If you’ve got an old GPS monitor collecting dust in the shop, a broken laptop in the office, or a box of worn-out cell phones sitting on a shelf in the machine shed, you’re not alone.
Technology has become part of nearly every farm operation. But figuring out what to do with your old electronics isn’t as simple as taking it to the curb. In many rural communities, recycling options can be few and far between.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investing in expanding electronics recycling across the state. DNR officials say they want to target areas where collection opportunities are limited.
The DNR is accepting applications for a new round of E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection Grants. It is offering $150,000 to help communities establish permanent collection sites or host a one-day electronics recycling event between October 2026 and December 2027.
The funding isn’t directed to individual farmers, but it can be a benefit by bringing recycling opportunities closer to your home. Businesses, local governments, and nonprofit organizations can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to establish permanent collection sites or up to $5,000 to organize community collection events.
It’s easy for farmers to accumulate a collection of outdated technology. If there are no opportunities to recycle nearby, you may find old desktop computers used for farm records, smartphones, printers, GPS displays, tablets, networking equipment and other electronics taking up valuable storage space in the shed, barn, or your house.
Wisconsin law has prohibited many electronics from being placed in the trash since 2010. But through the E-Cycle Wisconsin program, households and schools have recycled more than 440 million pounds of electronics. This keeps valuable materials out of landfills while recovering metals and other reusable components.
Grant applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on August 31. Communities interested in hosting an event or establishing a permanent collection site should apply now. If your area receives funding, a recycling project could begin by October. Also, applications from counties that still lack a permanent E-Cycle Wisconsin collection site will be prioritized according to officials. Those counties include Calumet, Crawford, Florence, Forest, Green Lake, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Marquette, Price and Taylor.
For many rural communities, it could mean one less reason to let obsolete technology gather dust. And offer one more opportunity to clean up around the farm before the next generation of technology arrives.
Find the grant information and application here.
