Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin (AROW) is launching a new program designed to reboot recycling in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has one of the most comprehensive recycling programs in the country with 94% of Wisconsin households supporting recycling and recycle regularly. The Recycling Law has been in place for over two and half decades and is responsible for diverting tens of millions of tons of valuable recyclables out of landfills. Despite its popularity, recycling is now facing challenges to its long-term sustainability. News reports from around the globe have told sensational stories about the “collapse” of recycling markets or the “death” of recycling as we know it. These stories are roote

Love your electronic devices all you want, but please, please, please don’t throw them in the trash when you’re done with them. That’s a plea from makers of the lithium-ion batteries that typically power our phones, laptops and even power tools. Thrown into the trash or even the recycling bin, they can cause fires at trash and recycling centers. Last year, 65% of waste facilities fires in California began with lithium-ion batteries. And when one goes, others can, too. “If there are multiple batteries there, you will have not just a fire, you will have explosions,” said Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle, a national recycling program funded by battery manufacturers. It's such a b

At the annual Sustainable Business Awards, Tom Eggert, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council gave 7 Rivers Recycling the 2018 Sustainable Processor award for its mattress recycling operation. 7 Rivers Recycling (7RR) is Wisconsin’s only mattress recycler has been processing mattresses since 2014. The 7RR process involves fileting mattresses, somewhat like you filet a fish, and separating the materials for recycling. The materials are used by foundries (springs); carpet manufactures (foam); mulch producers (wood); and landscapers/movers/contractors (padding). Brian Tippetts, part-owner of 7 Rivers Recycling said, “It is great to be recognized with this state-wide aw

With garden and landscape season at its peak, Waukesha County reminds residents to 'Recycle Right’. Residents should not place used plastic growing pots, plant trays, and plant containers into their curbside recycling containers. They are invited to drop these landscaping items off at local garden centers for recycling. “The curbside recycling program is unable to accept plastic plant containers as these materials are contaminated with dirt and debris,” said Rebecca Mattano, Recycling & Solid Waste Supervisor for Waukesha County. “Taking the extra effort to properly recycle these materials at local businesses keeps plastics out of landfills and saves more than 60% of the energy it takes to m

The recycling industry is getting pickier about the material they’ll take — and that could affect what homeowners put in their bins. China's decision this year to stop accepting most imported scrap has meant lower prices for plastic and paper, placing greater pressure on cities and waste companies nationally and in Wisconsin to keep unwanted trash out of recycling bins. The impact has been more severe on the West Coast, where paper and plastic has been piling up at recycling centers. In Midwest states like Wisconsin, the impact has meant lower prices for scrap and new calls by the recycling industry for cleaner plastic, paper and cardboard than bygone days. That means consumers, who do the b