Thinking Outside the Trash

August 2026

Summer has been full of activity, partnerships, and community engagement at Recycling Connections. From major industry events to hands‑on education and new collaborations, we’re excited to share what we’ve been working on — and what’s ahead.

We hope you enjoy the e-news with information on all the up and coming events and opportunities to get engaged, learn ways to reduce your impact, and live more sustainably. We look forward to Thinking Outside the Trash with you!

Susan Schuller

Executive Director

Click HERE for Job Description

We’re Hiring a Program Coordinator

Love organization, communication, and environmental education? Join our team! We’re hiring a Program Coordinator to help manage educational materials, support events, and strengthen our outreach in the solid waste & recycling industry.

If you’re creative, detail‑oriented, and passionate about making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications Due Aug 14th, position open until filled.

Kaylin is currently a senior seeking a B.S in Water Resources with a Geospatial Information Systems certificate at UW-Stevens Point. She is working as a summer intern for the Portage County Solid Waste facility and Recycling Connections. Kaylin is early in her career in Natural resources and hopes to expand her knowledge base working with and learning from the individuals that run these facilities and programs.

This summer she has helped keep our native school gardens looking great! She has also learned about using social media for marketing and exhibiting at events. If you see her out and about, stop to say "Hi." We are grateful to have her this summer.

Where We've Been This Summer

The International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management

Recycling Connections partnered with DATCP and UWSP to host the International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management in Stevens Point, Wisconsin June 30-July 2, 2026.

The event engaged 195 people from all over the country including 7 countries internationally to tackle some of the most difficult disposal issues in our industry. This topic intersects agriculture, wildlife management, disease control, and waste solutions. The event included demonstration exhibits at Food + Farm Exploration Center.

Learn More About This Event

Low Waste Living - Switches in the Garage

More than Mason Jars - The Art of Eating with the Seasons

It's August and our gardens are abundant; canning season is upon us. Learn more about canning, why eating seasonally is important, and the significance of preserving homegrown food.

Read Article

Rylee walks us through Household Swaps in the garage! From yard supplies to broken bikes, tools, and lawn chairs, Rylee shares 5 of the easiest switches in the garage to strive for zero waste.

Click Here for 5 Easy Garage Switches

Join Recycling Connections and Bucket Ruckus for the 2nd annual Pumpkin Smash! Don't trash your Halloween pumpkins, compost them. It's sure to be a smashing good time.

Stay up to date by visiting our website - more details to come!

Partnership Highlight

New Partnership with Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations

We are proud to sign a contract with Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations to support their board of directors and advance the mission throughout Iowa. Click below to learn more about ISOSWO.

Learn more about ISOSWO

Restaurant Survey Work with Dane County Solid Waste and Renewables

Recycling Connections is partnering with Dane County Solid Waste and Renewables to conduct waste audits of two restaurants in Portage County. Initial meetings with the restaurants took place the last week in July and Recycling Connections is working hard to provide resources and suggestions to help them reduce their waste.

We bid a farewell and good luck to Rylee Mullikin.

Rylee served as Recycling Connections' Program Coordinator for two years advancing our Near Zero Waste Program and helping to improve our outreach programs.

All the best to you and your next journey. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to RC.

As a result, we are hiring her position. Learn more by clicking here.

SUPPORT RECYCLING CONNECTIONS

Recycling Connections Launches Bonfire Fundraising Page

Make a statement! Support RC by purchasing sassy swag from Bonfire. Bonfire supports non-profits by hosting an online store to sell meaningful merchandise. Custom orders allow you to pick your style, color, and size. Click on the image below to purchase a shirt of your liking and support Recycling Connections in return! Every purchase helps support us!

Find Us Out and About

August 22nd - Zero Waste Wedding in Stevens Point, WI

September 18th - Zero Waste Wedding in Athens, WI

September 24th - Composting at NCCT Dinner, Stevens Point, WI

September 25th - Giving a Compost Talk and Tour for ARDC, Stevens Point, WI

Sept 28-Oct 4th - Celebrating Food Waste Prevention Week - Follow us our socials

November 7th - Second Annual Community Pumpkin Smash

Make an impact today by donating to Recycling Connections. Any amount will be greatly appreciated and will go directly to our programs and mission.

Donate Here