Recycling_Content Page_Business and workplace recycling

Business and workplace recycling

Wisconsin businesses and other workplaces can save landfilling costs, earn money from the sale of materials and help Wisconsin's economy and the environment by recycling.

Wisconsin's recycling laws banned certain materials from landfill disposal, and this applies to all residential and nonresidential locations. Businesses and other workplaces must recycle designated materials, as well as provide for the recycling of these materials by their clients or customers. Business and workplace recycling is also enforceable under local recycling ordinances implemented by the responsible unit (RU).

Information and tools for business and workplace recycling

Collection methods

Businesses must collect and store recyclables separately from other waste materials at the workplace. Haulers must keep recyclable and waste material separate during collection. Depending on volume, businesses may collect their recyclables in carts or dumpsters in a single stream, dual stream or multi-stream collection system.

Learn more about finding and working with a waste hauler [PDF] to recycle all required materials using the best system for your business.

Recycling and reuse can improve your bottom line

Work with your hauler to develop a customized recycling program for your business to ensure maximum efficiency. Consider recycling valuable cell phones and ink cartridges. Common sense measures like copying documents on both sides cut paper use in half. Using old paper as notepads and setting up office swap days yields savings for everyone.

Wisconsin Recycling Means Business (WA-1000) [PDF] has profiles of Wisconsin companies and nonprofits that benefit from recycling or recycled materials.

Hauler notification requirements

Haulers must notify clients of state and local recycling laws.

When working with recycling haulers, companies should know that the DNR's hauler notification rule (WA-425) [PDF], s. NR 502.06, Wis. Adm. Code, requires licensed waste haulers collecting municipal solid wastes and recyclable materials to notify their clients of the need to comply with state and local recycling laws. This requirement ensures all waste generators and haulers are aware Wisconsin's recycling laws apply equally to all residential and nonresidential facilities, even if waste and recyclables are hauled out of state.

If a hauler is not in compliance with s. NR 502.06, Wis. Adm. Code, the DNR may take appropriate enforcement measures, including notifying the appropriate local government (i.e., responsible unit) about reports of non-compliance.

Is a computer junkyard growing in your company?

When you are ready to recycle your old electronic devices, the DNR is here to help. Visit our electronics recycling pages to learn more about the recycling options and regulations in your area.