(WAUKESHA, Wis.) – This summer, Waukesha County is making it easier for residents to recycle with confidence. Waukesha County Recycles is kicking off a countywide recycling education campaign designed to help households understand what belongs in the recycling bin – and what doesn’t.

Throughout the summer months, the initiative will bring practical tips, community outreach events, and easy-to-follow resources directly to residents across the county. The goal is simple: reduce contamination in recycling carts and ensure more materials are successfully recycled.

“Removing waste from recyclables provides for higher quality recycled material, better market value for the material and a financial win for taxpayers,” Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow said. “This campaign is about giving residents the tools they need to make recycling simple and effective.”

While most residents want to recycle responsibly, confusion about acceptable materials can lead to items ending up in the wrong place. Plastic bags, food waste, and certain packaging materials are among the most common items mistakenly placed in recycling carts, which can contaminate otherwise recyclable materials and disrupt processing at recycling facilities.

The summer campaign will focus on three key messages:

• Know what belongs in your cart. Common recyclable materials include clean paper, cardboard, metal cans, and certain plastic containers.

• Keep items loose, empty and dry. Do not bag recyclables, as equipment cannot sort bagged materials. Food residue and liquids can contaminate recyclables.

• When in doubt, throw it out. Non-recyclable items placed in carts can cause serious disruption at recycling facilities.

Residents can expect to see recycling education throughout the county this summer, including social media tips, community outreach events and digital resources.

By improving recycling habits, Waukesha County aims to reduce contamination, lower processing costs, protect natural resources and conserve landfill space.

Residents can learn more about how to recycle correctly and access educational resources at waukeshacounty.gov/recycling.