University of Wisconsin - Extension

Ever wonder where old computers go? Last year, Wisconsin businesses, institutions and households retired an estimated 600,000 computers.

"Due to hazardous waste problems, the Department of Natural Resources requires that Wisconsin businesses recycle their computers," says Steve Brachman, a University of Wisconsin - Extension Waste Reduction Specialist.

"A variety of new computer recycling businesses have entered the market to handle over 450,000 machines annually. Some machines are destined for reuse, repair and refurbishing, with charities, schools, and friends being the primary outlets," Brachman adds. "Others end up stored in warehouses and on shop floors awaiting a cost-effective disposal option."

Many consumers are also seeking new homes for their machines as their old ones malfunction or become obsolete.

Brachman offers these ideas for managing your old computer:

• Contact your local municipality to see if they operate a drop-off program for old computers.
• When you buy a new PC, ask your vendor if he will take your old one in trade.
• Consider leasing your next computer.
• Upgrade your existing computer, since many components have a very long lifetime.

If none of these options works for you, call one of the computer recycling vendors listed below. Be prepared to pay a small processing fee for the handling and recycling of your equipment.

Free Computer Recycling Drop-Offs for residents only:

City of Milwaukee Residents

6660 N. Industrial Road

3879 W. Lincoln Avenue

Waukesha County Residents

W323 South Boy School Road, Delafield

19450 Riverview Drive, Brookfield

900 Sentry Drive Ethan Allen School, Waukesha

Wauwatosa Residents

11100 W. Walnut Road

West Allis Residents

6300 W. McGeoch Avenue

Other recycling programs:

B & B Metal Processing Co.

14520 Pioneer Rd.

Newton, WI 53063

920-693-8261

Cascade Asset Management

1009 Jonathon Drive

Madison, WI 53714-0651

608-271-6181

Racine Correctional Institution

2019 Wisconsin St.

Sturtevant, WI 53177

262-886-3214

Recycle Technologies

1480 N Springdale Rd.

Waukesha, WI 53186

414-798-3040

Resource Solutions Corp.

2701 Packers Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

608-244-5451

Sage Systems LLC

2701 University Ave.

Madison, WI 53705

608-233-6000

Samuels Recycling Company

111 Myrtle Rd.

Beaver Dam, WI 53916

920-887-3232

Samuels Recycling Company

PO Box 209

Waupun, WI 53963

920-324-2977

Samuels Recycling Co.

PO Box 10917

Green Bay, WI 54307

920-494-3451

Superior Lamp Recycling

1275 Mineral Springs Dr.

Port Washington, WI 53074

414-268-9168

Taylor Industrial Vac

PO Box 16579

Milwaukee, WI 53216

414-447-4700