canvas totes or mesh produce bags. Reusable bags can create less waste than paper or plastic options, and washing them regularly keeps them sanitary. Additionally, individuals can refuse disposable bags for easy-to-carry purchases and reuse old plastic bags for multiple shopping trips or as trash liners.
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Cardboard
In Wisconsin, recycling is mandatory, and residents are required to recycle cardboard. Residents should recycle clean, corrugated cardboard, which should be broken down and flattened. This includes cereal, granola bar, cake, and other baking boxes, but residents should remember to remove any plastic liners.
Each municipality in Wisconsin has distinct recycling rules regarding what it accepts, so it is always worth checking with your local recycling program or recycling hauler. However, as a general rule, all recyclers in Wisconsin accept corrugated cardboard.
If you have large quantities of cardboard to recycle, you can call your curbside hauler to make arrangements for additional pick-up.
It is important to remember that some items cannot be recycled. These include dirty cardboard, as well as cardboard contaminated with food or liquids.
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Food and liquid
In Wisconsin, plastic containers #1 and #2 are recyclable. This includes milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, soda and water bottles. Plastic containers #3 through #7 are harder to recycle into new products, and some municipalities may direct residents to keep them out of the recycling bin. Many communities now accept some of these types of plastics, so it is worth checking with your local recycling program.
Plastic bags are not recyclable through curbside collection in Wisconsin. However, they can be recycled by bringing them to a grocery or department store collection bin. A list of these locations can be found by entering your zip code at the Plastic Film Recycling website.
In St. Croix County, #1 and #2 bottles, tubs, jars, and jug containers are recyclable. Plastic #5 items, such as prescription bottles and yogurt tubs, are also accepted by some haulers. Plastic #6 items, such as Styrofoam egg cartons, cups, plates, and packaging material, are not recyclable.
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Local recycling programs
The Wisconsin DNR provides information on what can be recycled and where. For example, plastic containers #1 and #2, such as milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and soda bottles, are accepted by many local recycling programs and drop-off centers. Plastic containers #3 through #7 may be accepted by some communities, so it's important to check with your local program or recycling hauler.
Additionally, clean and dry plastic wrap and bags can be recycled at many grocery stores and other retailers. It's essential to check with local stores beforehand to understand what they accept. The Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory is a helpful resource for finding locations that accept plastics not typically collected through curbside recycling.
It's important to remember that recycling programs aim to give items a second life, so it's crucial to keep recyclables free from contamination. This means ensuring that all containers are empty of liquids and food and that recyclables are not placed in plastic bags.
St. Croix County, for example, provides detailed information on what can and cannot be recycled. They emphasize that items like electronics, batteries, and scrap metal require separate recycling methods, and that recyclables should not be contaminated by wish-cycling, which can turn a load of recyclables into trash.
Overall, while there may be variations across different areas, Wisconsin offers a range of local recycling programs with specific guidelines to ensure that plastics and other materials are properly recycled and given a new purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
The types of plastics that can be recycled depend on your local area. Generally, coloured plastic bottles, clear plastic water bottles, and plastic milk jugs can be recycled. Remember to keep them clean and dry.
Check your local programs to confirm what plastics are accepted in your area.
Tin and steel food cans, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, junk mail, and aluminium cans are commonly accepted for recycling.
Do not put loose plastic bags in your recycling bin as they can shut down an entire recycling plant. Also, avoid "wishcycling", which is throwing something in the recycling bin that you know probably cannot be recycled.
