Recycling in Wisconsin
Where to recycle, donate or get rid of things in 30 cities and towns across Wisconsin. Pick your city, or search for your item. We also pick up anywhere in the state.
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Wisconsin rules
- It is illegal to throw away certain electronics in Wisconsin. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Electronics Recycling (E-cycle) (opens in new tab)
- Businesses must still recycle, reuse or manage their electronics as hazardous waste. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- Wisconsin's electronics recycling law dates from 2009; it set up a manufacturer-funded collection and recycling system and banned many consumer electronics from landfills and incinerators. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
More Wisconsin rules (63)
- The electronics disposal bans apply to devices from everyone: households, schools, businesses, governments and institutions. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- Televisions are banned from Wisconsin landfills and incinerators. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- Computers (desktop, laptop, netbook, tablet), qualifying game consoles, desktop printers and computer monitors are banned from Wisconsin landfills and incinerators. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- Computer accessories (keyboards, mice, speakers, external hard drives, flash drives) and DVD players, VCRs and DVRs are also banned from disposal. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- TV and monitor accessories (remotes, cable/satellite/streaming receivers, cords and A/V cables, security cameras, home theater speakers), fax machines and cellphones are also banned from disposal. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- Since September 1, 2010, state law has banned listed electronic devices from landfills, solid waste incinerators and from trash containers headed to them. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
- For manufacturer obligations, covered video display devices include TVs, computer monitors and e-readers with displays of 7 inches or more. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- Retailers may sell only registered brands of covered electronics to Wisconsin households and schools and must tell customers about the disposal bans and recycling options. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- Local government recycling responsible units must inform residents about electronics recycling and the disposal bans. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- DNR is writing additional administrative rules for E-Cycle Wisconsin; a public hearing on the proposed rule was held May 28, 2026. Source: Wisconsin DNR: E-Cycle Wisconsin program information (opens in new tab)
- Working computers and other electronics may be donated to a school, nonprofit or other organization; call first. Source: Wisconsin DNR: How to recycle electronics in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- Electronics do not belong in curbside recycling bins or carts; the equipment is not designed for them. Source: Wisconsin DNR: What to recycle in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- No one may put a major appliance (or a lead acid battery) in a Wisconsin solid waste disposal facility; microwave ovens are a limited exception. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
- Major appliances and lead acid batteries also may not be burned in a solid waste treatment facility. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
- Refrigerators and freezers are major appliances under Wisconsin law, so they are banned from landfills and incinerators. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.01 Definitions (opens in new tab)
- Clothes washers and dryers are major appliances under Wisconsin law, so they are banned from landfills and incinerators. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.01 Definitions (opens in new tab)
- Microwave ovens are major appliances under Wisconsin law. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.01 Definitions (opens in new tab)
- The statute lets a microwave oven go to a landfill if its capacitor has been removed (and handled as required). Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
- DNR lists major appliances, including washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers and microwave ovens, among items that can't go in the trash in Wisconsin. Source: Wisconsin DNR: How to recycle electronics in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- Appliances are usually not picked up at the curb with recyclables and are not accepted at many general recycling drop-off sites. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Large Appliance Recycling Guide (PUB-WA 1814, 2025) (opens in new tab)
- Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and some heaters need special treatment for their refrigerants; DNR keeps a list of registered refrigerant-removal businesses. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Large Appliance Recycling Guide (PUB-WA 1814, 2025) (opens in new tab)
- Most sites charge for appliances with cooling elements. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Large Appliance Recycling Guide (PUB-WA 1814, 2025) (opens in new tab)
- Many appliance retailers will haul away and recycle an old appliance when a new one is delivered, but may charge a fee. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Large Appliance Recycling Guide (PUB-WA 1814, 2025) (opens in new tab)
- Some communities collect appliances; residents may need to buy a sticker, pay for pickup or take the appliance to a collection site. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Large Appliance Recycling Guide (PUB-WA 1814, 2025) (opens in new tab)
- It is illegal to dispose of tires in a Wisconsin solid waste landfill. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Waste tires in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- Since July 1, 2011, waste tires may not be put in a trash container headed for a landfill or for burning without energy recovery. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
- DNR says the best option for personal vehicle tires is the store where you buy new tires. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Waste tires in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- Almost all new tire dealers take old tires for a service fee. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Waste tires in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- Very few municipalities collect tires; for a few accumulated tires contact your local recycling program or a DNR-licensed waste tire handler. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Waste tires in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- Since January 1, 1995, listed recyclables may not be landfilled, made into fuel or burned at a solid waste treatment facility in Wisconsin. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
- Corrugated paper (cardboard) and other container board are on the statutory list of banned materials. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
- Since July 1, 2011, the banned recyclables may not be placed in a trash container headed for a landfill, fuel conversion or burning. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
- Corrugated cardboard and other containerboard are banned from disposal; DNR asks that boxes be flattened. Source: Wisconsin DNR: What to recycle in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- The disposal bans apply everywhere in Wisconsin: homes, businesses, schools, institutions and special events. Source: Wisconsin DNR: What to recycle in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- In the La Crosse and Barron county waste-to-energy areas, recycling programs may send recyclable paper, including cardboard, and plastics to the incinerators, though local ordinances may still require recycling. Source: Wisconsin DNR: What to recycle in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
- Since 1990 Wisconsin law has required all residents to recycle items like cardboard, bottles and cans, and ensured everyone has access to a local recycling program. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Recycling at home (opens in new tab)
- Curbside recycling collection is required in communities with more than 5,000 people and at least 70 people per square mile; smaller or sparser programs may use drop-off centers. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Recycling at home (opens in new tab)
- The recycling law bans disposal and incineration of certain materials and makes local government responsible units run recycling programs for them. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Recycling and composting (opens in new tab)
- Empty single-use all-steel propane cylinders can be recycled at a scrap metal operation, not in curbside recycling. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- Lead-acid batteries are banned from Wisconsin landfills and solid waste incinerators. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Proper handling of used batteries (opens in new tab)
- Alkaline batteries may go in the trash, though some retailers and recycling locations accept them. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Proper handling of used batteries (opens in new tab)
- Households are not required to recycle batteries, but non-alkaline batteries in trash or recycling carts are a fire risk. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Proper handling of used batteries (opens in new tab)
- Never put batteries or electronics in curbside recycling carts or bins. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Proper handling of used batteries (opens in new tab)
- From January 1, 2028, covered (portable and medium-format) batteries may be disposed of only at a collection site or event run under an approved battery stewardship plan, unless regulated as hazardous waste. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.18 Lead acid battery collection (opens in new tab)
- Battery stewardship organizations must submit plans to DNR by January 1, 2027; no statewide stewardship collection network was found operating yet. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.175 Battery collection and recycling (opens in new tab)
- Approved battery stewardship plans must collect covered batteries at no cost, of any brand, on a continuous and accessible basis. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.175 Battery collection and recycling (opens in new tab)
- Producers, retailers and stewardship organizations may not charge consumers a point-of-sale fee to pay for the battery stewardship plan. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.175 Battery collection and recycling (opens in new tab)
- A covered battery is a portable or medium-format battery that can be easily removed with common household tools; lead acid batteries under s. 287.18 are excluded. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.175 Battery collection and recycling (opens in new tab)
- For a household mercury thermometer, ask your local solid waste or streets department when the next household hazardous waste collection is. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Household healthcare waste (opens in new tab)
- Wisconsin has no legal requirements for disposing of light bulbs from households. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Recycling light bulbs (opens in new tab)
- DNR encourages households to recycle mercury-containing bulbs, for example at stores that take them back. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Recycling light bulbs (opens in new tab)
- DATCP's Clean Sweep program lists communities with household hazardous waste collection sites and events. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- Some collection sites and events charge a flat fee for certain items; DNR recommends calling ahead about items, hours and fees. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- In many communities a one-day collection event, usually in spring, summer or fall, may be the closest option. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- Some permanent HHW sites run product exchanges where usable paint and other products are free to the public. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Household hazardous waste (opens in new tab)
- Wisconsin Clean Sweep is a DATCP grant program that reimburses local governments and Tribes for collecting and disposing of household hazardous waste, agricultural pesticides and prescription drugs. Source: DATCP: Clean Sweep (opens in new tab)
- Clean Sweep collections may be one-day events or year-round sites, depending on the local government. Source: DATCP: Clean Sweep (opens in new tab)
- DATCP publishes the list of Clean Sweep-funded collections; if a community is not listed, residents should contact their solid waste department, landfill, land conservation department or extension office. Source: DATCP: Clean Sweep Collections (list of funded collections) (opens in new tab)
- PaintCare's state list (California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington) does not include Wisconsin: there is no PaintCare program in Wisconsin. Source: PaintCare: Paint recycling and drop-off locations (state list) (opens in new tab)
- PaintCare runs paint recycling programs only in states with paint stewardship laws. Source: PaintCare: Paint recycling and drop-off locations (state list) (opens in new tab)
- The Mattress Recycling Council operates statewide only in California, Connecticut, Oregon and Rhode Island; Wisconsin has no state mattress recycling program. Source: Mattress Recycling Council home page (opens in new tab)
- MRC runs recycling programs only in states that have passed mattress recycling laws. Source: Mattress Recycling Council home page (opens in new tab)
- With no Wisconsin mattress law, there is no MRC/Bye Bye Mattress program for mattresses or box springs in the state. Source: Mattress Recycling Council home page (opens in new tab)