Underserved areas should apply for electronic grants

Applications are now accepted for the E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection Grant. The grants are for projects that will host an electronics collection site or event, between June 2025 and December 2026.

Wisconsin’s electronics recycling law, which took effect in 2010, banned many electronics from the trash. It also created E-Cycle Wisconsin, a manufacturer-funded program managed by the DNR, that supports a statewide network of electronics collectors and recyclers.

Since its inception, households and schools have recycled 420 million pounds of electronics through E-Cycle Wisconsin.

The DNR plans to award up to $250,000 in grants to businesses, local and tribal governmental bodies, and nonprofits for this round, with a maximum award, per collection event, of $5,000, and a maximum award, per permanent collection site, of $15,000.

Financial support for additional collection sites and events will make it easier for residents in those areas to recycle unwanted electronics. The DNR will prioritize projects in counties that do not have a permanent collection site registered under E-Cycle Wisconsin, that is open to all residents.

“Our first three rounds of grants were really successful and contributed to unprecedented access to electronics recycling throughout Wisconsin,” said Sarah Murray, DNR Recycling and Solid Waste Section manager. “We’re excited to help more rural communities offer electronics collection to their residents. Our goal is to make convenient, affordable electronics recycling available statewide.”

The amount awarded for grants each year, is based on available funds from fees electronics manufacturers pay as part of the E-Cycle Wisconsin program.

The application deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 30. For more details and a link to the application form, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov.