Over the past several days, the Streets Division shared a number of recycling tips for Madison residents (a recap of these can be found below). The Streets Division’s last tip for the holiday season is a tip of the cap to the residents of Madison.

Recycling started in Madison in 1968, making Madison one of the oldest recycling programs in the United States. The recycling program has changed often over the last fifty years, and Madison residents continued participating and adapting to each new rule.

The Streets Division would like to say thank you.

Thank you for learning what should (and should not) go into the recycling cart. And thank you for asking questions when you weren’t sure.

Thank you for taking the time to follow collection rules so the operators can be efficient and safe on the roads.

Thank you for loading up your cars and making the trek to a drop-off site to recycle your televisions, electronics, and other items we cannot collect at the curb.

Over the next fifty years, and beyond, recycling will continue to change. As the things in our lives become increasingly digital and complicated, and as the global marketplace for recyclables shift, what and how we recycle will change. Our efforts to learn the rules and adapt will keep our community’s program a success.

Thank you, Madison for what we have accomplished so far, and what we can do in the future.

Additional Information
For additional information about recycling and the other services provided by the Streets Division, visit our website or check the Recyclopedia.

Previous holiday recycling tips

• Do not put clothes in the green recycling cart.
• Flatten and bundle the cardboard that does not fit into the recycling cart.
• Recycle televisions at the Streets Division drop-off sites.
• Recycle household batteries at the Streets Division drop-off sites.
• Most wrapping paper can be recycled, but not foil, ribbons, straps, and bows.
• Consider upgrading your recycling cart to the largest size at no cost.
• Keep the recycling cart lid down when out for collection
• Recycle electronics like cell phones, computers, Christmas tree lights, and many other items
• Recycle molded styrofoam and cooking oil at the drop-off sites.