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To get information on the upcoming Invasive Species Conference, click here.

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To view a copy of the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium newsletter, click here.

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For educational opportunities at Retzer Nature Center,click here.

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Wisconsin Communities Recyclor Newsletter, tab at http://www.wisconsincommunitiesrecylor.org/

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WAFSCM NEWS

To view the August 2011 newsletter, click here.

To view the May 2012 newsletter, click here.

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For the newest Local Stormwater Update

December 18, 2011

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E-Cycle Wisconsin –

                                          Law keeps electronics out of landfills

                   A new statewide electronics recycling law is

                   creating recycling opportunities for Wisconsin

                   households and schools. The law bans many common electronics including computers, printers, TVs and cell phones from Wisconsin landfills effective Sept. 1, 2010.

Non-profits such as Goodwill and many retailers that sell these products will now take them back for recycling. Also, some municipal recycling drop off sites will accept electronics, including the cities of Brookfield, New Berlin, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee and Waukesha. Some haulers will collect large TVs. Call the company that picks up your trash, or your municipal office, for more information. Visit the county website for updated information.

The E-Cycle Wisconsin program, created by the Department of Natural Resources to implement the new law, provides incentives to manufacturers of electronics to responsibly manage their products at the end of their useful life. This Product Stewardship concept has created new markets for used electronic equipment and partnerships with non-profit groups, local governments, retailers and recyclers. The law also requires documentation by the recycler to assure proper handling and tracking of the electronics collected.

Recycling your old electronics is important because they contain valuable materials that can be recycled and reused, including precious metals like gold and copper. Many devices also contain materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and chemical flame retardants. If disposed of improperly, these materials can leach into the environment where they may affect human and environmental health. 

“After September 1, no one in Wisconsin may put items such as TVs, computers, printers and cell phones in the trash,” said Ann Coakley, director of the DNR’s Waste and Materials Management Program. “Electronics are resources that are too valuable to waste, and we can help both our economy and the environment by recycling them.”

For a list of items and recycling locations, go to www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling

To read the latest article by the DNR regarding the impact of road salt on the surrounding ground online, tab at http://dnr.wi.gov/wnrmag/2010/02/salt.htm

The following can no longer be accepted in the trash or in landfills:

Computers, laptops, servers, monitors

Keyboards, mice, hard drives, etc

Printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines

Cellular phones, portable devices

Telephones, cables, accessories

Televisions, stereos, game systems

DVD/VCR/DVR players

VHS, CD'S, DVDs, computer games

NO APPLIANCES ACCEPTED

To dispose of these items you can go to the following recycling drop-off sites:

City Brookfield

City of Pewaukee

City of New Berlin

City of Waukesha

Town of Merton

City of Oconomowoc

Village of Hartland

More information on electronics recycling visit waukeshacounty.gov or mpc-e.com or www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling.

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Floodplain & Shoreland Management Notes

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Federal EPA is Developing New Stormwater Rules  

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing revised stormwater rules under the Clean Water Act.  Last week, EPA held a consultation meeting for local and state government groups on the upcoming stormwater rulemaking and the range of regulatory options being considered. 

The rulemaking aims to take a new approach to stormwater management.  The EPA seeks to shift away from managing stormwater through collection, storage, and conveyance systems toward managing it where it falls, using green infrastructure practices such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, and harvesting/use.
As part of the rulemaking, EPA is:

• exploring options for expanding the universe of federally-regulated municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s);
• considering developing numeric performance standards for discharges from new and redeveloped sites;
• evaluating options for establishing municipal retrofit requirements; and
• exploring the desirability of establishing different requirements for transportation facilities.

EPA aims to propose a rule in September 2011 and to finalize it in November 2012, with an implementation date of one to two years after finalization.

EPA invites local governments to submit comments on the agency's proposed new approach to managing stormwater.  The deadline for comments is January 22, 2011.  In particular EPA seeks feedback on the following:

•  Potential impacts to state and local governments from the new federal stormwater requirements that EPA should consider.
• Suggestions for how EPA can develop regulatory requirements that strengthen the stormwater program yet provide needed flexibility to allow adjustments for local conditions or circumstances.
• Suggestions for how EPA can lessen the costs of federal stormwater requirements on state and local governments.
   

For additional information on the rulemaking, click here.

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MY GREEN RESOLUTION:

I will help keep the environment clean!

We can all help reduce pollution in area lakes and streams.  Rain gardens and rain barrels are an easy

way to start.  Sign up by January 31, 2010 to order rain garden plants for half price.

Call 262-896-8305 for more information or get it all online under the rain garden/barrels

tab at www.waukeshacounty.gov/cleanwater

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DID YOU KNOW......

...That 5 quarts of oil can pollute over a million gallons of drinking water and can form an oil slick the

size of two football fields?  Did you know that the average homeowner uses ten times as many chemicals

on their lawn as a farmer uses on the same amount of crop field?  Did you know that the direction of

groundwater flow in eastern Waukehsa County has reversed direction because of the large quantity of

groundwater being pumped?

These are just a few of the interesting facts related to water that you could learn from a new program

called "Understanding Water Resource."  This program has been used with ages from 5th grade to adults

to help people understand where water pollution comes from and what can be done to prevent it. 

"Understanding Water Resources" is an interactive power point program that takes about 45 minutes,

and will lead to a greater understanding for a lifetime.

This program can be booked for your organization, club or classroom by contracting the Waukesha

County Parks and Land Use Department at 262-896-8305.

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TURN OVER A NEW LEAF

NO RAKING!  NO BURNING!

     No Bagging or dragging!

You are invited to a free Fall Yard-Care Program at the E.B. Shurts Building, 810 W. College Ave

Waukesha on Wednesday October 7th at 7:00 pm, sponsored by the Waukehsa County Recycling

Office & City of Waukesha Park & Recreation.

• Save time, money and effort by learning how to manage leaves & yard debris at home without burning,

           bagging or curbside clogging of storm drains.

• Learn about air quality & the effects of burning in Waukehsa County from a DNR specialist.
• Find out about proper leaf mulching, mowing and composting.
• Take home a "recipe" for reducing a large amount of leaves quickly!

For more information on alternative yard care solutions, use the Yard & Compost link at www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling

TURN VALUABLE LEAVES INTO MULCH OR COMPOST to enrich your soil & lawn.

Brown is the new green.  For more information, click here.

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RAIN BARRELS REDUCE RUNOFF

A rain barrel is a specially designed barrel for catching and storing rainwater from your roof that would have ended up as runoff

into the storm drains.  Usually a rain barrel is composed of a 55 gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, and a screen grate to

keep debris and insects out.  A rain barrel is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct and can sit under any gutter down spout.

What are the advantages of a rain barrel?

Lawn and garden watering can make  up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer.  A rain barrel  collects water

and stores it for when you need it to water plants, wash your car or add to a swimming pool.  It provides and ample supply of "soft"

water-it contains no chlorine, lime or calcium.

A rain barrel will save most homeowners about 1300 gallons of water during the peak summer months. Saving water not only saves

you money and energy, but it helps our environment.  Diverting water from storm drains decreases the amount and impact of

runoff to streams.  And the water in the barrel is that much less that will need to be pumped out of our shrinking aquifers.  A rain

barrel is an easy way for you to have a supply of clean, fresh water for outdoor use-free!

Where can I get a rain barrel?

Rain barrels are not difficult to make-you just need a barrel and a few supplies from the hardware store.  Run an internet search

for "make your own rain barrel" and you will have many designs to choose from.

If you are not feeling particularly handy, you may purchase ready made barrels from the following local sources:

• Retzer Nature Center 896-8007
• Mason Creek Winery 367-6494
• Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful 414-272-5462
• Marie McGinnis-Master Gardner - mariefann@netzero.net
• SolaRain solarain@wi.rr.com

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WAUKESHA COUNTY HOSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM

Waukesha County has four locations to dispose of Hazardous Wastes.  All Sites are closed on holidays.  Check the holiday closing schedule by calling 262-896-8300.  

Franklin

Veolia Environmental Services, 10518 S. 124th ST

Hours:

Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm

Menomonee Falls:

Veolia Environmental Service

262-255-6655

W124 S9451 Boundary Road (124th St)

Hours:

Mon & Wed - 11 am to 6 pm

Saturdays - 9:00 am to 2 pm

Waukesha

City Incinerator Building

262-524-3600

900 Sentry Dr (North of Sunset Dr. 1 block East of Fox River)

Hours:

Apr - Nov - 2nd and 4th Saturdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

3rd Wednesdays, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. 

Dec - Mar - Saturday ONLY, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Muskego

Jensen Environmental Management

414-422-9169

W144 S6347 College Ct

Hours:

1st & 3rd Saturday 8:00 am - Noon;

The following materials will be accepted from residents only:

Acids

Chemicals (hobby/photo)

Furniture stripper

Degreasers

Bug Spray/insecticides

Lead paint

Gasoline/kerosene/lighter fluid

Weed Killer

Fertilizer with weed killer

Poisons

Spot remover

Oil based paint

Paint thinners

Pool chemicals

Wood preservatives

Cleaning solvent

NO latex paint, medicines, personal care products, ammunition/explosives

(call Sheriff's Dept 896-8168), or radioactive materials.

ID WILL BE REQUIRED

Do not leave materials when the site is not open

HOUSEHOD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL GUIDE

Household Items .                            Home Improvement

Artist & hobby paint                        Adhesives, glues w/solvents***

Floor/wax stripper***                     Concrete cleaner (acid)

Compact fluorescent bulbs/lamps     Furniture stripper

Metal cleaners                                 Lead-based paint

Mothballs                                         Oil-based paint

Polish & spot removers                    Paint remover

w/solvents***                                 Paint thinner/turpentine

Thermometers, thermostats               Stain, varnish, lacquer

w/mercury                                        Wood preservatives

Yard & Garden                                Automotive

Fertilizer w/weed killer                      Antifreeze

Insect or bug killer                            Brake cleaner

Lighter fluid                                      Carburetor cleaner

Pool chemicals                                  Degreasers

Rat/rodent poison                             Fuel Additives

Weed killer                                       Gasoline, fuels

                                                         Road flares

*** Solvent containing products having the words : "Flammable, Combustible or

contains petroleum distillates" on the label.   Also, products with acetone, xylenem and

methylene chloride should be taken to collection site,

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DISPOSAL OPTIONS

APPLIANCES

If you need to dispose of appliances the following place will except them.

Kohne Salvage Co.

262-679-1135

In Muskego

MEDICINES

If you have medicine that you need to dispose of please click here. 

COMPUTERS

If you have an old computer that you need to dispose of please take it to:

New Berlin Recycling Center

3711 S. Casper Dr in New Berlin

Hours:  Saturday 8:am- 4:00 pm Tuesday & Thursday 10am-7pm  (April 3dr - December 10th) 

 or

You can also call Kontney Services LLC at 262-951-6700.  He is local.

Also in September of 2010 the landfills will no longer be allowed to take TV's, computers, and some DVD and like devises.  When you purchase a new one of these or any appliance, ask the retailer if they have any means of disposing of the out ones.  If not, please see the County recycling website for more information. For link, click here.

WASTE OIL AND USED OIL FILTERS

The Village now has a place to dispose of waste oil and oil filters.  It is located at the Village DPW garage, located in the Village park.  The garage is open 7:00 am - 3:00 pm Monday thru Friday and every 3rd Saturday March thru November from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

TIRES

Johns Disposal will take tires for $5.00 each.  Tires must be paid for in advance.  For tire pick up, please call John's Disposal at 262-473-4700 or toll free 1-888-473-4701.

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LATEX PAINT DISPOSAL

Latex paint is water-soluble and not considered a hazardous material; therefore it is not acceptable

at the county's hazardous waste collection site.  Then how do I dispose of it?  Here are some tips for doing just

that.

1.  Carefully estimate how much you will need before purchasing.  The average coverage rate is 400 to 450

sq. ft. per gallon.  Use it up by applying a second coat or touch up.  Paint your closets or inside cabinets. 

Friends, neighbors, churches, high schools, theater groups, recreation departments or community service

organizations will often accept donated "leftover" paint in good condition.

2.  Dry out small amounts outdoors by brushing paint in layers on newspaper or cardboard.  For larger

amounts, mix paint with cat litter, sawdust or sand in a cardboard box lined with plastic and let dry.

3.  Pour one-inch layers of paint into a cardboard box lined with plastic.  Allow the paint to dry one layer at a

time-thin layers will speed up the drying process.

4.  A new product, "Waste Paint Hardener", hardens latex paint in minutes rather than days.  It consists of crystals

that are stirred into liquid to promote drying.  When the paint solidifies, it can be discarded in the regular residential

trash.  It costs about $2 per packet.  Call your local hardware or home supply store to see if they carry the product

or visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling.

Whether you use cat litter, sawdust or the new hardener, remember to leave the lid off paint cans so your trash

collectors will see that the paint is dry and accept them.

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REUSING PAINT THINNERS, TURPENTINE, MINERAL SPIRITS AND SOLVENTS

Paint thinners, turpentine, mineral spirits, and solvents can be reused.  These products, like solvent-based or

alkyd paints, should not be emptied into storm sewers, household drains (especially if you have a septic tank)

or on the ground.  Reuse these types of products.

Steps to Reusing

1.  Put used turpentine or brush cleaners in a closed container and leave in a safe place until the paint

particles settle to the bottom.

2.  Pour off the clear liquid into an empty, clean container which has a lid for reuse. 

3.  Add an absorbent material such as a cat litter, shredded newspaper or sawdust to the remaining residue.

4.  Let this residue dry completely before disposing of it in your regular trash.

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RECYCLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR VILLAGE OF BIG BEND RESIDENTS

Recycling will still be picked up every week.  Recyclable bottles & cans must be separated from recyclable paper.

RECYCLABLE BOTTLES & CANS INCLUDE:

• Steel/tim and aluminum cans, including empty aerosol cans
• Aluminum foil pans-cleaned
• Glass bottles and jars-all colors
• Plastic bottles, jars, jugs #1 & 2 only

These recyclables need to be rinsed.  Labels can be left on the containers.

RECYCABLE PAPER INCLUDES:

• Newspaper
• magazines and catalogs
• Junk mail (windowed envelopes are ok)
• Office paper and shredded paper
• Corrugated cardboard-cut to 3 ft. X 4 ft., flattened and bundled
• Cereal, snack, and tissue boxes, beverage carriers, paper egg cartons, paper towel rolls
• Phone books and paperback books

These recyclables must be placed in a paper bag or tied with string.

NON-RECYCLABLE ITEMS

• No plastic bags or salt bags
• No lids of any material
• No electric cords or Christmas lights
• No window glass, ceramic dishes, light bulbs, or drinking glasses
• No plastic #3-#7, plastic toys, or Styrofoam
• No yogurt or margarine tubs, flower pots, or trays
• No motor oil or antifreeze bottles
• No metal items such as clothes hangars, pots, pans, tools or pipes
• No paper contaminated by food or grease
• No tissues, paper napkins, paper towels, or paper plates
• No waxed paper, including frozen food boxes
• No gift wrapping paper

These items should be placed in the brown garbage carts.

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DID YOU DROP SOMETHING?

Dog poop.  It's a serious health problem.  Why?  Because it contains disease carrying bacteria that can make people sick. 

And because there are over 100,000 dogs in Waukesha County,  Do the math.  Then do this.  Pick up after your pooch.

 Remind your neighbors to pick up after theirs.  Good manners, great health policy.  Want more tips? 

Visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/cleanwater.  Your dog can't help it.  But you can!

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PET WASTE & WATER QUALITY

Pet-Owners, Take Heed...When you clean up after your pet, do you dump the waste in the street or storm sewer?

Do you leave it to decay on the sidewalk or on the grass near the street?  If so, you may be causing pollution or health

problems.

ARE YOU POLLUTING OUR LAKES AND STREAMS?

Pollutants from improperly disposed pet waste may be washed into storm sewers by rain or melting snow.  Storm sewers

usually do not go to a sewage treatment plant.   Instead, most storm sewers drain directly into our lakes and streams, carrying

many pollutants along with the water.  Pollutants commonly found in urban lakes, streams and ponds include:

• Sediment
• Oil and antifreeze
• Pesticides & fertilizers
• Toxic chemicals
• Pet waste

When pet waste is washed into lakes or streams, the waste decays using up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia. 

Low oxygen levels and ammonia combined with water temperatures can kill fish.

Pet waste also contains nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth.  Overly fertile water becomes cloudy and green-

unattractive for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Perhaps most importantly, pet waste carries diseases which makes water unsafe for swimming or drinking.

Pet waste may not be the largest or most toxic pollutant in urban waterways, but is is one of the many little sources of

pollution that add up to a big problem for water quality. Fortunately, there are some simple things we can do to help

keep our water clean. 

Cleaning up after your pet can be as simple as taking a plastic bag or pooper scooper along on your next walk.

What should you do with the waste you pick up?  No solution is perfect, but here are three choices:

FLUSH IT DOWN THE TOILET....

The water from your toilet goes to a septic system or sewage plant that removes most pollutants before the water reaches

a lake or stream.

To prevent plumbing problems, don't try to flush debris such as rocks, sticks, or cat letter.  Cat feces may be scooped

out and flushed down the toilet, but used litter should be put in a securely closed bag in the trash.

BURY IT IN THE YARD....

Dig a hole or trench that is:

• about 5 inches deep
• away from vegetable gardens
• away from any lake, stream, ditch, or well

Microorganisms in the top layer of soil will break down the waste and release nutrients to fertilize nearby plants.

Be cautious.  Keep pet waste away from vegetable gardens and water supplies to prevent disease.  Don't add pet

waste to your compost pile.  The pile won't get hot enough to kill disease organisms in pet waste.

PUT IT IN THE TRASH....

This may be easy, but it is not the best solution.  Waste taken to a landfill or incinerator can still cause pollution problems.

Check local ordinances.  Putting pet waste in the trash is against the law in some communities.

Another option is to install an underground pet waste digester that works like a small septic tank.  Before buying one from

a pet store, check local laws that may restrict their use, design or location.

A FEW WORDS OF CAUTION

Around Your Home - If you leave pet waste to decay in your yard, be sure it does not become a problem.  To prevent water

pollution, clean up areas near wells, sewer inlets, ditches, and waterways.  Always remove waste from areas where children

play. They are the most frequent victims of diseases from pet waste.  Of course, the best protection for children and adults is

washing hands with soap and water.

In Your Community - Many communities have "pooper scooper" laws that govern pet waste cleanup.  Some of these laws

specifically require anyone who takes an animal off their property to carry a bag, shovel, or pooper scooper.  Any waste left

by the animal must be cleaned up immediately.  Call your city or village clerk to find out more about local pet waste laws.

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