City of Milwaukee Offers Recycling and “E-Cycling” Tips For the Holidays
The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works encourages all City residents to recycle the usual bottles, cans and cardboard boxes, but what about those unique holiday items?
The holidays usually mean lots of leftovers, cans, bottles, gift boxes, wrapping paper and of course, the tree! The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works encourages all City residents to recycle the usual bottles, cans and cardboard boxes, but what about those unique holiday items?
What holiday items can be recycled?
- Greeting cards and wrapping paper can be recycled as long as it is free of ribbons, foil, and other non-paper items
- Cardboard gift boxes and packaging can be flattened and recycled, or save them to re-use for other gift-giving opportunities or for storage
- Gift bags, tissue paper, ribbons and bows are NOT recyclable. Re-use them next year and save money and room in the landfill
How about old electronics?
- The City of Milwaukee does not accept old TVs, computers, tablets, scanners, printers, cell phones and other electronics in either the garbage cart or the recycling cart.
- “E-cycle” your old electronics at no charge by taking them to a City Self Help Center. They also may be dropped off at other E-Cycle Wisconsin locations. Visit dnr.wi.gov – search for “E-Cycle”
- The “e-cycling” process recovers valuable materials from old electronics and keeps hazardous pollutants out of the environment
- Go to http://city.milwaukee.gov/electronics to learn more
How about disposing of a real Christmas tree and old lights?
- After the holidays, take your real tree to one of the City’s Self Help Centers to be composted or mulched. Be sure to remove all lights and decorations first
- Or, place the tree at your regular garbage collection site (alley or curb) for pick-up by DPW crews
- To recycle old Christmas lights, go to www.holidayLEDs.com for more information. Get a coupon for 15% off HolidayLEDs Christmas lights
Which containers are recyclable?
- Milk, juice and soup cartons
- Plastic containers marked with “#1, #2, #4, and #5” are all recyclable
- All food and beverage containers should be emptied and rinsed before placing them in the recycling cart
What about metal pots and pans, plus aluminum foil and baking pans?
- Worn out metal pots and pans can be recycled
- Aluminum foil and baking pans can be recycled as long as they are clean
Recycling cart full?
- Place your extra recyclables in a clear bag and set them next to your recycling cart for pick-up
- Or bring your extra recyclables to a City Self Help Center
Go to www.MilwaukeeRecycles.com for more information on acceptable materials for recycling in the City of Milwaukee.
For information on the City’s Self Help Centers (hours, locations, what is acceptable, etc.), go to www.city.milwaukee.gov/mpw. The centers will be closed on December 31 and January 1.
City residents can use www.mpw.milwaukee.gov/services/garbage_day to determine their next scheduled garbage and recycling dates. There will be no garbage or recycling pick-up on December 31 and January 1.
Residents can also call (414) 286-CITY (-2489) for more information.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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