Wisconsin is having fewer wildfires now than in past years, and officials say it’s because residents are being smarter and safer.

More than 700 acres of Wisconsin have been burned in 300 wildfires so far in 2026, according to the state’s wildfire dashboard. That’s 20 fewer wildfires burning about 400 fewer acres when compared to the state’s 10-year average by this time of year.

Catherine Koele, a wildfire prevention specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said it’s a common misconception that Wisconsin doesn’t have many wildfires – people usually think of California when they think of wildfires.

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But wildfires do happen in Wisconsin. In the past 10 years, the state has averaged about 900 wildfires burning nearly 2,000 acres annually, state data shows. Just this week, a red flag warning was issued for Burnett and Washburn counties in northwestern Wisconsin. A red flag warning is issued when factors combine to create especially dangerous wildfire conditions.

“Fires do happen here and more often than people think,” Koele told the Journal Sentinel. “The biggest difference is that 98% of our fires are caused by people.” 

Why has Wisconsin seen fewer wildfires so far this year?  

In the western United States, wildfire season usually lasts from summer to early fall. But that part of the country has different vegetation, and fires are often started by lightning and bolstered by strong winds, Koele said.

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The average Wisconsin resident generates nearly 5 pounds of trash every day, but recycles less than 2 pounds of that trash, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

A survey conducted by the department looked at the top barriers to recycling in the state, with 39% of respondents saying it’s easier to throw recyclables in the trash, 35% saying they sometimes forget to recycle and 28% saying they’re not always sure which materials are recyclable.

Here’s a guide to what you can and can’t recycle in Wisconsin, and what to do with certain items that can be recycled – just not at home.

What can you recycle at home in Wisconsin?

Many household recyclable materials can simply be placed in your personal recycling bin. If you’re ever unsure, contact your local waste handler or refer to the state Department of Natural Resources guide.

Here are some of the most common household recyclable materials:

• Aluminum containers 
• Combination metal containers (steel and aluminum) 
• Flattened corrugated cardboard or other container cardboard  
• Glass containers, bottles 
• Magazines or similar paper products 
• Newspapers and materials printed on newsprint 
• Office paper 
• Plastic containers labeled as plastics #1 and #2 – milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, soda and water bottles, etc. 
• Steel containers 

What recyclable materials need a special drop-off in Wisconsin 

There are other household items that are technically recyclable, but should not be thrown in your home recycling bin. Specific drop-off facilities for such items are available across the state.