Thinking Outside the Trash

October 2026

Leaves are falling, the smell of the air changes, and pumpkin spice is everywhere! It is time to wind down the summer activities and start transitioning into holiday season.

Recycling Connections keeps you updated on the many ways to reduce waste, recycle right, and live just a little bit lighter on this planet. As always, we’re excited to share what we’ve been working on — and what’s ahead.

We look forward to Thinking Outside the Trash with you! Enjoy our quarterly E-newsletter!

Susan Schuller

Executive Director

Meet Our New Program Coordinator: Chris Langenfeld

Meet Lily, Student Volunteer

We also welcome Lily this semester. She is a student at UW-Stevens Point studying environmental education. She will be increasing our social media presence with tips and tricks to reduce waste this holiday season. Stay tuned to our social feed for more.

YOU'RE INVITED!

Learn More

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

Stay up to date, sign-up for hosting a booth, or volunteer at the event by visiting our website.

Make Backyard Composting Easier with our Group Compost Bin Purchase Program

For nearly 30 years, we’ve been helping municipalities, schools, non-profits, and other organizations make backyard composting more accessible in their communities. Nearly 30,000 Home Composter bins have been purchased through our program since 1998.

Join the 2027 Bin Program

Wacky, Fun Ideas for a Low‑Waste Halloween

Halloween is a holiday built on creativity — silly costumes, spooky decorations, and festive gatherings. But behind the fun often comes a “spooky” amount of waste.

Read Our Halloween Tips

Near Zero Waste Program Receives Award

Our Near Zero Waste Party Kit program won the 2026 Shining Award from the Party Kit Network! Click on the Shining Start logo to learn more.

2026 National Zero Waste Conference

Two Days of Zero Waste Content!

Over 60 speakers internationally will share data, information, and case studies to grow the Zero Waste industry. We invite you to JOIN US at this two-day conference is all online!

Recycling Connections is a proud

Zero Waste USA Affiliate!

Visit the Conference Website

Host A Party That's Classy, Not Trashy

Hosting a holiday party, family gathering, or community event this season? Choose our free Near Zero Waste Party Kit (for events up to 25 people) or rent from us for events up to 200 people to ditch the use of disposables and help keep valuable resources out of landfills. Celebrate sustainably and make a positive impact with every event. We will even wash the dishes, making it easy for you to choose to reuse.

Start Your Holiday Party Planning

Small actions can lead to big impact! Each year on November 15, millions of Americans come together for America Recycles Day – a day all about spreading the word on how recycling helps us reduce waste, save energy, and conserve precious resources. Learn more and get involved...

America Recycles Day - Marathon County!

Do you live in Marathon County? Participate in their America Recycles Day Contest happening through Nov. 30th for your chance to win a new flat screen TV and other great prizes.

Simple take a picture of your recycling bin, fill out the online form, and upload your picture for a chance to win. It is by participating in the "What's in your bin?" contest to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a new flat screen TV!

*must be a Marathon Co resident to win.

Click HERE to learn more and participate.

SUPPORT RECYCLING CONNECTIONS

Looking for a Unique Holiday Gift that Supports a Wonderful Non-profit? Shop Recycling Connections on our Bonfire Page!

Support RC by purchasing sassy sweatshirts and t-shirts 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!