Chapter NR 544
EFFECTIVE RECYCLING PROGRAMS
NR 544.04 Required components of an effective recycling program. NR 544.05 Collection and processing systems. NR 544.06 Components of a recycling ordinance. NR 544.07 Record-keeping requirements. NR 544.08 Application for initial program or alternative collection or processing system approval. NR 544.09 Initial program or alternative collection or processing system approval process. NR 544.10 Annual program report. NR 544.11 Annual program report review process. NR 544.12 Programs under probation. NR 544.13 Responsible units located in current service areas of facilities exempt under s. 287.07 (7) (b), Stats. NR 544.14 Variances and exemptions. NR 544.16 Materials recovery facilities used as part of an effective recycling program. NR 544.01NR 544.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish criteria under s. 287.11, Stats., for determining whether a responsible unit’s program is an effective recycling program. In conjunction with s. 287.09 (2) (a), Stats., this chapter will guide the development of effective recycling programs. NR 544.01 NoteNote: Under s. 287.23 (3), Stats., only responsible units that have been determined to have effective recycling programs shall be eligible to receive state financial assistance for recycling. In addition, under s. 287.07 (7), Stats., only responsible units having effective recycling programs under this chapter are exempt from the landfill and incinerator restrictions in s. 287.07 (3) and (4), Stats. NR 544.02NR 544.02 Applicability. The provisions of this chapter apply to all the following: NR 544.02(1)(1) Responsible units seeking approval of an effective recycling program under s. 287.11, Stats. NR 544.02(2)(2) Responsible units that have been approved or are on probation. NR 544.02(3)(3) Materials recovery facilities as defined under s. 287.27 (1), Stats., including a materials recovery facility used as part of an effective recycling program. NR 544.02 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, September, 1993, No. 453, eff. 10-1-93; CR 04-113: am. (1) and (2), r. (3) Register June 2005 No. 594, eff. 7-1-05; CR 23-065: cr. (3) Register June 2025 No. 834, eff. 7-1-25. NR 544.03NR 544.03 Definitions. In this chapter: NR 544.03(1)(1) “Bi-metal container” means a container for beverages that is made primarily of a combination of steel and aluminum. NR 544.03(4)(4) “Curbside collection” means a system for collecting recyclable materials from residential properties, including from the curb, alley, backyard or roadside, and for transporting the recyclable materials for processing and marketing. NR 544.03(6)(6) “Department” means the department of natural resources. NR 544.03(6m)(6m) “Designated agent” means any person who, on behalf of or by agreement with the owner or operator of a multiple-family dwelling or a non-residential facility or property, provides goods or services at that location. NR 544.03(7)(7) “Drop-off collection” means a system for collecting recyclable materials in which the recyclable materials are taken by individuals to designated collection sites and deposited into designated containers from which the recyclable materials are transported for processing and marketing. NR 544.03 NoteNote: Plastic containers made of HDPE and regulated under ch. ATCP 137 will have a triangular symbol with number “2”. NR 544.03 NoteNote: Plastic containers made of LDPE and regulated under ch. ATCP 137 will have a triangular symbol with number “4”. NR 544.03(11)(11) “Magazines” means magazines and other materials printed on similar paper. NR 544.03 NoteNote: The definition of a materials recovery facility, as given in s. 287.27 (1), Stats., provides “In this section, ‘materials recovery facility’ means a facility where the materials specified in sub. (4) (b) or s. 287.07 (3) or (4), not mixed with other solid waste, are processed for reuse or recycling by conversion into a consumer product or a product which is used as a raw material in a commercial or industrial process. ‘Materials recovery facility’ does not include a facility operated by a pulp or paper mill which utilizes fiber or paper that has been separated from waste for use as a raw material in a commercial product.” NR 544.03(13)(13) “Multiple-family dwelling” means a structure containing 5 or more residential units, including units that are occupied seasonally. NR 544.03(14)(14) “Multiple-municipality responsible unit” means a responsible unit that is made up of more than one unit of government or solid waste management system. NR 544.03(19)(19) “Newspaper” means a newspaper and other materials printed on newsprint. NR 544.03(21)(21) “Non-residential facilities and properties” means commercial, retail, industrial, institutional, and governmental facilities and properties. “Non-residential facilities and properties” includes any location at which goods or services are provided or manufactured, including locations under construction, demolition, or remodeling, or used for special events such as fairs, festivals, sport venues, conferences, and exhibits. NR 544.03(21am)(21am) “Nuisance conditions” means conditions which result in an unreasonable threat or danger to public health, safety or welfare, or to the environment. NR 544.03(22)(22) “Office paper” means a variety of high grade printing and writing papers. “Office paper” does not include industrial process waste, newspaper, or packaging. NR 544.03 NoteNote: Plastic containers made of PETE and regulated under ch. ATCP 137 will have a triangular symbol with number “1”. NR 544.03 NoteNote: Plastic containers made of PP and regulated under ch. ATCP 137 will have a triangular symbol with number “5”. NR 544.03 NoteNote: Plastic containers made of PS and regulated under ch. ATCP 137 will have a triangular symbol with number “6”.
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