Wisconsin DNR Completed Multimillion-Dollar E-Waste Cleanup

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that it has completed decontaminating Wisconsin lands from hazardous waste left by the electronics recycler 5R Processors. The effort was carried out at several of the sites, where the company had illegally stored hazardous waste containing toxic chemicals including lead.

According to a news release, the state spent a total of around $4.6 million on the massive cleanup drive. This was slightly higher when compared with the budgeted amount of $4.5 million.

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The cleanup was successfully carried out in collaboration with local municipalities and third-party agents, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local governments in Price, Rusk, and Washington counties, as well as the village of Catawba, and the city of Ladysmith.

Natasha Gwidt, DNR Waste and Materials Management Field Operations Director noted that community support and partnerships were vital to the success of the cleanup event,

An estimated $2.4 million was spent on cleanup in the City of West Bend, compared to $824,000 and $1.3 million in Ladysmith and Catawba, respectively. The activities included the removal of over 1.5 million pounds of shattered cathode ray tube glass along with other hazardous and electrical items.