Wisconsin researchers are digging through the trash in a new study on recycling.
In the study, researchers literally sifted through 400 samples of garbage in 14 landfills to determine how well Wisconsin residents recycle.
The Cascadia study, run by the Department of Natural Resources and released in August, was the state’s first hands-on look at the overall effectiveness of the recycling program.
The researchers focused on the amount of trash banned from landfills in residential and commercial recycling, as well as in the waste compiled from new construction.
For example, researchers looked for aluminum cans and plastic bottles, which are banned from landfills.
While the study showed Wisconsin residents to be above average recyclers at home, researchers concluded they need to do a better job with recyclables while away from home.
Although 94 percent of Wisconsin residents recycle at home, Cynthia Moore from the Bureau of Waste Management said, “Consumption is going away from the home, especially in the form of plastic bottles.”
She said recycling facilities are not often available to the public. Because the potential venues for public recycling are so varied, ranging from homes to State Parks and shopping malls, Moore said recycling efforts should be tailored to the venue, taking into account practicality and cost.
George Dreckmann of Madison’s Recycling Program said Madison residents recycle “poorly” when out of the house. Dreckmann said one of the biggest reasons there are not enough recycling bins in public places around Madison is mainly due to funding shortages.
“When we had funding to place recycling bins in public areas, people threw trash in them and the whole bin was disposed of in the landfill,” Dreckmann said. “So we took them out. Now that there is interest in public recycling, we don’t have the financial resources to provide the facilities. It’s a Catch-22.”
While there is no official environmental policy statement developed for the University of Wisconsin campus, the university is a member of the Talloires Declaration, which outlines participation and education in environmental issues on campuses.
UW is also a voluntary partner in the Environmental Protection Agency’s WasteWise program.
UW junior Rebecca Tresler said she occasionally recycles. “If I see a bin I will recycle, but I don’t go out of my way to find one.” Tresler said.
UW freshman Courtney Charvat said she religiously recycles on campus. “Recycling is wonderful in the dorms. Every room has a bin. There is no excuse for not recycling in the dorm,” she said. “I not only recycle, I pick up from the street and recycle as well.”
Charvat said it is more difficult to recycle while out on campus due to the lack of convenient receptacles, however.
The strategies to increase public recycling include education for the consumer and businesses as well as targeted programs and event collection. The city of Madison has targeted events such as Madison Mallard games where there has been major success in getting fans to recycle.
Currently the Bureau for Waste Management is reviewing specific programs to increase awareness and education on the issue.
“In the short term,” Moore said, “we subscribe to the take-it-home-with-you campaign.”
