Waste Wizard Is Here To Help Wauwatosa Residents

Press release from the City of Wauwatosa:

April 5, 2021

You may have noticed that the city’s trash and recycling trucks are sporting a new look this spring, with a friendly purple Waste Wizard encouraging residents to keep our recycling clean. But Waste Wizard is much more than a character: it’s also a comprehensive online tool that can quickly and easily answer your questions on how to properly dispose of almost anything in your home.

Why is the Waste Wizard so important?

Keeping the city’s recycling stream clean and free of other materials makes it more efficient and effective. Our recycling program uses sophisticated machinery to sort and separate recyclable items, and incorrect materials can cause damage. Some common items that you may think are recyclable cannot be processed by these machines, and Waste Wizard can help you keep these items out of the yellow carts. It’s also important for the environment and the safety of our city’s sanitation workers that hazardous items are disposed of properly.

How do I use the Waste Wizard?

Waste Wizard is conveniently located at www.wauwatosa.net/wizard, so it’s easy to remember and find whenever you need it. Can’t decide if something goes in the recycling cart or the garbage? Simply type in the name of the item you want to know more about, and Waste Wizard works its magic to give you the details on how to properly dispose of it. Many common items are covered by one of the city’s curbside collection programs, or can be taken to the Drop Off Center for disposal. If the city doesn’t offer a service for the particular item, Waste Wizard will offer convenient links to other resources that can help you to dispose of it.

What kinds of things can I search for?

Waste Wizard has a database of hundreds of household items and materials. Wauwatosa residents have used it to find answers on common items such as old televisions, batteries, plastic bags, mattresses, and aluminum foil. They’ve also found out about things like pumpkins, light bulbs, motor oil, propane tanks, and takeout containers. The database is always adding new items, so whether it’s something common or unusual, Waste Wizard can help make it disappear.

What other tricks does the Waste Wizard have up its sleeve?

Waste Wizard can help you differentiate between items that may or may not be recyclable, and offers helpful reminders on how and when to put those items by the curb. It can also tell you if an item falls under another collection program, such as compost, yard material, or fall leaf collection. If you try to search for something unusual, Waste Wizard will offer advice on items that may be similar, or you can suggest it as a new item so that it can be added to the database. Waste Wizard can also help you to report a problem with collection service, such as a missed pickup, and direct you to the appropriate resource for certain other problems. If Waste Wizard isn’t able to answer your question, you can always contact the Department of Public Works by e-mail or at (414) 471-8422.

This press release was produced by the City of Wauwatosa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.