DNR offers $150,000 for electronics recycling sites in 11 counties | The Locally Times
Local governments and nonprofits have until August 31 to apply for state grants to establish permanent electronics collection sites.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers $150,000 in grants to local governments, tribal bodies, and nonprofits to establish electronics recycling infrastructure. The program targets 11 counties that lack a permanent, public-access collection site registered under E-Cycle Wisconsin, the state program that manages the recycling of computers, televisions, and other electronic devices. ## Grant Details and Eligibility The DNR accepts applications for the 2026-2027 project cycle through 5 p.m. on August 31. Organizations may receive up to $15,000 to establish a permanent collection site or up to $5,000 to host a one-day collection event. The DNR identified Calumet, Crawford, Florence, Forest, Green Lake, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Marquette, Price, and Taylor counties as priority areas. These locations currently lack a permanent, registered collection site open to all residents. ## Program Funding Grant funds originate from fees paid by electronics manufacturers under the E-Cycle Wisconsin program. The DNR manages these funds to maintain the statewide network of collectors and recyclers. Between August 2022 and December 2026, the DNR awarded more than $590,000 to projects across 30 counties. These grants funded 9 permanent collection sites and 107 one-day collection events. Since the start of E-Cycle Wisconsin in 2010, schools and households have diverted 440 million pounds of electronics from landfills. ## Resident Impact State law prohibits the disposal of many electronic devices in the trash. Residents in the 11 priority counties must currently travel outside their local area to dispose of these items legally. The establishment of a site depends on local organizations or governments submitting an application before the August 31 deadline. Residents may contact their local municipal or county leadership to determine if an application is planned for their area. ## Key Questions **Which counties are prioritized for this funding?** The DNR is prioritizing projects in Calumet, Crawford, Florence, Forest, Green Lake, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Marquette, Price, and Taylor counties. **When is the deadline to apply for a grant?** Applications for the 2026-2027 grant cycle must be submitted by 5 p.m. Central time on August 31, 2026. **How much funding is available per site?** The DNR offers up to $15,000 for a permanent collection site and up to $5,000 for a one-day collection event.