'Recycle right': Navigating the dos and don'ts of recycling in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Recycling is not as straight forward as it may seem. There are some dos and don'ts that Milwaukee's Department of Public Works want residents to be aware of this Earth Day.

According to the DPW Resource Recovery Program Manager Laura Stevens, residents cannot recycle plastic bags, plastic straws, or plastic utensils. Things like batteries and propane tanks can be dangerous to staff and recycle facilities.

However, glass, cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, cans and cartons are recyclable.

Stevens says every day is a good day to think about our planet.

“Earth Day is always a great reminder to recycle. But remember to recycle right, so make sure you know what you can recycle in the city of Milwaukee, and the recycle guide is the perfect way to do that," said Stevens.

If you want to see the recycle guide for the city of Milwaukee, click here.

Stevens also wants to remind residents to always rinse out containers, so food and liquids do not contaminate other recyclables.

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works is hosting its 13th Annual Compost Bin Sale to encourage residents to manage food waste and yard waste at home.

"We are getting into gardening season right now, and a great way to also conserve natural resources is to compost at your home. We are selling compost bins and collection pales you can put in your kitchen to make it an easy set to start composting at home," Stevens explained.

If you want to start composting at home, click here to learn more.

For more information on recycling, click here.