Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory and Prices

The Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory (WRMD) Web site provides information on recycling markets in Wisconsin. Users can generate custom lists of markets for various materials, view up-to-date information on current recycling issues and locate additional resources for recycling markets.

Reduced Assistance on Wisconsin Recycling Markets

Regrettably, Waste and Materials Management staff may not be able to respond to individual inquiries on recycling markets and market trends due to the downturn in the economy and its impact on program budgets. The Markets Directory will be available through at least December 2008, although its status after then is uncertain. We are investigating longer-term alternatives to providing this important service, and will inform directory users if other options become available.

1. If you are looking for a market for a specific commodity, the Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory may be of assistance. However, note that the last update to the recycling markets directory was completed in June 2008.
2. If you are unable to find what you're looking for in the Markets Directory, try the recycling program [PDF 84KB] for your area.
3. The University of Wisconsin-Extension Solid & Hazardous Waste Education Center (SHWEC) can provide assistance in locating markets for recovered materials. Contact Recycling Specialist Joe Van Rossum (608)262-0936 for assistance.
4. If your business would like to be included in the Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory, complete the survey form. Instructions on how to submit this to DNR are included on the survey form. Please note that the future of the Markets Directory after December 2008 is uncertain.
5. If you are interested in starting a recycling business, we suggest you contact the Division of Business Development [exit DNR] in the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

Market Information

If you are looking for information on a particular material, the Category Index provides information on how to locate over 150 categories of materials listed in the WRMD and provides a link to the search page where you can input that information. The Materials Search and Overview section allows users to select materials and categories of materials from drop-down menus and generate lists of businesses that handle those materials. This information can be printed out or stored in a cart for later use. Users wanting company information can obtain an alphabetized list by:

Company Name

City Name

This web site provides only a partial listing of recycling services available in Wisconsin. Company specific information has been gathered directly from the firms listed and is updated each year. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data presented here, however inclusion is not meant as an endorsement by DNR. DNR has neither audited nor inspected these firms for compliance with current environmental regulations.

Market Prices

The Recycling Market Prices page provides historical pricing and graphs for recycling commodities in the State of Wisconsin. Price information for six different commodities is shown with graphs and numerical data for the different seller regions. In addition to regional differences, prices received by facility size are provided. A map of Wisconsin regions and material recycling facilities is also provided.

Market Resources

The Environmental Regulations Overview provides a brief summary of some of the laws that may apply to materials that are recycled and reused. The Recycling Trade Associations link identifies contact information for regional and state; national; international; and non-profit recycling organizations. A partial list of web resources that address various recycling issues can be found using the WWW Resources option.

Corrections or Additions

If you have any corrections or additions to the information in the WRMD, or if you are a firm that would like to be listed in the next edition of the WRMD, contact DNR Recycling at:

(608) 266-2111.
DNR Waste Materials@Wisconsin.gov

A printable version of the Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory Survey is available. If you would like to have your firm listed in the next edition of the directory, please print out a copy of the survey Web page, fill in the appropriate information by hand, and mail to:

Department of Natural Resources
Waste and Materials Management Program, Recycling
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921