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Where to Safely Recycle Electronics in Dane County (2025 Guide)


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As technology continues to evolve, more and more households across Dane County are upgrading devices—whether it’s a newer television, a sleeker laptop, or the latest smartphone. With those upgrades, however, comes an important question: what should be done with the old electronics collecting dust in basements, closets, or garages?


Tossing electronics into the trash is not just environmentally harmful—it’s also illegal in the state of Wisconsin. Many of these items contain hazardous materials like lead, cadmium, and mercury, which pose serious risks to the environment and public health when improperly disposed of. Fortunately, Dane County offers residents several convenient, safe, and responsible ways to dispose of electronics. This guide covers everything you need to know, including drop-off sites, fees, accepted items, and best practices for preparing your items for recycling.





What Counts as E-Waste?



E-waste refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices, many of which contain materials that can be recycled or repurposed. Common examples of e-waste include:


  • Televisions (flat screens, CRTs, plasma screens)

  • Desktop computers and towers

  • Laptops, tablets, and e-readers

  • Computer monitors

  • Cell phones and smartphones

  • Printers, copiers, and fax machines

  • DVD and Blu-ray players

  • Game consoles

  • Routers and modems

  • Chargers, cords, and cables

  • Small kitchen appliances like microwaves or toasters



These items may look harmless, but inside many of them are materials that can leach into soil and groundwater if sent to landfills. Even when non-functioning, old electronics often contain valuable metals like copper, silver, and gold that can be reclaimed when properly recycled.


To learn more about what counts as e-waste and why it matters, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s electronics resource page.


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Why You Shouldn’t Throw Electronics in the Trash



In Wisconsin, it is illegal to dispose of many electronics in the regular trash or at municipal landfills. This law is part of the E-Cycle Wisconsin program, administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which regulates how electronics should be collected, processed, and reused or recycled.


Electronics often contain substances that are classified as hazardous waste, such as flame retardants and heavy metals. When these items are dumped in a landfill, they can break down over time and release toxins into the soil, air, and water. These pollutants not only affect wildlife and ecosystems but can also end up in drinking water supplies and pose risks to human health.


Additionally, discarding electronics incorrectly can result in fines or penalties under state law. Responsible recycling, on the other hand, helps conserve raw materials, supports the local recycling industry, and reduces the environmental impact of electronic manufacturing.


For more on Wisconsin’s e-waste law, visit the E-Cycle Wisconsin program page.





Drop-Off Sites for E-Waste in Dane County



Dane County offers a range of safe, accessible drop-off locations for residents to recycle electronic waste. Some facilities charge a fee for certain items, while others accept them at no cost. Always check the website or call ahead to confirm accepted materials and hours of operation.





1. City of Madison Drop-Off Sites



The City of Madison operates two permanent drop-off locations that accept a variety of electronics for recycling, including televisions, monitors, desktop computers, printers, and more. These sites are available to Madison residents and are among the most commonly used e-waste disposal options in the county.


  • Addresses:


    • 1501 W Badger Rd, Madison, WI

    • 4602 Sycamore Ave, Madison, WI


  • Fees: $15–$45 depending on the item (e.g., $45 for CRT TVs)

  • Accepted Items: TVs, monitors, CPUs, laptops, keyboards, cords, DVD players, and printers

  • Hours and more information: https://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/recycling/electronics.cfm






2. Dane County Clean Sweep



The Clean Sweep facility offers a safe and environmentally sound option for recycling electronics as well as handling hazardous household waste. This location is especially useful for people disposing of electronics that may include batteries or other hazardous components.


  • Location: 7102 US Highway 12, Madison, WI 53718

  • Appointment Required: Yes – online scheduling is available

  • Fees: Varies by item; call or check online

  • Website: https://pwht.countyofdane.com/clean-sweep






3. Resource Solutions Corp



A certified electronics recycler located in northeast Madison, Resource Solutions Corp is open to both residential and commercial customers. They accept nearly all types of electronics and are known for handling a high volume of recycling responsibly and transparently.


  • Location: 5493 Express Cir, Madison, WI 53704

  • Fees: Generally $25–$45 for larger items like televisions

  • Website: https://recyclethatstuff.com/






4. Best Buy



Best Buy offers a well-known recycling program that accepts a wide range of electronics, whether or not you purchased them from the store. Some restrictions and fees apply, especially for televisions.







5. Staples



Staples offers free recycling for office and tech equipment, including printers, phones, routers, and small electronics. They do not accept televisions or large appliances, but they are a good option for basic items.







E-Waste Collection Events in Dane County (2025)



Many communities in Dane County host annual or seasonal electronics recycling events. These events are often organized in spring or fall and offer a convenient option for bulk drop-offs. Local municipalities, libraries, and environmental groups are usually the organizers.


Examples include:


  • Fitchburg Spring Clean-Up Day – typically held in April

  • Middleton Electronics Recycling Event – often hosted by the city or school district

  • Town of Dunn Special Drop-Off Days



These events are advertised locally on municipal websites and community forums. Keep an eye on your city’s official page or Nextdoor to see when the next collection is scheduled in your area.





Preparing Electronics for Recycling



To ensure your electronics are recycled safely and efficiently, follow these steps before drop-off:


  1. Remove all personal data from phones, computers, and storage devices. Perform a factory reset or use secure erasure tools when possible.

  2. Detach and label batteries if necessary. For lithium or rechargeable batteries, tape the terminals and pack them securely to prevent fire hazards.

  3. Bundle cords and accessories together with rubber bands or zip ties to avoid tangling.

  4. Use safe packaging for fragile electronics such as monitors or TVs to prevent damage during transit.



For more information on deleting personal data from electronic devices, visit this FTC guide on protecting your information.





Donating or Reselling Working Electronics



If your electronic devices are still functional, consider giving them a second life through donation or resale. Many local organizations accept gently used items, and some even offer tax deductions for your donation.



Donation Options in Dane County:






Online Platforms for Free or Resale:





Reselling or donating your old devices helps others, reduces landfill waste, and supports a circular economy in your community.





What Happens to Recycled Electronics?



Once dropped off at a certified recycling facility, electronic devices are sorted by type and condition. Usable components may be refurbished for resale or donated to schools, non-profits, or low-income families. Broken or outdated equipment is carefully dismantled and separated into recyclable materials, such as:


  • Precious metals (gold, silver, copper)

  • Plastics and composites

  • Glass and circuit boards

  • Rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries



Hazardous materials are handled under strict safety regulations to prevent environmental contamination. Much of this processing happens in the Midwest, supporting jobs in Wisconsin and neighboring states.


For a detailed overview of electronics recycling processes, visit the EPA’s e-waste resource center.



Sources & Further Reading



 
 
 
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