DNR recognizes two NEW businesses for recycling efforts

APPLETON, WI- (WGBW & WISS) – On Friday, which was America Recycles Day, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced the winners of the 2024 Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards.

“This year’s winners successfully implemented robust and sustainable diversion programs within their organizations and communities,” said Jennifer Semrau, DNR waste reduction and diversion coordinator. “The amount and types of waste they have saved from the landfill is truly impressive.”

Wisconsin’s recycling law bans certain materials from the trash and establishes a statewide recycling program. In addition to landfill-banned items, which include curbside recyclables and electronics, the winners diverted many tons of food waste, furniture, plastic film and household hazardous waste for reuse or recycling

This year, the DNR recognizes 13 organizations, two from Northeast Wisconsin, for going beyond what is required by law.

Ducommun Appleton

Ducommun Appleton is a winner in the Projects and Initiatives Category. 

As a supplier of electronics and structural systems for aerospace applications, Ducommun receives most of its raw materials packaged in materials not typically accepted at recycling centers. Ducommun ships its waste to pelletizers instead of landfills, and the pelletizers convert the waste into fuel pellets to supplement coal at various Wisconsin power plants. This effort and other waste stream diversions have led Ducommun to divert 3.2 tons of material from landfills since early 2023.

Kaukauna Utilities

In the Overall Program Category, Kaukauna Utilities was a winner. 

Kaukauna Utilities consistently operates with environmental sustainability as a top priority. In 2023, it developed a waste management plan to ensure all materials are disposed of properly. These materials include scrap metal, used oil and filters, batteries, light bulbs and ballasts, tires, plastic bags/film, traditional cans/bottles and paper/cardboard and used pallets. The company has also found reuse or recycling outlets for unique materials such as utility poles, concrete/asphalt, underground electrical conduit reels and used transformers. To further their commitment to recycling, Kaukauna Utilities began working with the city of Kaukauna to host an annual electronics recycling event. Since its inception in 2015, this event has collected over 200 tons of electronics. In 2024, Kaukauna Utilities contracted with Veolia to host its first annual hazardous materials collection event for residents.

View their full profiles and learn what advice the winners have for others looking to start or improve their waste reduction and recycling efforts on the Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards webpage.

For more information on recycling in Wisconsin, visit the DNR’s What to Recycle in Wisconsin webpage.