New curbside recycling program in Madison, Wisconsin, will expand list of materials that can be recovered to include plastic bags, all plastic containers, metal packaging, effective Jan. 1, 2012

Lorena Madrigal

MADISON, Wisconsin , December 30, 2011 (press release) – The City of Madison will be expanding the list of materials that it will accept in its curbside recycling program beginning January 1, 2012. The changes are possible because of a new recycling processing contract the City has signed with Pellitteri Waste Systems of Madison.

"We are very excited about our new recycling contract," Madison recycling coordinator George Dreckmann said. "In addition to expanding the list of materials that Madison residents can put in their green recycling carts, we were able to negotiate a lower fee for sorting and selling our material. This lower fee will save taxpayers $173,470 per year."

City of Madison residents will now be able to add the following material to their recycling carts;

1) All plastic containers with the numbers #1 through #7.
This includes dairy tubs, deli containers and clear plastic clamshell packages and the lids to these containers.
2) Plastic bags
Plastic bags must be placed inside a plastic bag with that bag being tied shut.
Plastic bags that can be recycled include retail store bags, produce bags, and newspaper bags. You can also recycle clean plastic film. No dark green of black plastic bags or film.
3) Empty steel paint cans and their lids.
4) Metal pots and pans
5) Small metal appliances such as toasters or blender bases, and metal power tools.
5) Metal faucets and pipe less than 18" in length

"We estimate that these changes will mean an additional 500-700 tons of recyclables each year, "Dreckmann said. "That will save $20-25,000 in landfill fees and generate another $60,000 in revenue from the sale of the material."

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