Dive Brief:

• A report issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) shows that Wisconsin residents recycled around 750,000 tons of paper and containers in 2012; amounting to 630 pounds per household.

• Simplicity is key: Convenient options such as curbside collections and single-stream recycling have helped encourage residents to recycle, in addition to the variety of materials that are now able to be recycled. 

• According to officials, there is potential for growth in e-waste recycling; state law requires that most electronic devices be recycled; manufacturers contribute to funding for e-waste collection and processing. 

Dive Insight:

It was discovered that residents recycle a greater amount than what is required by state law. The annual report is compiled by the Wisconsin DNR using data collected from counties, cities and villages within the state, while MRFs provide similar information; the data is merged by the department to determine figures which are used to target assistance for specific areas and to make the information available to legislators, officials and the general public.

Similarly, in a recent survey released by the National Waste & Recycling Association, it was found that most Americans will compost if it is convenient.