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

1. 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
2. Make It Easy: Clearly labeled recycling bins should be prominently placed throughout your property, positioned right next to regular trash bins.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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