Consumers

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Wisconsin's electronics recycling law establishes a collection and recycling system for certain electronic devices from Wisconsin households, K-12 public schools and Milwaukee Parental Choice Program schools. It also bans landfilling or incineration of these devices. The DNR administers this new program, known as E-Cycle Wisconsin.

How Does the Law Affect Consumers?

Under E-Cycle Wisconsin, electronics manufacturers must recycle a certain amount of eligible electronic devices (EEDs) each year. Because of this, consumers can expect increased and more convenient access to responsible electronics recycling. In some cases households and schools may still pay a recycling fee or be limited in the number of devices they can recycle at one time.

Consumers should not expect a change in the types of devices they can buy in Wisconsin. The law does not add an up-front recycling fee to the price of a new TV or other covered device.

The electronics recycling law adds to Wisconsin's bans on landfilling or incinerating certain materials. No one in Wisconsin will be able to dispose of certain electronic devices in landfills or incinerators in Wisconsin after Sept. 1, 2010.

• Information on devices covered under E-Cycle Wisconsin.

Businesses, institutions and others not included in these groups may see some benefits from the new electronics recycling infrastructure in Wisconsin. However, they cannot recycle electronics through E-Cycle Wisconsin. Some of the E-Cycle Wisconsin recyclers and collectors may still accept discarded electronics from these groups as long as they handle the devices separately from those collected under E-Cycle Wisconsin.

• Find out more about how businesses, institutions and others not covered by the new law should manage their electronics.

Why Is it Important to Recycle?

Electronics contain valuable reusable materials including precious metals, steel, glass, plastics and others. Recycling or reusing these materials reduces environmental impacts and economic costs by reducing the need for virgin materials in new electronics.

Computers, computer accessories, TVs, cell phones and other electronics also contain harmful materials, including lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, other heavy metals and chemical flame retardants. If electronics are landfilled, incinerated or illegally dumped or burned, these pollutants may contaminate water, air or soil and affect human and environmental health. Improperly handled discarded electronics may also pose health risks to workers from companies that manage the electronics.

Where to Recycle Electronics

Electronics recycling options vary depending on your location and the types of devices you need to recycle.

The DNR maintains a list of collection sites registered under E-Cycle Wisconsin. Contact the collector to learn about fees, what materials are accepted, and any restrictions or special information before bringing in your electronics.

• List of registered collection sites by county [PDF 72KB]

While all of these have to meet minimum standards, they may not all fit your needs. You may want to consider these issues when looking for recycling and reuse options in your area.

If you buy or replace electronics, be sure to ask the retailer if it collects old electronic devices. Watch for information from your community recycling program on electronics recycling near you. There may be other collectors or recyclers you can use that are not currently participating in E-Cycle Wisconsin.

More Information

• View full text of Wisconsin's electronics recycling law [exit DNR]
• Information on electronics recycling for businesses and others not part of E-Cycle Wisconsin
• Learn more about environmental impacts of electronics

Contact Information

For more information about E-Cycle Wisconsin, please contact:

DNRWAe-cycling@Wisconsin.gov