How do I recycle electronics like TVs and cell phones? Where are Milwaukee's recycling centers?

Drew Dawson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·4 min read
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The Greendale Recycling Center accepts E-Waste including television sets and computer monitors.
The Greendale Recycling Center accepts E-Waste including television sets and computer monitors.

Whether you're moving, upgrading or just want to get rid of that pile of old electronics gathering dust in your home, it takes an extra step to dispose of electronics.

For those in the Milwaukee area looking to dispose of their electronics, whether that's laptops or TVs, here's what you need to know.

Can I just recycle electronics in my recycling bin in Milwaukee?

No. Recycling and e-recycling are different things. Most electronics are banned from being collected by your municipal recycling programs, landfills and incinerators. This is because most electronics have hazardous materials like ead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, other heavy metals and chemical flame retardants that can pollute and harm groundwater, air, soil and people, according to the DNR. (For a list of banned items, see here and here)

What electronics can you recycle?

Every e-recycler site is different so be sure to check with a e-recycler ahead of time to see what they do and do not collect.

The DNR states these electronics, and similar ones, should be e-recycled in Wisconsin:

  • TVs

  • Computers (desktop, laptop, netbook and tablet computers)

  • Printers (including those that scan, fax and/or copy and 3-D printers)

  • Monitors

  • Other computer accessories (including keyboards, mice, speakers, external hard drives and flash drives)

  • E-readers

  • Stereo equipment and mp3 players

  • Digital cameras and other hand-held devices

  • DVD players, VCRs and other video players (i.e., DVRs)

  • Fax machines

  • Cell phones

  • Major appliances (air conditioners, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, stoves, ovens, dehumidifiers, furnaces, boilers, water heaters and microwave ovens)

Does it cost anything to recycle electronics?

Some places charge fees to recycle electronics depending on type and/or for things like pick-up services. It's best to contact a site ahead of time to see whether there is a fee included.

Where are the recycling centers in Milwaukee County?

There are e-recycling sites throughout the county, both private companies and public entities. Here are some the DNR lists:

Important note: Every place is different in what hours they operate and what they collect and/or accept. Please contact the business or municipality ahead of time to ensure they accept the electronics you are attempting to recycle.

Municipal sites:

  • City of Milwaukee North Drop Off Center, 6660 N. Industrial Rd, Milwaukee

  • City of Milwaukee South Drop Off Center, 3879 W. Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee

  • City of Wauwatosa drop-off site, 11100 W. Walnut Rd, Wauwatosa

  • City of Glendale drop-off site, 5930 N. Glen Park Rd, Glendale

  • City of Greenfield, 4551 S. 52nd St, Greenfield

  • City of Oak Creek Recycling Center, 720 W. Puetz Rd, Oak Creek

  • City of West Allis Department of Public Works, 6300 W. McGeoch Ave, West Allis

  • City of South Milwaukee, 1106 Blake Avenue, South Milwaukee

Non-municipal e-recyclers:

  • Wisconsin Specialty Recycling LLC, 7301 W. Calumet Rd, Milwaukee

  • Milwaukee PC (Three locations in Milwaukee and one in Greenfield)

  • Refrigerant Depot, LLC, 5311 S. 9th St, Milwaukee

  • Milwaukee PC - Mequon, 10914 N. Port Washington Rd, Mequon

  • Greendale Refuse and Recycling Center, 6351 Industrial Loop, Greendale

  • Goodwill (Locations Brown Deer, Cudahy, Franklin, Oak Creek, Wauwatosa, West Allis, West Milwaukee and five locations in Milwaukee)

  • Salvation Army (Locations in Cudahy, Franklin, Milwaukee and West Allis)

  • Best Buy (Locations in Greenfield, Fox Point and Wauwatosa)

For a complete list of DNR registered recyclers and collectors in the state and also mail-back and mail-to options, see the DNR list here.

What are the benefits of e-cycling?

An Environmental Protection Agency study showed that of the estimated 3.09 million tons of TVs, video equipment, cell phones and computer equipment in 2015, only about 40% (by weight) were collected for recycling. While almost all electronics contain reusable materials like plastics, metals and glass, they also can contain harmful materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, other heavy metals and chemical flame retardants.

More: What to know about recycling in Milwaukee, including how to dispose of electronics, plastic bags and batteries

If improperly disposed, these chemicals can pollute the soil, water and air and also harm human health. That's why it's best to e-recycle to places that will properly recycle and dispose of electronics.

What should I do before I recycle electronics?

For any devices, be sure to backup, download and save any important data or files contained on that equipment. Also, be sure to remove and protect all personal and sensitive information from those devices.

Where can I recycle electronics in Wisconsin?

There are facilities all over the state that recycle electronics. To find those listed by the DNR. see here.

Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee recycling centers and how to recycle electronics