Methods of Waste Recycling

• Recycling programs keep waste out of landfills Juan Silva/Stockbyte/Getty Images

  According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, each Wisconsin resident generates almost a ton of waste each year but only a third of that is recycled or composted. Some areas around the country take recycling very seriously and fine residents for putting recyclables in the trash. More recycling methods are becoming available, including options for disposing of recyclable items that aren't accepted in regular municipal recycling programs.

Collection Programs

• Many communities offer curbside collection, either managed by the municipality or contracted to a third-party waste management company. Residents are given containers to collect their recyclables, a description of recyclable items, instructions for preparing materials and a pickup schedule. Smaller communities may opt instead for a central recycling point where residents can bring their recyclables. Both home and central drop-off points are available in many areas. For recyclable items that are not included in home or municipal recycling programs, specialty recyclers may accept drop-offs at no charge or even pay for certain items such as aluminum.

Commingled or Separated

• Some recycling programs allow materials to be commingled, also called single stream recycling. One container is provided for all household recyclables, including paper, aluminum and metal cans, glass and plastic. If commingling is not allowed, residents must separate paper from other recyclables. Two containers are provided, one for paper and one for everything else.

Business to Business

• Industrial waste is a big market for recycling. Whether scrap metal from a fabricating plant, circuit boards from large corporations or fat and oil from restaurants, recycling companies who will buy it exist. Some companies, such as paper manufacturers, have found ways to recycle and reuse their own waste, such as paper from the cutting-room floor.

Special Handling

• Many items are recyclable but are excluded from home recycling programs. Communities may allow certain items to be dropped off at recycling centers, such as motor oil and appliances containing Freon. Stores specializing in ink cartridges and batteries frequently offer recycling services for those items. Some materials, such as computers and electronics, may contain hazardous materials and cannot be included in recycling programs or sent to landfills. Specialty recyclers may accept these items, sometimes paying for large quantities, and reclaim the hazardous materials for a profit. Clothing and textiles are also recyclable but aren't accepted in recycling programs. Many charitable organizations will accept these as donations and resell them in their stores or sell to salvage companies as rags.