Ridgeland Area Library, Barron Area School District team up for plastic recycling

Betty Glaser of Ridgeland uses the new plastic recycling collection box at the Ridgeland Area Library. (Photo submitted by Donnette Mickelson)

by Donnette Mickelson

Ridgeland, Barron County, Wisconsin

Oct. 22, 2026

The Ridgeland Area Library (RAL) is now a collection site for plastic recycling. Through a partnership with the Barron Area School District (BASD), Mrs. Kristi Huset’s classroom, and RAL, the community can keep plastic out of our landfills.

As community members recycle their plastic at RAL and goals are achieved, recycled plastic benches will be placed at school buildings and community sites. Every bag makes a difference! Plastic recycling at RAL is an easy way for families, schools, and community members to work together to reduce waste and create something that everyone can enjoy, like park benches. 

The types of plastic that can be placed in the designated bin at RAL for recycling are:

• grocery bags

• bread bags

• bubble wrap

• ice bags

• plastic shipping envelopes

• dry cleaning bags

• newspaper sleeves

• Ziploc and other reclosable food storage bags

• cereal bags

• case overwrap from cases of water, toilet paper, paper towels, salt bags, pallet wrap, and stretch film

• wood pellet bags

• produce bags

  
  

Please only drop-off clean and dry plastic materials from the above list, during RAL’s open hours.

My family has made a conscious effort to try to reduce our household plastic usage, but it is unavoidable. It is amazing how much plastic can be redirected to this program. 

The Ridgeland Area Library is located at 115 Diamond St. in Ridgeland, Wisconsin. The library can be reached at Ridgeland Area Library on Facebook or via email at ral@ridgelandarealibrary.org.

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Editor’s note: The collaboration with RAL isn’t the first plastic recycling endeavor for students at BASD. 

Huset's 2025-2026 students collected 1,000 pounds of plastic, which enabled a donation of a new bench at Woodland Elementary in Barron through the TREX Recycling Program.