Recycling in Milwaukee: A Guide for Apartment Communities
Milwaukee, known for its brewing heritage and friendly Midwestern spirit, is also committed to sustainability. Recycling plays a vital role in keeping Brew City clean and green. Let's delve into Milwaukee's recycling ordinances and best practices for making recycling a success in your apartment community.
Understanding Milwaukee's Recycling Regulations
- Mandatory Participation: All multi-family residences in Milwaukee are required to offer accessible recycling services to their tenants.
- What Goes in the Bin: Milwaukee's recycling program accepts a wide range of materials, including:
- Paper, cardboard (flatten boxes, please!)
- Aluminum and steel cans
- Glass bottles and jars (any color)
- Plastics #1, #2, #4, and #5
- Cartons (from milk, broth, etc.)
- What Stays Out: Items like plastic bags, food waste, and yard debris disrupt recycling. Emphasize clean, empty recyclables! Check the City of Milwaukee's website for an up-to-date list: https://city.milwaukee.gov/sanitation
Tips for Effective Recycling in Your Milwaukee Apartment
- Collection Choices: Explore recycling collection options for your complex. Contact the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works for details and recommendations: https://city.milwaukee.gov/sanitation
- Make It Easy: Clearly labeled recycling bins should be prominently placed throughout your property, positioned right next to regular trash bins.
- Communicate Clearly: Provide educational guides to residents (with visuals!) outlining acceptable materials. Consider including helpful imagery for ease of understanding. Regularly remind residents about recycling in newsletters and on social media.
- Composting: A Growing Opportunity: Explore the potential of composting. While Milwaukee doesn't have a city-wide composting program, private services or community gardens might offer solutions to further reduce landfill waste from your community.
The Importance of Recycling in Milwaukee
- Protecting Lake Michigan: Recycling plays a role in keeping Lake Michigan, a vital resource for Milwaukee, clean and healthy.
- Preserving Natural Spaces: Recycling conserves resources and reduces waste, minimizing the impact on Wisconsin's beautiful natural areas.
- Community Spirit: Successful recycling initiatives build a sense of environmental responsibility and pride among residents.
- Attracting Renters: Offering easy, accessible recycling makes your apartments appealing to environmentally conscious individuals.
Resources for Recycling Success in Milwaukee
- City of Milwaukee - Department of Public Works: Your hub for recycling information, updates, collection schedules, and answers to common questions: https://city.milwaukee.gov/sanitation
- WasteFree: Discover waste audits, enhanced recycling solutions, educational resources, and support programs tailored for businesses: https://www.wastefree.com/
Let's Make Milwaukee Greener – Together!
By understanding the city's recycling rules and empowering your residents to actively participate, your apartment community becomes a leader in Milwaukee's environmental efforts.