Wisconsin DNR accepting applications for electronics collection grants

The E-Cycle Wisconsin DNR is accepting grant applications until July 31, giving priority to specific counties. 

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently is accepting applications for the E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection Grant for projects hosting an electronics collection site or event between September 2024 and December 2025.  

The DNR will give priority to projects in counties that do not have a permanent collection site open to all residents registered under E-Cycle Wisconsin, a manufacturer-funded, statewide program to collect and recycle certain electronics used by households and K-12 schools. This includes projects in Calumet, Crawford, Florence, Forest, Green Lake, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Marinette, Price and Taylor counties. 

The DNR will award up to $100,000 in grants to businesses, local and tribal governmental bodies and nonprofits for this round of funding. The maximum award per collection event is $5,000 and the maximum award per permanent collection site is $10,000. 

In 2022 and 2023, the DNR awarded more than $135,000 to 29 projects in 18 counties. The projects supported the development of three permanent collection sites in Kewaunee and Pepin counties and 30 one-day collection events between August 2022 and May 2024. 

"Our first two rounds of grants were very successful, contributing to unprecedented access to electronics recycling throughout Wisconsin,” DNR E-Cycle Wisconsin coordinator Sarah Murray says. “We're excited to help more rural communities offer electronics collection to their residents. Our goal is to expand access to convenient, affordable electronics recycling across Wisconsin." 

The amount awarded for grants each year is based on available funds from the fees electronics manufacturers pay as part of the E-Cycle Wisconsin program. This program was created in 2010 as part of Wisconsin's electronics recycling law, banning many electronics from the trash. 

Since the start of the program, households and schools across the state have recycled more than 400 million pounds of electronics through E-Cycle Wisconsin. 

Applications for the 2024 grants are due by 5 p.m. July 31.