Wisconsin Center For Investigative Journalism in 2013, E-Recycling, Origin Of The Snowmobile

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Rob Ferrett and Gene Purcell check in on the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism’s top stories of 2013. Then they’ll help you figure out how to dispose of your old gadgets in an environmentally-friendly way. Plus, learn about the legend of the snowmobile.

Featured in this Show

  • Got Brand New Electronics? Recycle The Old, Says Expert

    Many people are wondering what to do with their old TV, computer or other gadgets now that Santa Claus has brought them a new one during the holidays. A new survey from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources shows that while many people are aware of a state ban on putting electronics in landfills, few know what to do with these items instead.

    Sarah Murray, the e-cycle coordinator at the DNR, said the e-cycling program has been in effect for nearly four years. She said Wisconsinites have recycled close to 123 million pounds of electronics since January 2010, so that’s a lot of electronics.

    “We know that there aren’t that many people putting them in the trash. Really, it’s more an issue of them being stored in our attics and basements and closets,” said Murray.

    As consumers wade through their gadgets, DNR officials want to remind the public that their e-recycling program is one way to unload unwanted technology in an eco-friendly — and legal — way.

    Murray said electronics are one of the fastest-growing parts of the waste stream. She said she sees two main problems with placing electronics in the landfill. First, some electronics contain harmful materials, like lead and mercury, which should be kept out of the environment. Second, many of these products contain valuable materials that can be re-used later.

    After consumers send their electronics off for recycling, Murray said they are disassembled and re-distributed.

    “Metals might go to local scrap metal yards or programs. Plastics might get sent overseas, where they’re getting made into new products. Some things, like circuit boards, go to really specialized melters that are able to extract small amounts of precious metal from them, so they really become commodities that can be used again,” Murray said.

    Murray said that while manufacturers have a certain minimum target they have to meet in helping toward recycling materials, DNR officials are mostly concerned about making sure consumers are aware of the resources available for keeping electronics out of the landfill.

    For more information, visit the DNR’s electronics recycling program.

  • The Year In Wisconsin Investigative Journalism

    2013 was an exciting year for the Wisconsin Center For Investigative Journalism (WCIJ). On top of its investigative coverage of frac sand mining in Wisconsin, wolf hunts, and environmental issues around the state, its ability to conduct its work on the University of Wisconsin campus — and with University of Wisconsin entities — was briefly threatened. A reporter from WCIJ takes a look back on the last year and offers a glimpse at what’s in store in 2014.

  • How To Recycle Your Old Gadgets

    Did Santa bring you a new flatscreen TV, tablet, cell phone, or other electronic gizmo? A recent survey shows that most Wisconsinites don’t know there is a ban on throwing out old electronics. The state’s E-Cycle Coordinator shares some advice for responsibly — and legally — disposing your gadgets.

  • Wisconsin Legend: The Snowmobile

    An expert explains the origins of a true Wisconsin Legend: the snowmobile.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Cynthia Schuster Producer
  • Amanda Magnus Producer
  • Ron Seely Guest
  • Sarah Murray Guest
  • Joseph Kapler Guest