Posted: Thursday, May 16, 2013 - Roberta Baumann - Waunakee Tribune

The list of items Waunakee residents can recycle just got a lot longer, thanks to Pellitteri Waste Systems new recycling plant on Madison’s Southeast side.

Pellitteri, along with Madison Mayor Paul Soglin and other dignitaries, cut the ribbon on new Kipp Street Station recycling facility May 11, signaling added jobs for Dane County and more materials recycled rather than dumped into the landfill.

“We are excited to offer this new facility and innovative technology for recycling processing to residents of south-central Wisconsin,” said David Pellitteri, vice president of Pellitteri Waste Systems, in an announcement of the ribbon cutting. “It has already proven to be a major benefit to our community by reducing the cost of recycling, providing a recycling educational center, and creating additional jobs for hardworking people within our community.”

The Kipp Street Station currently employs 25 people, and additional hires are expected. Many employees perform quality control on the sorting line, searching for non-recyclables to separate out, according to Danielle Pellitteri, vice president.

“Carpet and clothing, diapers fishing lines, hoses and ropes – people think those are recyclable. They jam the automated sorting equipment,” Pellitteri said.

The automated system sorts the various materials. Cardboard is removed first, then glass, then newspaper and paper. Finally, metal is separated.

With the new facility, Pellitteri has greatly expanded its list of items for recycling. Now Waunakee residents can include plastic grocery, newspaper and dry cleaning bags in their recycle bins. Residents are asked to bundle them in a clear or transparent bag, with the bundle smaller than a basketball, and tied shut. Black or brown bags will not be accepted, Pellitteri said.

The basketball size is a constant for other recyclables. Shredded paper can be bundled the same way – in a clear or transparent plastic bag no larger than a basketball, and tied shut.

Also new to the paper recyclables, milk and juice cartons or boxes can also be thrown in the recycling bin now.

Small metal appliances such as toasters and blenders – again nothing larger than a basketball – can be recycled, as well, as can small metal plumbing fixtures and pipes. For more information on the expanded recycling options, visit, www.pellitteri.com.

Danielle Pellitteri said the company built the facility in order to have more control of the items it is capable of recycling.

“So if we want to improve and install equipment, that allows us to receive something in the single stream option, we can,” she said.

Education is also part of the new plant’s mission. Communities served by Pellitteri can arrange for tours of the new facility, and the Pellitteris are working on an educational video to be available in the next six months.

The company also does business locally, Pellitteri said. All of the No. 1 plastics at the facility go to Placon-Ecostar in Fitchburg.

“Essentially, the water bottle you recycle ends up in the deli container you get at Hyvee’s salad bar,” she said.