City of Milwaukee Offers Recycling and “E-Cycling” Tips For the Holidays

The holidays usually mean lots of leftovers, cans, bottles, gift boxes, wrapping paper and of course, the tree! The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works encourages all City residents to recycle the usual bottles, cans and cardboard boxes, but what about those unique holiday items?

What holiday items can be recycled?

• Greeting cards and wrapping paper can be recycled as long as it is free of ribbons, foil, and other non-paper items
• Cardboard gift boxes and packaging can be flattened and recycled, or save them to re-use for other gift-giving opportunities or for storage
• Gift bags, tissue paper, ribbons and bows are NOT recyclable. Re-use them next year and save money and room in the landfill

How about old electronics?

• The City of Milwaukee does not accept old TVs, computers, tablets, scanners, printers, cell phones and other electronics in either the garbage cart or the recycling cart.
• “E-cycle” your old electronics at no charge by taking them to a City Self Help Center. They also may be dropped off at other E-Cycle Wisconsin locations. Visit dnr.wi.gov – search for “E-Cycle”
• The “e-cycling” process recovers valuable materials from old electronics and keeps hazardous pollutants out of the environment
• Go to http://city.milwaukee.gov/electronics to learn more How about disposing of a real Christmas tree and old lights?

After the holidays, take your real tree to one of the City’s Self Help Centers to be composted or mulched. Be sure to remove all lights and decorations first

Or, place the tree at your regular garbage collection site (alley or curb) for pick-up by DPW crews To recycle old Christmas lights, go to www.holidayLEDs.com for more information. Get a coupon for 15% off HolidayLEDs Christmas lights