Reduce, Reuse, RECYCLE!

Last month, some of Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area’s ReStore management staff and our salvage specialist put on a recycling training for volunteers and other staff. They were sure to host the educational session on a day when there would not be shoppers in the store so everyone could focus on the important topic at hand.

Habitat La Crosse ReStore manager Steve started the training with an overview of at-home recycling. Many attendees were surprised to learn some of the most common misconceptions surrounding what can and cannot be recycled. For example, many Americans feel good about tossing their disposable coffee cups, takeout containers, yogurt cups and intact plastic bags in their blue bins. These items actually contaminate the recyclable materials that may be in the bin.

This phenomenon is known as “wish-cycling,” or aspirational recycling. It is great that so many people want to make a difference. But we have to know our stuff so we don’t end up doing more harm than good.

The biggest takeaway from this part of the session was how important it is to make sure you know what is and is not recyclable in your municipality and city. From there, pay attention to what you’re throwing where!

Next up, our construction specialist Adam took over to teach everyone a bit more about metals. He showed everyone the sorting room where many metal-composed items donated to the ReStore are taken to be dismantled. He highlighted the different bins for different kinds of metal. One reason for this separation is that different metals reap different prices when recycled. Adam also instructed volunteers and staff on safety best practices when dealing with metals in order to reduce risk when dismantling items.

Attendees then learned how to identify various types of metals using magnets, files and wiring. There was even a quiz at the end—some Habitat staff did not do as well as others!
​
Everyone at Habitat La Crosse is happy that our ReStore and construction staff were thoughtful enough to put this training together. Recycling, along with reducing and reusing, is a crucial way to keep our community, and the services we provide, sustainable. And don’t forget that you’re helping, too, when you donate to and shop at the ReStore!