ARE YOU RECYCLING THE RIGHT ITEMS? Many folks may be surprised to learn that the seemingly recyclable items they are putting curbside are not actually recyclable – or at least, need to be recycled through another facility or program. (Photo via Unsplash)

Not every item you think is recyclable actually is, and a lot of items actually need to be dropped off at a specific site, not tossed into your recycling bins. While folks who sort through recyclables picked up by local waste management businesses are on the lookout for such items, it helps everyone – including the environment – to know if and where common household items can be recycled.

Eau Claire County Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator Regan Watts said the top recycling mistakes they see are:

• Bagging recyclables
• Putting black plastics in curbside recycling
• Incorrectly disposing of electronics + batteries in recycling or garbage
• Putting plastic bags and film in curbside recycling

Within Eau Claire County, only plastics #1 and #2 are curbside recyclable; All other recyclables must be discarded through other facilities and/or programs. So, what items can you put curbside for recycling? 

Common Materials + Items Accepted:

• Lids-on Plastics #1 and #2: Water and soda bottles, clean yogurt tubs, coffee creamer bottles, etc. 
• Aluminum/Tin Cans.
• Lids-off Glass Bottles and Jars. 
• Paper/Cardboard (broken down)

Common Materials + Items NOT Accepted:

• Plastic Berry Containers: These can be labeled as a #1 plastic, but their composition is different from other #1 plastics.
• Black Plastics: Sorting machines use light to detect plastics, since these are black they do not reflect light.
• Freezer or Fridge Boxes (food containers in direct contact with freezer): If the food in your freezer touches the box directly (like frozen foods such as corn dogs, Hot Pockets, etc.) throw the box in the trash. Dry food boxes are okay, this only applies to refrigerated and frozen items. 
• Plastic Pouches: These are mixed material and cannot be recycled (The Eau Claire Refillery does accept these items for recycling, along with razors).
• Disposable Coffee Cups: The lid is usually a #6 plastic and the cups are often styrofoam or plastic lined.
• Styrofoam (Plastic #6): Styrofoam as a material is too light and messy to sort, making it very difficult to sort and recycle.
• Paper-based Cartons: These are a mixed material made with paper, plastic, and sometimes aluminum to increase shelf-life. 
• Single Serving Coffee Cups (K-Cups): Too small to recycle and end up getting lost in the recycling process
• Greasy Pizza Boxes: Tops of boxes may be recycled if they are not greasy. Grease is what contaminates the recyclable material. 
• Shredded Paper: This should be discarded through compost, trash, or community shredding events.
• Straws and Plastic Utensils: These items are too small to recycle.
• Plastic Bags or Film: Including grocery store plastic bags, which must be taken to stores with specific recycling for them.
• Toys or Hangers. 
• Squeeze Tubes.
• Cookware or Dishes, including cups. 
• Light Bulbs. 
• Wax/Plastic Coated Boxes, like some juice cartons.
• Napkins, tissues, and gift wrap. 

It is important to note that all items accepted into the recycling process must be clean and dry, and not bagged. As noted on the City of Eau Claire's website, when folks bag their recycling, it is most likely to get tossed into the garbage. Plastic bags, electronics, cords, clothing, and other non-curbside recyclables can contaminate the recycling process and can cause it to end up in the landfill.

Area Recycling Drop-sites: 

• Bridge Creek – S9515 Hwyw 27, Augusta (Saturdays, 9am-1pm)
• Brunswick – W3020 Mitchell Rd., Eau Claire (Saturdays, 9am-12pm)
• Drammen – W6505 County Rd., ZZ, at Town Shop (Saturdays, 9am-12pm)
• Fairchild – 121 Emery St., Fairchild (Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am-12pm)
• Foster – S12785 Wren Rd., Osseo (1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 8am-12pm)
• Lincoln – S5555 Green Meadow Rd., Fall Creek (2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 9am-1pm)
• Ludington – N956 Town Shop Rd., Fall Creek (1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 8am-12pm)
• Pleasant Valley – S10405 Cty Rd., HHI, Eleva (2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 8am-12pm)
• Seymour – 8011 Olson Drive, Eau Claire (Tuesdays, 12pm-4pm and Saturdays, 8am-12pm)
• Union – 1882 White Pine Dr., Eau Claire (Wednesdays, 1-5pm and Saturdays, 8am-12pm)
• Wilson – E26936 Cty Rd. G, Stanley (Saturdays, 8am-12pm)

Eau Claire County residents can recycle electronics and batteries for free year-round at First Choice Computer Recycling (525 Park Ridge Ct., Eau Claire), as well as small appliances and fans, vacuums, washers and dryers, laptops and TVs, cell phones, etc. 

For more information and resources on recycling in Eau Claire, visit the City of Eau Claire website.