2024 Beaver Creek Recycler

Family

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Pine Needle Weaving 1:00-3:00 PM

Annual Midwest Crane Count 5:30-7:30 AM

Changes in the Land 2:30-3:30 PM

Spring Nature Journal Series, Part 1 3:00-4:30 PM

Adult Wildflower Phenology

9:30-11:00 AM

Preparing for your Pollinators 5:00-6:00 PM

Earth Extravaganza & Bird Banders Thrift Sale 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Seed Starting for Kids 4:30-5:30 PM

Beetles & Biocontrol 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Morning at the Feeders 8:00-9:00 AM

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Butterfly 102: Identifying WI Native & Host Plants 5:00-5:30 PM with the Chippewa Valley Museum

RecyclingRecap

Lidson!

#1, #2 & #5

Bottles/ Containers

No clamshells, berry containers, or black plastic

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags, wraps, and films should never be in curbside recycling. Take to store drop off collections.

Yuck

Putting garbage, liquids & food in the recycling makes it difficult and costly to sort clean recyclables.

Tanglers

Things like cords, hangers, & hoses cause unnecessary damage to equipment and make sorting recycling more expensive

Sharps

Needles, lancets & syringes are the #1 safety concern for staff. Do not throw sharps in recycling or trash! Visit: www echealthalliance org/resources for resources on sharps disposal

Shredded Paper

This should be discarded through trash or see if your bank has shredding events

Tanks

Tanks & compressed gas cylinders can contain small amounts of fuel and can ignite if damaged.

Textiles

Clothing, bedding & towels wrap around sorting equipment creating unnecessary maintenance

Batteries & Electronics

Batteries & electronics are a fire hazard and should never go in recycling or garbage Residents can take most items to First Choice Computer Recycling for free.

Lidsoff!

Recycling Drop-sites

Drop sites are available for those who reside in the municipalities where the site is located.

Bridge Creek S9515 Hwy. 27, Augusta (North of Augusta)

Saturdays, 7:00AM - 12:00PM

Brunswick W3020 Mitchell Rd , Eau Claire (East of Hwy 37 and Trinity Equestrian Center

Saturdays, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Drammen W6505 County Rd ZZ, Located at Town Shop

Saturdays, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Fairchild 121 Emery Street, Fairchild

Wednesdays, 8:00AM - 12:00PM

Saturdays, 8:00AM - 12:00PM

Foster S12785 Wren Rd, Osseo (Cty HH & Wren Rd East of Foster)

1st & 3rd Saturdays of month

8:00AM - 12:00PM

Lincoln S5555 Green Meadow Rd, Fall Creek (South of US Hwy 12)

2nd & 4th Saturdays of month

9:00AM - 1:00PM

Ludington N956 Town Shop Rd., Fall Creek (Intersection of Cty D & Town Shop Rd.)

1st & 3rd Saturdays of month

8:00AM - 12:00PM

Pleasant Valley S10405 Cty Rd. HHI, Eleva (Across from Town Hall)

2nd & 4th Saturdays of month, 8:00AM - 12:00PM

Seymour 8011 Olson Drive, Eau Claire

Tuesdays, 12:00PM - 4:00PM

Saturdays, 8:00AM - 12:00PM

Union 1882 White Pine Dr., Eau Claire

Wednesdays, 1:00PM - 5:00PM

Saturdays, 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Wilson E26936 Cty Rd. G, Stanley (intersection of Cty Rd. G & Cty Rd. MM)

Saturdays, 8:00AM - 12:00PM

BULK ITEM AND YARD WASTE DISPOSAL

Starting in 2024 free curbside bulk item pick-up will not be available to residents. (*except for those noted below)

More information on this change and proper disposal options can be found at: www.eauclairecounty.gov/recycling

Those wishing to have items picked up curbside should contact their hauler or a junk removal company for pricing.

Starting in 2024 free curbside yard waste pick-up will not be available to residents. (*except for those noted below).

All Eau Claire County residents are able to utilize the City of Eau Claire brush site using the “pay as you go” rate City of Eau Claire residents may purchase a season pass City of Altoona residents can also access the Altoona brush site during operational hours

More information on the site and pricing can be found at: https://www eauclairewi gov/government/our-divisions/parks-forestry-and-cemetery/forestry/brush-disposal

Earthbound Environmental customers should reach out to Earthbound Environmental directly for information about their yard waste collection program and dates.

Those wishing to have yard waste picked up curbside should contact: office@earthboundenviro.com for pricing.

*Fall Creek, Augusta, and Village of Fairchild residents should reach out to their municipality for 2024 bulk item and yard waste collection information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is required to recycle in Wisconsin?

EVERYONE! In Wisconsin residents, businesses, apartments, etc. are required to separate items like paper, plastic #1 & #2 bottles and containers, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and tin cans from their waste for recycling These items along with many others like yard waste, tires, appliances, and electronics are banned statewide from the landfills and should be disposed of through proper channels. You can visit www.eauclairecounty.gov/recycling for resources on properly disposing and recycling of items. If you have concerns about these regulations, you can email recycling@eauclairecounty.gov

Does our recycling REALLY get recycled?

Yes, in Eau Claire County we have 4 licensed waste haulers who provide recycling services to the community. These haulers are required to report to us and the DNR which Material Recovery Facility (MRF) the recycling is being processed at and how much was collected Once at the MRF the materials are separated by type using a variety of machines and manual sorting The materials are then baled and sold to companies who turn those materials into new products. You can watch a video of this process at https://youtu.be/teKhkBnTDBc?si=2CSQyw0MO3ccalgo or look up “The Story of a Cereal Box” on YouTube.

04

WHAT DO I DO WITH...?

PLASTIC BAGS

Save your plastic bags and recycle them at a Target, Wal-Mart or Festival Foods. Plastic bags are NOT recyclable through curbside pickup.

Use this website to find sites that recycle plastic film and to learn more about plastic film products: BagandFilmRecycling.org

FOR CLOTHING

refashion or fix used items before donating or selling. Businesses such as Hope Gospel, Goodwill, Plato's Closet, and Saver's will accept wearable items.

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Other plastic film products:

Ziploc, cereal, and bread bags

Bubble wrap

Amazon plastic packaging

Water bottle case overwrap

MATTRESSES TAKE UP LOTS OF SPACE IN THE LANDFILL.

Recycle with a furniture store or call Kersten Family Junk Removal for curbside service (715)598-3677

LARGE FURNITURE, COOKWARE, LAMPS, TABLES, CABINETS, AND CUPBOARDS

can all be brought to donation sites to be reused:

Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity Restore: 145 N Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703

Building Hope Donation center: 2108 Western Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703 Phone: (715) 838-2084

To dispose of items curbside, call your hauler for a quote.

Light bulbs can be recycled at our clean sweep event, First Choice, or Batteries Plus Bulbs for a fee.

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CLEAN SWEEP EVENTS

May 11

July 27

September 14

8am-12pm

WRR Environmental Services

5200 Ryder Road

Eau Claire, WI 54703

No Fee

Oil based paints

Thinners/Strippers

Stains/Varnish

Solvents

Cleaners/Polishes

Old Fuel

Used oil and filters

Antifreeze

Aerosol Cans

Accepted for a Fee

Latex Paint - $4/gallon

Light bulbs - varies 20lb Propane Cylinders

Chemicals must be in the original container with the product label

Please stay in your vehicle to reduce wait times Staff will unload your vehicle

Can't make it to the event? Schedule an appointment with WRR Environmental to dispose of your hazardous waste properly. Fees apply.

RECYCLE YOUR MATTRESS & BOXSPRING

August 3rd, 10AM-2PM

Calvary Baptist Church

3036 Epiphany Ln, Eau Claire $25/unit

Hosted by: Kersten Family Junk Removal

Learn more at: ecjunkpickup.com/mattressrecycling-drop-off-event

TAKE-BACK DAY Eau Claire County locations to be announced.

On Saturday, April 27, drop off your unused medications at a convenient location in Eau Claire County for safe and free disposal!

Holding onto unused or expired medications increases the chance of other people finding and using them.

Younger children or pets may find medication and accidentally swallow it

Incorrectly disposing of medication in the garbage or drains can lead to contamination of the environment, further degrade ecosystems and pollute our waterways with dangerous chemicals that cannot be treated

For more information on the locations for the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, and a list of permanent medication drop-off locations in Eau Claire County, visit www echealthalliance org/resources and scroll down to ‘Prescription drug misuse and safe medication disposal.

www.echealthalliance.org/

SHARPS DISPOSAL IN EAU CLAIRE COUNTY

Improperly disposed of sharps puts emergency responders, waste disposal workers, community members, and pets at risk for an injury and the spread of infections Examples of sharps include: needles, syringes, lancets, infusion sets, connection needles/sets, and auto injectors

Sharps should always be disposed of properly to reduce the risk of needle sticks, cuts, and punctures.

DO NOT throw sharps in the trash, recycling, or flush down the toilet

Households in Eau Claire County can safely dispose of sharps at local medical system pharmacies. Also, coming soon, Eau Claire County residents will have a new option for sharps disposal, with the installation of 8 sharps disposal boxes in locations across the county

The new disposal boxes are for community members only Businesses (dental office, veterinary services, body art, health care, and others) are required to dispose of sharps based on their local, state, and federal regulations

Learn more about sharps disposal, including the new sharps disposal box locations, by visiting www ECHealthAlliance org/resources

Test your water each year for bacteria and nitrate if you rely on water from a private well Test your well immediately if you ever notice a change in taste, color, or smell.

Bacteria and nitrates are two of the most common contaminants in Eau Claire County private wells and should be tested every year Arsenic, manganese, lead and copper should also be tested.

The price of well water tests ranges from $12-$30 depending on the type of test you request

HOW OFTEN TO TEST HOW OFTEN TO TEST WHAT TO TEST FOR WHAT TO TEST FOR COST OF WELL TESTS COST OF WELL TESTS HOW

Pick up a sample bottle at the Health Department main office 1.

Drop off filled sample bottles at the Health Department main office

Our lab team will mail or email your results 3.

DID YOU DID YOU KNOW? KNOW?

FOOD WASTE AND COMPOSTING

Approximately 30% of waste in Wisconsin landfills is organic matter.

When organic matter breaks down in landfills it emits greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

6 EASY WAYS TO CUT DOWN ON FOOD WASTE BENEFITS OF COMPOSTING

Take inventory of your pantry and fridge before leaving to pick up groceries.

Meal prep appropriate servings for yourself and others you are feeding for the week

Keep leftovers in airtight containers to ensure freshness.

Preserve produce with correct storage strategies. Be wary of buying items with short shelf life in bulk Use vegetable and chicken scraps to make your own vegetable and chicken broth.

Purchase a Home Composter during the county's compost bin sale.

Enroll in curbside composting services through Earthbound Environmental

Composting is a natural way to recycle food and other biodegradable waste into enriched, fertile soil Products of composting can be used in gardens, lawns, agricultural use, and as mulch.

Reduces methane, the need for chemical fertilizers, and carbon dioxide

Improves soil quality to restore forests, wetlands, and habitats.

Coffee grounds and filters

Soiled cardboard cartons

Food scraps

Meat/seafood (in small amounts)

Yard scraps

Fur

Nut shells

Paper towels and napkins

NOMOW MAY

and other ways to keep your yard sustainable!

What is No Mow May?

No Mow May is a voluntary effort to designate a portion or all of your lawn as a pollinator habitat by not mowing or applying chemicals during May. This will allow common flowering plants to provide food for pollinators when many other flowers are not yet blooming. This is especially important in urban landscapes that do not border open land.

What are the Rules?

No Mow May in Eau Claire has been supported by the City Council. Lawn heights will be relaxed in the month of May for residents participating in No Mow May. This means the lawn height enforcement will be delayed until June 1st.

Check with your municipality for specific rules

How do I Participate?

Leave your lawn untouched, and fully natural throughout the month of May! This means no mowing, fertilizing, or weeding for a whole month and spread the word!

Can I do more?

No Mow May is just a place to start, you can do more by “re-wilding” a part of your yard and getting on the Home Grown National Park map ( https://homegrownnationalpark.org ) Start by planting native plants, eliminating pesticides and other lawn chemicals, supplying food and water sources, and providing shelter for wildlife. These simple steps can make a difference in supporting local wildlife and creating a thriving habitat in your own backyard.

Become a wildlife steward and join the Chippewa Valley Biodiversity Partnership

https://www.cvbiodiversitypartnership.org Help to revitalize Eau Claire habitats, one yard at a time!

Local Native Plant Sales

Land Conservation Division Tree and Shrub Sale

When: November 1st - January 31st

Contact: holly.weigand@eauclairecounty.gov

Community Garden Information

Interested in growing a garden but don't have the space? Want to share your gardening wisdom and learn new techniques? Consider participating in a community garden! Right now there are 5 community gardens throughout the City of Eau Claire.

Check out the community garden website: eauclairecommunitygardens.com

Local Garden Club

Events and Contacts

If you want to learn how to garden? Learn from our community of experts, and consider joining the Eau Claire Master Gardeners or the Eau Claire Garden Club

Visit: www.eauclaireareamastergardener.org

https://eauclairegardenclub.com/

SustainableHomeswithEnergySage

Disclaimer: Eau Claire County does not endorse any specific contractors found on the EnergySage website

RooftopSolar

By investing in rooftop solar, homeowners can lower their electricity bills, increase energy independence, and contribute to a greener environment, all while potentially qualifying for tax incentives and rebates. This makes going solar a financially attractive option for homeowners across Wisconsin

Learnmorewiththis

RooftopSolar101guide.

HeatPumps

Heat pumps are cleaner and more comfortable than gas furnaces, oil boilers, and traditional air conditioning systems –they also heat and cool your home - pretty cool huh? With their versatility and energy efficiency, heat pumps present a compelling solution for sustainable and cost-effective home climate control in Wisconsin's diverse weather conditions

Learnmorewiththis

HeatPump101guide.

EnergyStorage

Energy storage systems, such as batteries, allow you to store excess energy generated by solar panels during the day for use during peak demand times or at night when sunlight is unavailable. Integrating energy storage with solar power can enhance energy independence, enhance resiliency during power outages, and maximize the benefits of clean energy generation

Learnmorewiththis

EnergyStorage101guide.

EVCharging

Learn about programs available to your home, business, or community organization at www.focusonenergy.com

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer Wisconsin residents a sustainable transportation option with lower operating costs and reduced emissions. Installing EV charging stations at home provides convenience and flexibility, allowing drivers to easily recharge their vehicles overnight When you pair your home EV charger with a solar panel system, you’re powering your car with free, clean energy

Learnmorewiththis

EVcharging101guide

Contact your utility company to learn about programs you may be able to stack with Focus on Energy and IRA incentives!

Visit: www rewiringamerica org/app/iracalculator to see what tax incentives are available to you!

Use this free Solar Calculator

To learn more visit EnergySage, the most trusted, transparent name in home energy solutions. Shop confidently and save thousands by comparing free, custom quotes online from local contractors.