Is recycling popular in Wisconsin?
That bastion of outstanding journalism, the Shepherd Express, without crediting sources reported that in Wisconsin, recycling supports 97,000 jobs and contributes to the $5.4 billion-dollar environmental industry, and 94% of households in the state support recycling and recycle regularly.
Then you have wisconsinenvironment.org that reports:
Recycling rates in major cities throughout Wisconsin reveal one of the more wasteful states in the nation. Based on the most recent available data, only Madison and Waukesha have managed to eclipse the national average of 34.7 percent (see table below).5Due to a lack of reporting in certain jurisdictions, the state’s overall recycling rate is unclear. However, given low rates in major cities, evidence from other states suggests that Wisconsin’s statewide rate is even lower than the national average.
I’m guessing that here in Franklin recycling is immensely popular. Popular in that it doesn’t bring giddy joy and enthusiasm, but that the practice is one that’s embraced, with residents willing to comply for what they perceive to be a greater good.
And yet recycling is increasingly being frowned upon, not by the folks that drag their carts to the end of their driveways, but by the elected officials in charge. Why? The cost.
The NY Times reports more cities have decided to get rid of recycling, again, because of the cost.
In August I blogged the following:
Johns Disposal in action.
Founded in 1969 Johns Disposal services cities, towns and villages in Dane, Milwaukee, Jefferson, Kenosha, Racine, Rock, Walworth, and Waukesha counties. And that includes Franklin.
China has decided to ban all recycling imports, and that change is being felt here in Wisconsin.
“Our processing costs are not nearly what they need to be to cover costs,” said Dan Jongetjes, general manager of Johns Disposal. “Some of our communities, like Racine, have been willing to amend (their contracts) to help us, which we’re very grateful for, but that’s a fine line to walk.”
Read more from the Racine Journal Times here.
—Thus Just In…, August 8, 2019
Then in November the Franklin Common Council unanimously approved details on a new contract for 2020 with Johns Disposal Services to provide weekly recycling and automated garbage services.
Both recycling AND trash will be collected with automated trucks. ONLY carts will be collected (no more plastic bags, stuff on the side, thin cans, etc.)
Recycling will be collected WEEKLY.
Residents will be able to choose the size of carts/cans they want.
Franklin is one of a handful of communities Johns serves with manual garbage pickup. Johns envisions manual pickup going away completely next year.
Yard waste will have to be placed in paper bags, not plastic. And there will be FOUR pickups.
Mayor Steve Olson commented he’d prefer that carts not be visible from the street but wasn’t sure how, lacking an ordinance that would/could be enforced.
Again, Recycling Pickup: Beginning Monday, December 30, 2019, recycling will be picked up weekly instead of bi-weekly, coinciding with your garbage collection day. There will no longer be “A” or “B” weeks for recycling.
Franklin has decided to recycle more often, bucking the national trend. How so?
THE TOP 10 FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2019
1) ?
2) ?
3) ?
4) ?
5) RECYCLING CHANGES
6) THE STRAUSS BRANDS SAGA
7) FORMER HIGH SCHOOL COACH CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT
8) WE DON’T HAVE A CLUE, SO LET’S FUND ANOTHER STUDY
9) FRANKLIN’S NEW LOGO
10) THE CARMEX COMEBACK
This Just In... From Franklin, WI 
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