Celebrate America Recycles Day

Free Community Event

 Waukesha, WI (October 23, 2012) – The public is invited to a Community Open House at the Waukesha County Materials Recycling Facility, 220 S. Prairie Avenue,  on Saturday, November 10 from 10 a.m. – Noon.   Visitors will enjoy refreshments and tours of the facility along with music and prizes from 94.5 The Lake FM.   Children will have the opportunity to meet Recycle Raccoon to collect trading cards and learn more about recycling.  Families will also be able view Veolia refuse and recycling collection trucks as well as speak to representatives.  In addition to all the other activities, attendees can pick up a free recycling bin (while supplies last) and register to win additional prizes including a home compost bin, laptop lunch box, and a kitchen compost collector. 

This annual event celebrates America Recycles Day by taking visitors behind the scenes to see how 90 tons of recyclables are sorted and baled each day for shipment to markets.  Everyone will have the opportunity to learn about products made from recycled materials and the impact that the recycling industry has on energy, natural resources and the economy.  For more information, visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300.

Carroll University Game Day Recycling Challenge

Waukesha (WI) – October 22, 2012 – The Game Day Challenge is coming to Waukesha on Saturday, November 3.  Carroll University, in collaboration with the Waukesha County recycling office, will participate in the event during the final Pioneers football game this season, against Beloit College.

 The goal of the friendly recycling challenge is to reduce the amount of garbage generated at the game and attempt to divert as much garbage as possible for recycling or composting.  The results of this event and the other universities participating nationwide will be posted on www.gamedaychallenge.org. 

 “Carroll is proud to be hosting this event for the first time in 2012,” said Sue Sazy, project coordinator at Carroll and the Green Team advisor. “We are hopeful this event will engage the student body and Carroll community as a whole to promote sustainability efforts on and off campus.”

 In addition to participating in the competition, Carroll University and Waukesha County hope to create an engaging atmosphere for the game, including green themes and promotions.  One lucky fan will even be picked from a drawing to win a brand new Trek bike, donated by Cyclesmith in Waukesha.

 Fans can come early to enjoy green related activities and giveaways at the pre-game green tailgate party inside Schneider Stadium.  During the game, fans will also see a green T-shirt toss and half-time race between the university mascot, Pio Pete, and the Waukesha County recycling mascot, Recycle Raccoon.

 “We are thrilled to collaborate with Carroll University for this green event.  Promoting recycling and waste reduction at the home football game is a great opportunity for us and the university,” said Rebecca Mattano, recycling and solid waste supervisor for Waukesha County.

 The Game Day Challenge is sponsored nationwide by the College and University Recycling Coalition, Keep America Beautiful, and Recycle Mania.

 Game time is 1:00 pm.  Adult tickets are $5, children are $3. Free admission for Carroll University students, with valid ID.

Save Some Green while Greening your Environment

Waukesha County Recycling and Land Conservation Staff Speak at Local Chamber Event

Waukesha (WI) – September 25, 2012 – Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use staff, Meribeth Sullivan, Recycling Specialist, and Jayne Jenks, Conservation Specialist, will speak at the Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on October 10.  The presentation will focus on ways to save money and reduce waste through recycling, water conservation and properly managing storm water at your business and home! Guests will discover best practices for business recycling along with details about Waukesha County’s small business recycling assistance program.  Lastly, attendees can learn about best practices and planning for managing storm water runoff along with helpful water conservation tips.  The public is welcome and should attend if interested in saving money, reducing waste, getting new office recycling bins for their business, winning a compost bin, conserving and preserving our waters in Lake Country!

 The Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be held on Wednesday October 10 from 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. at the Butler Inn, 742 Glacier Road in Pewaukee. There is a fee of $15 for chamber members and $20 for guests.  All attendees must register online before October 5 at http://www.pewaukeechamber.org/.

FREE Workshop Teaches Eco-friendly Yard Care Methods

Don’t Rake or Burn – Turn Over a New Leaf

Waukesha (WI) – September 24, 2012 – Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use – Recycling and Solid Waste staff are offering a free workshop at Retzer Nature Center on Saturday October 6 from 10-11a.m. to help residents learn eco-friendly yard care methods that save time and money!  Join neighbors and friends in finding out how to handle large amounts of leaves this fall without burning or raking, piling, bagging or dragging. Residents will learn simple yard management techniques such as leaf composting and mulching leaves directly into the lawn.  These easy and efficient methods will improve the health of your lawn and air quality while saving time and money.  Call 262-548-7801 to register by October 5.

 For more information visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300.

 

One-Day Compost Bin Sale

Saturday, October 6 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Retzer Nature Center

Waukesha (WI) – September 24, 2012 – To encourage more residents to try backyard composting, Waukesha County recycling staff will hold a special one-day sale of compost bins on Saturday, October 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Retzer Nature Center, S14W28167 Madison Street, Waukesha. The Home Composter bin will sell for $45.00 on this day only.  Any additional bins left over from the sale will be available through Retzer’s gift shop for $55.00.   For more information on this special sale visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300.

 Composting helps nature recycle valuable nutrients back into the soil, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and increases soil structure and productivity.  Compost also saves water by helping the soil hold moisture and reduce water runoff.  According to Wisconsin waste management specialists, almost 25 percent of household trash is organic material that could be composted instead of going to the landfill. Organic materials that have traditionally been considered waste – grass clippings, leaves, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds, for example – can sidestep the trash can and become a valuable soil amendment.  Home composting is not complicated. For tips and helpful links visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/composting.

Ode to the “Trash Maven” (aka/Karen Fiedler)

 

Trash, trash everywhere – what can one tree hugger do?

Reduce, reuse, recycle – keep shouting ‘till your blue?

A volunteer collection with a divided trailer will do

It’s a starter, but a landfill ban would be much smarter

Maybe I’ll call a legislator or two

 

Reduce, reuse, recycle – hip-hip hooray!

With the new state recycling law the county can lead the way!

Glass and paper, plastic and tin – go in the recycle bin

With state grants to boot – and people that give a hoot

Let the sorters at the MRF begin!

 

Reduce, reuse, recycle – the message is catching on – holy cow!

Weekly pick-up, a handsome mascot – we are looking good now!

MRF markets are reaching new heights, three hazardous waste sites

The people demand it, the private sector will man it

A policy maker’s delight!

 

Reduce, reuse, recycle – the message is not complex

The MRF is making money now – let’s tackle yard waste next

Maybe that new tall guy can lead – after all, how hard could it be?

Just combine it with mining, and put up with the whining

And five years later, we’re a composting permittee

 

Reduce, reuse, recycle – form a coalition – it’s a must!

Let’s hire some tech savy interns, and make our web sites really robust

MRF tours, presentations, and schools going green

E-cycling, oil filters, and blue bins for free!

If only product stewardship would come to be

 

Reduce, reuse, recycle – the system is changing it seems

The blue bins are artful, but replaced by big cart fulls

The future looks like single stream

MRF rebates are big, but we need some new digs

Is a partner to the east just a dream?

 

Reduce, reuse, recycle – the Trash Maven is wearing a grin

A state leader for decades you’ve been, but you’ve decided to turn it in

With grandkids on each coast, it is there you want to be most

Of your work you can be proud, a big thank you from today’s crowd

Nothing but the best for you is wished, Karen – you will truly be missed

A new motto has been adopted for today in your honor:

Reduce, reuse, recycle – RETIRE!

 

Yours Truly,

Perry Lindquist, Land Resources Manager

Presented at Karen’s Zero-Waste Retirement Party

September 4, 2012

Composting, Recycling and Water Conservation Information at Local Farmers’ Markets

Waukesha (WI) – August 27, 2012 – In addition to fresh produce, residents can get the most up-to-date information on composting, recycling, water conservation and storm water management!  Residents will also be able to purchase a Home Composter for only $55 (cash or check) at the Stone Bank and Oconomowoc markets.

 Waukesha County recycling and water conservation staff will be at the following Farmers’ Markets:

• September 13: Stone Bank Farmers’ Market from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• September 15: Oconomowoc Farmers’ Market from 7:00 a.m. – Noon
• September 27: Piala’s Farmers’ Market from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Stop by the tent to purchase a home composter (cash or check only), pick up information and ask questions.  Residents can also get a free recycling bin while supplies last.  Visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300 for more information.

SPECIAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION September 8, 2012

Waukesha (WI) – August 27, 2012 – There will be a special one-day collection of household hazardous waste open to any Waukesha County resident on Saturday, September 8 from 8:00 a.m. to noon in Oconomowoc. The collection will take place at the City Department of Public Work Garage at 630 South Worthington Street.

 Old, unusable chemicals, pesticides, wood preservatives, solvents, oil-based paints, and mercury-containing products will be accepted. Latex paint and non-hazardous cleaning materials will not be accepted.

“This is a once a year opportunity for residents in the Oconomowoc area to properly dispose of hazardous waste in a convenient location,” stated Karen Fiedler, Solid Waste Supervisor for Waukesha County.

Waukesha County also has four year-round collection sites located in Muskego, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, and Franklin. For more information, including a detailed list of acceptable household hazardous waste materials, visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/hazardouswaste or call 262-896-8300.

This program is funded by Waukesha County and Veolia Environmental Services in partnership with the local municipalities. Proof of residency is required at all locations at all times.

Learn More About Rain Gardens, Native Plants, Composting, and Recycling at Retzer Nature Center\

Learn about Rain Gardens, Native Plants, Home Composting, and Recycling

Saturday, August 25^th at Retzer Nature Center

 

Waukesha, WI – Retzer Nature Center, located at S14W28167 Madison Street, will be buzzing with educational activities on Saturday, August 25 beginning at 9a.m.!   Events of the day include a Native Plant & Home Compost Bin Sale (9a.m.-noon), Rain Garden & Rain Barrel Class (10-11a.m.), and a Recycling Outreach Booth (11a.m.-1p.m.).  There is no fee required for entrance into Retzer Nature Center and all are welcome to attend.  Visit www.waukeshacounty.gov for more information.

• Native Plant Sale (9a.m.-noon):  Join nature specialists to learn  about gardening with native species.   The plant sale features native grasses, wild lupine, compass plant, asters, prairie blazing star and much more.       There will be opportunities to ask Waukesha County Parks and Land Use staff questions regarding natural landscaping and plant identification as well as view a continuously running 10-minute power point program on “Selection and Care of Your Native Plants”.
• Home Compost Bin Sale (9a.m.-noon): The Home Composter is only $55, it is easy to assemble, lightweight, and fits into most vehicles.  Includes a booklet on how to compost your kitchen vegetable scraps and yard debris to make a great soil amendment for your garden, lawn, or shrubs.
• Save Water, Save Money with Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels (10-11a.m.):  Capture your runoff by learning basic design and installation of rain gardens and rain barrels.  Call 262-548-7801 to register by Friday, August 24.
• Recycling      Outreach Booth (11a.m.-1p.m.):  Waukesha County Recycling and Solid Waste staff will be available to help residents stay informed and recycle more.  Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, pick up information, get a free blue recycling bin (while supplies last), and learn how to increase recycling rates!

 

Retzer Nature Center is a part of the Waukesha County Park System, which is a natural resource based park system that demonstrates stewardship while providing recreational and educational opportunities.

The Recycling Reflex

What if there were something that could create 1.5 million new jobs, reduce carbon emissions equal to taking 50 million cars off the road, cut dependence on foreign oil, increase exports, save water, improve air quality and reduce toxic waste? What if it were low-cost and readily implemented? Wouldn’t everyone do it? At a time of wildfires, droughts and persistent unemployment, wouldn’t it be a centerpiece of the presidential campaign?
Well, there is such a thing. It’s called recycling

 

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/25/the-recycling-reflex/

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