Environmental Protection
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Recycling light bulbs
Many types of light bulbs contain metals such as mercury. Examples include: tube- and compact-style fluorescent bulbs, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs); mercury vapor bulbs – i.e., high-intensity lamps with blue-white, originally used…
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Proper handling of used batteries
Batteries used in many household and office products, as well as motor vehicle batteries, contain a variety of heavy metals and other materials that can be harmful to human health and the environment if not handled properly. Many of these materials…
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What to recycle in Wisconsin
Congratulations to the 13 organizations that won a 2024 Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Award! Read more about their recycling and waste reduction achievements.In Wisconsin, many recyclable or compostable items cannot be put in the trash.
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Reducing, reusing and recycling plastic bags and wrap
Plastic film, which includes many types of bags and wrap, is everywhere in our lives. In part because of their convenience and abundance, though, plastic bags and wrap are often used in excess, wasted, buried in landfills or littered in our streets…
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Special event recycling
State and local laws require recycling both at home and away from home. All events and gatherings must provide ways to collect recyclable clean cardboard, aluminum cans and glass or plastic bottles. Such events include fairs, festivals, concerts,…
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Managing agricultural plastics
Agricultural plastics or "ag plastics" covers a wide variety of products and plastic types, including materials used in many common household plastic products.
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Recycling and waste reduction for all seasons
We are lucky enough to live with four beautiful seasons here in Wisconsin, and each one presents new opportunities for us to reduce our impact. Look through the activities below to learn about things you can do each season to reduce waste and…
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Responsible unit recycling programs
Wisconsin's recycling law applies equally to all residential and nonresidential locations throughout the state. The law bans disposal or incineration of certain recyclable materials. It also requires every municipality in the state to operate a…
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Requirements for materials recovery facilities (MRFs)
MRF stakeholder meeting The DNR held a MRF stakeholder meeting Aug. 6 via Teams/conference call. The agenda featured presentations on recycling rule revisions for MRFs, solid waste rule feedback, battery collection and legislation, fire…
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Recycling monofilament fishing line
If left out in the environment, monofilament fishing line can tangle or be ingested by wildlife, endanger swimmers or become wrapped around boat propellers. It can last up to 600 years in freshwater, meaning it poses a threat for a long time.…