Think Outside the Trash, Recycle

The first thing that usually comes to mind when thinking about recycling programs are the environmental benefits. The more materials that we recycle, the less we put into landfills, and the better off the environment is. Recycling does help to protect the environment in this way. But in addition to helping to protect the environment, the village’s overall recycling programs help to promote fiscally sustainability and enhance the quality of life of residents. 

For example, for the village to dispose of one ton of garbage costs approximately $52, and Bayside residents threw away 891.75 tons of garbage through October 2011. By comparison, there is not a cost per ton for disposing for recycling. In fact, depending upon the market value of the recycling goods, the village can receive credits back for recycling materials.  

Here's a few things to remember:

• Glass is 100 percent recycable. Any glass that goes into a landfill will never break down.
• Pizza boxes can't be recycled because of the food residue on the box.
• The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District provides numerous hazardous waste disposal services. You can find those services here.
• The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resoures provides information about handling and disposing of CFL and other light bulbs on their website. 

Bayside remains committed to protecting the environment through the continuation of recycling programs, but it is also focused on the bigger picture.