Eau Claire County, Local Paper Company Get Recycling Awards
two of the 11 awardees this year are from the Chippewa Valley
Eau Claire County and Cortec Coated Products of Eau Claire were two of 11 organizations recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with 2023 Recycling Excellence Awards.
This year’s winners were chosen because they have formed partnerships, engaged community members, and implemented systems and equipment to achieve their waste reduction and recycling goals, according to a recent DNR media release.
Eau Claire County’s recycling program, which received its award in the Overall Program category, collaborates with private partners and community organizations, allowing for a robust specialty recycling program that goes beyond traditional recycling. These programs include free/reduced hazardous waste disposal events, free electronics recycling year-round, mattress recycling events, compost bin sales, educational events, and more.
“Partnerships with businesses and community organizations within our community has allowed us to increased the affordability and access to proper waste disposal methods within our community for non-traditional recycling,” said Eau Claire County Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator Regan Watts.
Cortec Coated Products was among three winners in the Projects and Initiatives category. Cortec manufactures coated specialty paper, boards, and films for the printing and packaging industry while pursuing sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The DNR pointed the company’s recycling tracking initiative started in 2017, noting Cortec has recycled a total of 616 tons of paper since then – equivalent to 12,320 trees left untouched.
A total of 11 organizations were honored with the Recycling Excellence Award this year across four categories: Projects and Initiatives; Overall Program; Special Events; Innovation. Other winners included Ashley Furniture of Trempealeau for Overall Program and Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region for Overall Program.
The awards were announced on Nov. 15 – America Recycles Day.
Learn more about the 2023 Recycling Excellence Awards on the DNR website. Visit the Eau Claire County Recycling webpage to learn more about the county's work and Cortec Coated Products' website to learn about the company.
