Recycling and Compost


Recycling

Curbside Recycling

Waste Management provides unlimited curbside pick up of recyclables.

Plastics - Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 plastics are now recyclable!  Rinse and remove caps and rings; labels can remain.  Flatten as much as possible.  Bottles that have contained motor oil, medicine or chemicals cannot be accepted for recycling. All #2 plastic one and five gallon buckets can not be recycled.

Aluminum - Only aluminum cans are accepted for recycling.  Rinsing is encouraged.  Don't include any other kinds of aluminum such as foil or aluminum pie plates in the recycling bin.

Tin Cans - Food cans only - no paint or chemical cans.  Rinse, remove labels, and flatten.  Please put sharp lids in the trash.

Aerosol Cans - can be recycled!  Make sure they are empty and remove plastic nozzles.

Glass - Jars and bottles are accepted for recycling.  Always rinse and remove the lid.  Labels can remain on the container.  Light bulbs, dishes, drinking glasses, mirrors and window glass can be recycled elsewhere or disposed of as trash.

Newspaper - Newsprint must be dry and bundled.  Shiny inserts are acceptable.  Place in brown paper bags.  Do not mix with other types of paper!

Magazines - Magazines and catalogs must be in bundles and tied with string in 6 inch stacks.  Do not mix with other types of paper!

Mixed Paper - Junk Mail, Office Paper, Soft drink/Beer cartons can be recycled.  Place in brown paper bag.  Do not mix with newspapers or magazines!

Cardboard - Corrugated cardboard can be recycled.  Flatten boxes and keep dry.  Cut pieces into less than 3 foot squares and bundle with string or place in a grocery bag.  Pizza boxes, egg containers and wax-coated boxes cannot be recycled.

Computer/TV Recycling

Information on Wisconsin's E-Cycling Law

Wisconsin's electronics recycling law establishes a statewide recycling program administered by the Department of Natural Resouces (DNR).  The program, called E-Cycle Wisconsin, puts in place a system to collect and recycle discarded electronics from Wisconsin households, K-12 public schools and Milwaukee Parental Choice Program schools. 

For more information on E-Cycle Wisconsin, please click here. 

For a list of electronics that can be recycled under E-Cycle Wisconsin, please click here

Recycling through Goodwill

Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin and Dell have launched a computer recycling program, called Reconnect.  Through this ongoing program, residents can drop off any brand of computer equipment in any condition and just about anything that can be attached to a computer, free of charge.  Residents can drop their equipment off at any of the attended donation centers including the center in Monona located at 2501 Royal Ave.  Click here for more information and click here for a list of guidelines.

Other Electronic Recycling Options 

Computers may also be taken to Janseen Computers Corp., 3 Marsh Ct - Madison, WI, 222-9100.

TVs can be taken to Resource Solutions, 244-5451.  Call first for directions.

1-800-Got-Junk recycles TVs, Computer Monitors, Refrigerators, AC Units, Major Appliances, and Renovation Debris.  There is no need to bring the items to the curb, as the company will pick up the items from the house and take them away.  There is a $96 charge to haul away TVs, monitors, and appliances.  Call 1-800-468-5865 for a quote/information.  More information can also be found at www.1800gotjunk.com/madison.

Recycle Your Old Cellphone 

Protect the environment and raise funds for the Senior Center!  Convenient drop off at Stoughton Senior Center and Radio Shack.  Cell phones contain harmful materials like lead and cadmium that are released as phones break down in landfills.

Compost

Home Composting

Composting is a great way to keep organic material out of the waste stream.  It saves tax dollars and provides you with a valuable soil additive.  Composting is easy to do if you follow a few simple guidelines.

1. Use a bin.  A simple wire enclosure will do.  A bin keeps your pile neat and helps retain heat and moisture, two key elements of the compost process.

2. The key to a good working compost pile is a balance of green materials, such as grass clippings or food waste that is high in nitrogen and brown material, such as leaves, that are high in carbon.  A good rule of thumb is to maintain a 50-50 ratio by weight of green and brown material.

3. If you are going to compost kitchen waste, bury the material 6-12 below the surface.  This keeps flies away from your pile.  Compost only vegetable and fruit waste.  Do not compost meat, fats, gravy or pet waste.

4. Don't forget moisture.  A compost pile should be damp so be sure to add water to dry material as you build your pile.  Don't over water.  Materials should be as damp as a wrung out sponge.

Building a Compost Pile

First layer: 3"-4" of chopped brush or other coarse material on top of the soil surface allows air circulation around the base of the heap.

Second layer: 3"-6" of green material, grass clippings, or food waste.

Third layer: 4"-8" of "brown" material, such as leaves.  Add water as needed.

Fourth layer: 1" of soil serves as an inoculate by adding microorganisms to the pile.

Fifth layer: Repeat steps 2-4 until the bin is almost full.  Top off the heap with a layer of leaves or straw and scoop out a "basin" at the top to catch rainwater.

Maintaining Your Compost Pile

A properly made compost pile will reach temperatures of 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit in four or five days.  At this time you'll notice the pile "settling," a good sign that your pile is composting properly.  After 4 or 5 weeks, turn the pile, putting material from the outside of the pile into the center of the new pile.  Add water if necessary.  You shouldn't need to turn your heap a second time.  Your compost should be ready in 3 to 4 months.

Information provided by Dane County at www.co.dane.wi.us


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