Category: Community

Keep Scrap Metal Out of Paper Bins

RECYCLING REMINDER: KEEP SCRAP METAL OUT OF PAPER BINS!

Our paper mill recently found scrap metal in one of our paper loads and had to remove and handle it. Please see the attached photo for an example of what was found.

Scrap metal does NOT belong in our regular recycling bins. All scrap metal must be brought to the designated scrap metal bins at the Winneshiek County Recycling Center or given to a staff member during business hours.

Please also remember to keep paper separate from plastics and metals!

Our combination recycling bins have two separate compartments with a divider between them:

PAPER SIDE: Paper only.
PLASTICS & METALS SIDE: Metal cans and #1, #2, and #5 plastics.

These materials must stay separated to ensure they can be properly recycled. Putting the wrong materials in either compartment can create problems for the recycling process and the facilities that handle our materials.

Thank you for helping us keep our recycling clean, protect our recycling partners, and make sure our materials can be properly recycled!

Picture of various types of scrap metal.

Ask Mr. Recycling – Paper Recycling

In our last episode of “Ask Mr. Recycling”, we discussed paper recycling. Thanks to L A Communications for all your work with this program! In this segment, we mentioned that we would provide a description of how your paper is recycled after it is baled at our recycling center and shipped out:

OFFICE PAPER

-Sorted office paper is sent to a mill where it is mixed with water and broken down into pulp. The pulp is cleaned, and a special process removes printing ink from the paper fibers. The cleaned fibers are then made into new paper products, such as toilet paper, paper towels, and facial tissue.

MIXED PAPER

-Old newspapers take a different path. After being sorted and cleaned, the paper is shredded into small fibers and treated with fire-retardant and pest-resistant additives. The result is cellulose insulation, which can be used in attics, walls, and other parts of buildings.

Thank you for helping keep recyclable materials in circulation and giving them another useful purpose!

Electronic Waste and Scrap Metal Collection Day Recap

Thank you to everyone that showed up to recycle your electronics, appliances, and scrap metal this past Saturday! We had a great turn out! Here are some totals for the number of appliances and electronics dropped off:

Televisions: 52

Monitors: 14

Refrigerators/Freezers: 18

Microwaves: 7

Dehumidifiers: 6

Washers/Dryers: 4

Air Conditioners: 4

Dishwashers: 3

Stoves/Ovens: 3

Water Heaters:1

In addition, we also received a lot of scrap metal! Thanks for doing your part and keeping these valuable materials out of our landfill!7 people standing in front of the Winneshiek County Recycling Center

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