(Waukesha, WI) – As southeastern Wisconsin reaches peak autumn color and the leaves start to fall, Waukesha County staff wants to remind residents to dispose of their yard waste and landscape plastics properly to reduce contamination at yard waste sites throughout the area.
“Local collection sites have seen an increase of non-organic materials in yard waste,” said Analiese Smith, Recycling and Solid Waste Supervisor for Waukesha County. “Residents should be mindful to remove any contaminants like plastics or trash from their clippings, leaves, and brush before setting materials out for collection or dropping off at a collection site.”
By state law, yard waste may not be put in the trash. Check with your local municipality to learn what services may be provided to assist residents with yard waste. Yard waste may also be managed at home by mulching or composting. Adding mulch or compost to your lawn can improve soil drainage in clay soils and retains moisture in sandy soils to decrease watering needs.
Learn more about composting online at https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/composting.
Landscaping plastic containers and planting trays also should not go in curbside recycling bins or yard waste collections. These pots, containers, and trays are contaminated with dirt and debris, even when rinsed so these cannot be recycled in the curbside recycling bin. Residents are encouraged to check with their local nursery or garden store to see if a take-back program is offered. Residents can review the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of recycling at home with the County’s online Curbside Recycling Guide in English or Spanish at www.waukeshacounty.gov/curbsiderecycling.
For more information about composting and recycling, visit https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300. Like Waukesha County Recycles on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
About the Department of Parks & Land Use
The Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use, working through a combination of collaboration, education and regulation is dedicated to fostering economic development, sound land use, and the protection, enhancement and enjoyment of the County’s natural resources and health of its citizens.
