Wisconsin Recycles

Good for our economy. Good for our environment. And, it's the law!

Each Wisconsin resident generates an average of 1,980 pounds of waste each year. That's a lot of waste! The good news is that we recycle or compost 34 percent of it. Wisconsin's outstanding recycling efforts are part of a tradition of strong stewardship.

This page contains an overview of recycling in Wisconsin. Use the links on the left side of the page to find more specific information about recycling at your home or business, dealing with special materials, and running a local recycling program or materials recovery facility.

Why Recycle?

Recycling is good for our economy. Providing hundreds of community-based jobs, recycling strengthens our Wisconsin economy. By collecting or using recycled materials, finding new markets for materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, and exploring new ways to reduce waste, our recycling industry stimulates economic development and drives real job creation.

Recycling is good for our environment. Want to help fight climate change and preserve our environment? Keep recycling! We keep almost 2 million tons of material out of Wisconsin landfills and incinerators every year through recycling and composting. Recycling paper produces 73 percent less air pollution than using virgin materials. Recycling glass reduces mining waste by 80 percent. Recycling reduces waste, cuts air pollution and saves energy.

Recycling is the law. Since 1990, Wisconsin's recycling law requires all residents and businesses to recycle banned materials, and ensures all residents have access to a locally run recycling program

We Can Do More

Wisconsin is a leader in recycling; to remain at the forefront, each of us can do more. Navigate this Web site to find answers to your recycling questions, review recycling studies, apply for recycling grants or download educational materials and help spread the word. Learn how to recycle at festivals and fairs or when you're on the road, and keep current with recycling policy changes and future initiatives. Learn how to manage specific materials like batteries, bulbs and automotive materials.

Working together, we'll keep recycling strong in Wisconsin and advance our waste reduction efforts further. We'll strengthen our economy, adhere to our laws and help ensure a clean and healthy Wisconsin for future generations.