Madison was the first city in the nation to offer curbside recycling service. But 55 years of celebrating recycling’s virtues has driven us to optimism. We wishfully toss things in the cart and hope for the best. Friends, we are here to tell you that is NOT how this works. In fact, your good deeds are messing things up — gumming up machines and putting workers in harm’s way.

Can you recycle plastic bags? Nope. Those little tabs from your bread bags? Nope. Bottle caps? Nope. And please, for the love of Gaylord Nelson, no shower curtains.

So what’s a Madisonian to do? The city’s Recycling Coordinator Bryan Johnson is here to help sort it all out.

♻ Ready to become a recycling evangelist? Check out Sustain Dane’s Recycle Better program.

🚮 Learn what can be recycled in Madison and in nearby communities.

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You’re Recycling Wrong — Here’s What To Do About It ♻️