Waukesha Times

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is providing guidance to help families minimize waste and ensure the safety of recycling and trash workers during the holiday season. Jennifer Semrau, DNR's waste reduction and diversion coordinator, acknowledged that "recycling can be confusing" but emphasized the importance of proper disposal methods for items like batteries and light strings to prevent damage at recycling facilities.

In Wisconsin, certain items are banned from landfills and should be recycled. These include cardboard, newspapers, magazines, office paper, plastic #1 and #2 containers, aluminum cans, steel cans, and glass bottles and jars. It is important to empty containers of liquids before recycling them. While some programs accept wrapping paper without glitter or foil, others do not due to contamination risks.

Certain materials pose risks at recycling facilities if improperly disposed of in curbside bins. Items such as holiday light strings can cause equipment shutdowns; plastic bags and films get tangled in machinery; batteries may cause fires; electronics contain hazardous materials; tissue paper cannot be recycled due to short fibers; and photo cards with electronic components pose fire hazards.

Food waste prevention is another focus for the DNR. The organization ReFED estimates significant food wastage on Thanksgiving alone in the U.S., which results in substantial financial loss and methane emissions. Tips for reducing food waste include understanding date labels on products, shopping with a plan to avoid over-purchasing, storing food properly to extend its life, and freezing leftovers before they spoil.

For further information about recyclable materials or ways to reduce household waste during holidays, resources are available on the DNR's website.