The Department of Natural Resources provides technical and financial assistance, as well as information and education programs to help communities and businesses comply with the new law. The recycling law banned a list of items from landfills and licensed incinerators between 1990 and 1995. Tires, yard waste, major appliances, used motor oil and lead-acid batteries are also banned from landfills. Some recyclables legally may be incinerated if energy is recovered. Disposal of all plastic containers was originally banned, but it proved impractical as markets have only developed for the two most common types of plastics.
Recycling is again a way of life for Wisconsin residents.
Our resolve to stem wastefulness and better manage those materials we discard has successfully eliminated scrap tire piles, and created grants and loans to manufacturers that use recycled products as raw materials. Since the recycling law passed nine years ago, every state resident has access to a recycling program. More than 125 businesses, individuals, and community groups have received awards from the Governor's Waste Reduction and Recycling Award program for their innovative efforts. Our commitment to recycling is helping us reclaim our conservation ethic and leave a legacy which is richer in resources than refuse. About the author Lissa Radke writes for DNR's Bureau of Waste Management.