Ever wonder what really happens to all the stuff that you put in the blue recycling bins that the city sanitation workers empty every week? Do you wonder whether the city makes money from recycling or whether recycling costs taxpayers? You can find the answers to all of these questions and more on Tuesday, Feb 13, at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln County Service Center (801 Sales St.) when Dustin Bonack, Merrill’s Street Superintendent appears for Live Sustainable Lincoln County’s monthly meeting.
Although recycling has been mandated by the State of Wisconsin for municipalities since 1990 it took nearly four years to fully implement. Bonack will cover the history of recycling in Wisconsin and Merrill as well as explain the ways in which recycling has changed since it began. In addition, he will outline what municipal benefits there are as well as the challenges of effective recycling programs. He will explain the differences between traditional recycling and single-stream programs. Statewide mandates for recycling include educational efforts as well as reporting responsibilities. As part of his program, Bonack will explain those requirements and how Merrill has fulfilled them. His presentation will include fun facts about recycling, illuminate the state-of-the-art recycling facility run by Eagle Waste and show how Merrill’s brush and compost program fits into the total recycling picture.
All Live Sustainable events are open to the public – you do not need to be a member to attend (although membership is encouraged).