Recycling

Recycling and composting

Wisconsin has a strong history of recycling and composting, and each of us has a role to play in continuing this success. Wisconsin's commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle is shown by its comprehensive recycling laws. The laws ban disposal and incineration of certain materials and delegate responsibility to local government responsible units for implementing municipal recycling programs to manage the banned materials.

What To Recycle

Learn about which recyclable and compostable items cannot be put in the trash in Wisconsin
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Recycling Excellence Awards

Check out the awards that celebrate outstanding recycling efforts, innovation and performance throughout Wisconsin
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Composting

Get tips for home composting and requirements for large-scale compost facilities
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Batteries

How to safely manage used batteries
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Electronics

Wisconsin’s electronics recycling law and how to e-cycle
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Light Bulbs

Requirements and guidelines for recycling fluorescent and other light bulbs
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Plastic Bags

How to reuse and recycle plastic bags, film and wrap
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Reducing Residential Food Waste

Learn how to reduce food waste at home
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Responsible Units

Learn the requirements for local government responsible units recycling programs
Responsible Units

MRFs

Information and requirements for materials recovery facilities (MRFs)
MRFs

Education & Outreach

Download free publications and other resources for recycling education and outreach
Education & Outreach

Recycling and Waste Reduction Tips

Get recycling, reuse and waste reduction for all seasons
Recycling and Waste Reduction Tips

Wisconsin's Waste Reduction and Recycling Law

Learn about Wisconsin’s requirements for waste reduction and recycling
Wisconsin's Waste Reduction and Recycling Law

Subscribe to Recycling Updates

Sign up to receive DNR's recycling newsletter via email or text
Subscribe to Recycling Updates

Recycling basics

Business and workplace recycling
Recycling and waste reduction for all seasons
Recycling at home
Recycling facts and figures
Special event recycling
What to recycle in Wisconsin

Requirements for local governments and materials recovery facilities

Annual reports for responsible units and materials recovery facilities
Requirements for materials recovery facilities (MRFs)
Responsible unit recycling programs

Recycling specific materials

Managing agricultural plastics
Proper handling of used batteries
Recycling light bulbs
Recycling monofilament fishing line
Recycling motor oil, oil filters and other automotive products
Reducing, reusing and recycling plastic bags and wrap

Composting

Compost use, quality and marketing
Composting in Wisconsin
Composting rules and regulations in Wisconsin
Farms and composting in Wisconsin

Recycling resources

Recycling education and outreach
Wisconsin Council on Recycling
Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards
Wisconsin Recycling and Solid Waste Studies and Reports
Wisconsin's waste reduction and recycling law