June 2020
In this issue
DNR has updated the recycling data available online, as reported by Wisconsin Responsible Units (RUs) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). RUs' tonnage of Table 1 materials (steel, bi-metal, aluminum, glass, plastic #1 and #2 containers, cardboard and paper) was flat from 2017 to 2018, but an increase of yard waste collected was reported. The MRF data revealed an increase in recyclables collected of over 40,000 tons from 2017 to 2018, the vast majority of the increase being cardboard.
View the updated tables and charts at the Wisconsin recycling studies and reports webpage. Please contact Jennifer Semrau at (608) 267-7550 with any questions.
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The EPA published a Recycling and Sustainable Management of Food During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency webpage where they have put together waste reduction resources for individuals as well as businesses and institutions. The EPA stresses how important good household recycling practices are during this time, including keeping personal protective equipment and other contaminants out of household recycling bins.
Information on recycling during COVID-19 includes:
- What individuals can do, including checking with their local recycling program and hauler on what they accept
- Tips and reminders for how to properly recycle, including:
- Keeping plastic bags, masks, wipes and latex gloves out of the recycling bin
- Treating recyclables as trash if there is someone in the home with COVID-19
- Video message from Administrator Wheeler
- Resources including fact sheets, videos on recycling during the health crisis and proper management of personal protective equipment
Information on sustainable management of food during COVID-19 includes:
- What individuals can do, including meal planning and composting
- What businesses and institutions can do, including what to do with excess food
- Federal resources such as the FoodKeeper App and links to food safety resources
- Additional resources
For contacts for Wisconsin's local recycling programs and additional information on what is banned from landfills in Wisconsin, visit the DNR's What to recycle in Wisconsin webpage.
If COVID-19 is impacting your ability to provide essential recycling services, please let the DNR know. Send an email to DNRRecycling@wisconsin.gov
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The Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) and Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) have launched their initiative encouraging state, regional and local governments to purchase products with post-consumer recycled content. The Government Recycling Demand Champion Program is intended to help strengthen domestic plastic recycling markets and connect purchasers with manufacturers.
Governments can become Champions, where they commit to purchasing items with post-consumer recycled content, or Advocates, where they commit to identify which products with post-consumer recycled content they can purchase.
To learn more about the program, visit the NERC's Government Recycling Demand Champions webpage.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production is accepting applications from local governments willing to host a Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction pilot project for two years.
The goal of this funding opportunity is to assist local governments with development and implementation of municipal compost and food waste reduction projects. Several pilot projects will be funded.
The USDA is looking to fund projects that:
- anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits;
- incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to farmers and community gardeners;
- integrate other food waste strategies, including food recovery efforts; and
- collaborate with multiple partners.
The deadline to apply is June 26. To learn more, visit the Urban Agriculture Grants and Engagement Opportunities webpage or watch a recording of the webinar on this funding opportunity.
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Resource Recycling's webinar series, "The New Normal" will be launching on July 8. The focus of the series will be municipal recycling during COVID-19. Topics will include many challenges facing local recycling programs, including budgets, markets and MRF contracting.
Registration will open soon. To preview topics and speakers, visit the Resource Recycling webinar announcement.
Upcoming Webinars
Sustainable Materials Management at Universities, June 16, 1:30 p.m. EST. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center and the National Recycling Coalition.
Register for the webinar
What Cleaner Glass at the MRF Means to Your Community, June 17, 2020, 2 p.m. EST. Hosted by the Glass Recycling Coalition.
Register for the webinar
Regional Approaches to Fuel Local Circular Economies: Great Lakes Region, June 18, 2020, 11 a.m. EST. Hosted by Resource Recycling Systems.
Register for the webinar
Past Webinars
The Recycling Markets Outlook Forum, April 30. Hosted by the National Recycling Coalition, Environmental Protection Agency and Renew.
Access the recording
Recordings of past webinars are often available for viewing. If you've missed something and would like to see it, please visit the host's site. A few of the webinars we have shared recently can be found on the websites of the Recycling Partnership, Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), the EPA's Sustainable Materials Management Program, and the National Recycling Coalition.
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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
You are subscribed to the Recycling Updates from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. These updates are now available only through periodic email newsletters. For information on past updates or to share new information, please contact Jennifer Semrau.
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