Recycling Other Materials
Are you searching for an outlet to recycle something and can't find it? Check out the Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory (WRMD). Users can search the list of recyclers for various materials, view information about recyclers and suggest additional recyclers to include in the listing.
Recycling Beyond the Bin
Are you interested in recycling materials that are not accepted in your recycling hauler’s program? Consider utilizing programs through Terracycle or PlasticFilmRecycling.org to find ways to collect additional materials for recycling and reach your landfill diversion goals! Establishing recycling programs ‘beyond the bin’ with employees is a great way to conserve resources, especially for commonly used items like office writing utensils and plastic bags and film. For more information on recycling stations and direction on getting started, contact the Waukesha County recycling office at [email protected] or call (262) 896-8300.
Waste Hierarchy
Critical to managing business waste is understanding the Non Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Hierarchy, provided by the EPA. This hierarchy recognizes that there is not a single waste management approach that will work for all materials and all circumstances. This hierarchy ranks management strategies by their environmental impact, most preferred to least preferred. The hierarchy also emphasizes Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling as the key to sustainable materials management
Source Reduction & Reuse: The most environmentally preferred strategy of waste prevention. This can include reusing and donating, bulk purchasing, reducing toxicity, etc.
Recycling & Composting: Collecting used, reused, or unused items that would otherwise be considered waste, sorting and processing into raw materials, and remanufacturing the recycled raw materials into new products. Recycling can also include composting food scraps, yard trimmings and other organics.
Energy Recovery: The conversion of non-recyclable waste materials into useable heat, electricity or fuel through a variety of processes.
Treatment & Disposal: Prior to disposal, treatment can help reduce the volume & toxicity of waste. This may include physical, chemical and biological means.
