E-Cycle Wisconsin Hits New E-Waste Recycling Milestone

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  E-Cycle Wisconsin- the statewide, manufacturer-funded program that recycles electronics has reported results of the program during a webinar held recently.

The program saw participation of 253 brands, 169 manufacturers, 118 collectors and 14 recyclers in 2019. The number of collectors and recyclers recorded notable decline when matched with 2013 peak levels. The reduced participation is mainly attributed to direct partnership between electronic recyclers and municipalities in organizing collection events. Over 500 sites registered as collection sites during the previous year.

The program has collected 340 million pounds of used electronic items between 2018 and 2019. The collection has registered notable decline by 40% when matched with 2013. Nearly 80% of the electronics collected by the program are domestically recycled, whereas the remaining is sent to certified recyclers in Ohio and Illinois through mail-back programs.

Pointing out the challenges, Sarah Murray, E-Cycle Wisconsin coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) highlighted that the devices collected during collection events hosted by non-registered collectors in partnership with municipalities do not reach registered recyclers.