E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection Grant Program

The E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection Grant Program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to expand access to responsible electronics recycling across the state. The program originates from Wisconsin’s electronics recycling law, which established a manufacturer-funded system requiring producers of certain electronic devices to meet recycling targets based on their sales. To support this system, the Department of Natural Resources allocates a portion of funds collected from manufacturers to improve collection infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas where access to electronics recycling has historically been limited. The primary purpose of this grant program is to increase the availability of electronics collection opportunities by funding the establishment of permanent collection sites or the organization of one-day or recurring collection events. These projects must serve Wisconsin households and K-12 schools and are intended to reduce barriers such as travel distance, lack of awareness, or insufficient infrastructure. The program emphasizes equitable access by prioritizing counties and municipalities without existing or accessible collection sites, ensuring that residents across the state have practical options for recycling eligible electronics. Grant funds may be used for a range of operational and capital expenses directly related to hosting electronics collection activities. Eligible uses include facility or site rental, materials such as packaging and protective equipment, advertising and outreach efforts, staffing costs, transportation of collected devices to registered recyclers, and certain construction or infrastructure improvements. However, the program explicitly excludes costs related to processing electronics after delivery to recyclers, handling non-eligible materials, in-kind contributions, unrelated administrative expenses, and real estate purchases. All funded activities must occur within the defined grant agreement period, and reimbursement is contingent upon proper documentation of eligible expenses. A key requirement of the program is the cost-sharing structure, in which grant funding covers up to 80 percent of total eligible project costs, and recipients must contribute at least 20 percent in matching funds. These matching funds must be monetary and cannot include in-kind contributions. Grant awards vary depending on project type, with maximum funding of up to five thousand dollars per collection event and up to fifteen thousand dollars per permanent site, subject to a minimum project award threshold. Total funding available for the 2026 cycle is limited, and awards are distributed competitively based on statutory priorities and application quality. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive, allowing businesses, local units of government, nonprofit organizations including religious entities, and tribal governing bodies to apply. All applicants must demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement their proposed projects, including experience, operational readiness, and the ability to meet program requirements. Successful applicants must also register as collectors under E-Cycle Wisconsin and ensure that all collected electronics are transferred to registered recyclers in compliance with program regulations. The application process requires submission of a complete electronic application package by the stated deadline, including a detailed project budget, documentation of matching funds, and supporting cost estimates such as vendor quotes or service agreements. Non-governmental applicants must also provide a current W-9 form. Applications are evaluated based on eligibility, completeness, and alignment with statutory funding priorities, with preference given to projects in underserved areas, those open to all residents, and those addressing specific barriers to recycling such as accessibility or cost. The program follows a defined annual cycle, with applications due by late August and project implementation beginning no earlier than October of the same year. Awards are determined after a review and ranking process conducted by Department staff, and selected applicants enter into formal grant agreements outlining project scope, timelines, and compliance requirements. Reimbursement is provided after expenses are incurred and documented, and recipients must submit final claims within a specified period following project completion. The program is recurring and reflects an ongoing commitment by the state to expand sustainable electronics recycling infrastructure.

Focus on underserved areas with no existing collection sites; ensure project is open to all residents; demonstrate clear plan and documented costs; address barriers such as accessibility or outreach