August Moving Days: Free Electronics Recycling

If you are a City of Madison resident, your electronics and batteries are accepted for free at the Streets Division drop-off sites. 

Free electronics recycling includes televisions, printers, computers, and all other electronic gadgets.

Never place your electronics in the recycling or trash carts.

If the drop-off site hours are not convenient with your work schedule, or if you cannot use the City service because your electronics are from a business or you do not live in the City of Madison, then take your electronics to a reputable private electronics recycler in the area. 

Recycle Electronics and Batteries at the Drop-off Site for Free

Televisions, computers, printers, cell phones, and many other common electronics are banned from landfills in Wisconsin. 

All of these items are accepted at the drop-off sites for recycling for free from City of Madison residents.  You just have to bring them to a drop-off site.

Household batteries are also accepted for free at the drop-off sites.

By taking your electronics to a drop-off site, or another reputable recycler, you will protect your data and ensure the hazardous materials inside these devices are handled safely.

Recycle Your Electronics the Right Way

Do not place electronics, like computers, in the carts at your home. 

Many items and banned from landfills in Wisconsin, and electronics do not belong in your recycling cart.  Also, putting electronics in the carts can lead to fires.

Do not place televisions, computers, or similar electronics containing devices on the terrace. This is against City ordinance, and it can lead to fines or a special assessment.

Do not place these items into the trash or recycling carts. Do not set them out for curbside pickup.

Recycling Electronics is More than Computers

Many other electronic items like Christmas tree lights, box fans, vacuums, kitchen appliances, hair dryers, and so on can be recycled at the drop-off sites.  

For details about the City’s electronics recycling, go to our e-cycling website.

Drop-off Sites Information

Residents can bring one load of  items accepted at the drop-off site per day.

The single load cannot be larger than what would fit into a standard pick-up truck bed or small single-axle trailer. Loads larger than those guidelines will be denied access.

Drop-off sites are for City of Madison residents and taxpayers only. Contractors may not use these facilities.

In order to use the sites, individuals must provide proof they are a resident of the City of Madison. Many individuals show their driver’s license, but other official documents like utility bills or rental agreements can be used.

Check the drop-off site website to be sure you know the location of the sites and their hours before loading your vehicle.

Businesses Cannot Use Streets Division for Electronics Recycling

Since the City of Madison is part of the Wisconsin DNR e-Cycle program, businesses cannot use City services for electronics recycling.

Businesses should use the Wisconsin DNR website to find an alternative reputable electronics recycler for the e-waste they generate.

Additional Information

If there are questions about electronics recycling, contact the Streets Division.

Residents who live east of S. Park Street, and that includes the isthmus, should call 608-246-4532.

Residents west of S. Park Street, and that includes the neighborhoods around Camp Randall, should call 608-266-4681.

Additional information specific to the student move out process, visit the Streets Division’s Moving Days website, and for information about electronics recycling, visit the Streets Division’s electronics recycling page.