Sun Prairie Recycling Center Hours 2026: Holidays, Permit & Drop-Off
Use this guide before you load the vehicle. It explains the 2026 seasonal hours, permit sticker requirement, holiday closures, accepted drop-off items, rejected materials, electronics, yard waste, household hazardous waste event, map directions, and local mistakes that can waste a trip.
Winter, spring/summer, and fall hours are different. The center is not open every weekday, and Sunday is not a regular Recycle Center day.
3A Recycle Center permit sticker is required. Some city residents qualify for a no-fee permit, but the sticker still has to be obtained first.
$Paint, batteries, Freon appliances, furniture, tires, light bulbs, propane cylinders, construction debris, pails, drums, and commercial waste need another route.
!Fast Answer for Sun Prairie Residents
The City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center is located at 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. A Recycle Center permit sticker is required to enter the facility. The center accepts specific city-approved drop-off materials, not general trash.
The most important items to check before you drive are the current seasonal hours, the permit sticker rule, and whether your load contains rejected materials. The Recycle Center accepts items such as mixed recycling, brush and yard waste, flattened cardboard, scrap metal, waste motor oil, antifreeze, non-Freon appliances, and select electronics; it does not accept trash, paint, Freon appliances, tires, furniture, propane cylinders, batteries, light bulbs, or commercial dumping.
Screenshot Guide: Official Sun Prairie Recycle Center Hours and Permit Page
This screenshot is placed near the quick answer and hours section because residents first need to recognize the official City page, confirm the seasonal schedule, and understand the permit sticker requirement. Use it as a helpful visual reference only, not as a live open/closed status claim.
Image description: The image helps readers identify the official Sun Prairie Recycle Center information page where the City explains the South Bird Street location, permit requirement, accepted materials, not-accepted materials, and seasonal hours. It is not a live status board.
Video decision: No official Sun Prairie Recycle Center video with fully verified upload date and thumbnail metadata was used. A video iframe and VideoObject schema are intentionally skipped to avoid fake dates, random thumbnails, and Search Console video-schema risk.
What the Sun Prairie Recycle Center Is Actually For
The Sun Prairie Recycle Center is a city drop-off facility for approved materials that need a controlled local drop-off route. It is not a public dump, not a commercial disposal site, and not a replacement for every curbside collection service.
Use the facility when your material is on the accepted list and you have the required permit sticker. Use curbside service for normal weekly carts, City collection weeks for scheduled brush and yard waste pickup, and Dane County Clean Sweep or the special 2026 Sun Prairie event for many hazardous products.
Sun Prairie Recycle Center Hours 2026: Winter, Spring/Summer and Fall
The City does not use one year-round Recycle Center schedule. Hours change by season, and City facility holidays can override normal access. Do not rely only on a map app, especially during holidays or when bringing a full vehicle load.
| Season | City Date Rule | Posted Open Days and Hours | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Hours | Following the first Saturday in December through the last Saturday in March. | Monday 3:00 PM-5:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM-Noon. | Very limited. Best for small planned loads, not last-minute cleanouts. |
| Spring/Summer Hours | Following the last Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October. | Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; Saturday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM. | Longest access window. Best season for yard waste, cardboard, and general drop-off trips. |
| Fall Hours | Following the third Saturday in October through the first Saturday in December. | Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Saturday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM. | Useful for leaves and cleanup, but weekday closing is earlier than spring/summer. |
| Closed Days | Depends on season and holiday status. | No regular Sunday schedule is listed. | Do not plan a Sunday visit unless the City posts a special event or update. |
Is the Sun Prairie Recycling Center Open Today?
“Open today” depends on three checks: the current season, the day of the week, and whether a City facility holiday applies. A map label may be easier to read, but the official City schedule is safer for same-day decisions.
| If Today Is… | What to Check | Do This Before Loading |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open in all seasons, but winter is only 3:00 PM-5:00 PM. | Check the current season and holiday status. |
| Wednesday or Friday | Open in spring/summer and fall, but not listed as winter operating days. | Do not assume midweek access in winter. |
| Saturday | Open in all seasons, but winter is only 9:00 AM-Noon. | Expect more traffic and arrive early with sorted materials. |
| Sunday | No regular Sunday hours are listed. | Use another day unless the City posts a special event. |
| Holiday week | City facility closures can override normal Recycle Center hours. | Check the official City holiday page first. |
Sun Prairie Recycling Holidays 2026: Facility Closures vs Curbside Delays
Do not mix the Recycle Center holiday rule with curbside refuse and recycling delay rules. The Recycle Center follows City facility holiday closures. Curbside collection delays apply only to listed collection holidays when they fall on a weekday.
| 2026 City Facility Closure | What It Means for Recycle Center Visitors |
|---|---|
| January 1 | City facilities, including the Recycle Center, are closed for the New Year holiday. |
| January 19 | Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance. |
| May 25 | Closed for Memorial Day. |
| July 3 | Closed for Independence Day observance. |
| September 7 | Closed for Labor Day. |
| November 26 and 27 | Closed for Thanksgiving Day and the day after. |
| December 24 and 25 | Closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. |
| December 31 | Closed for New Year’s Eve holiday. |
For curbside carts, the City says refuse and recycling collections are delayed one day only for listed holidays if they fall on a weekday. Sunday is never a curbside collection date under the City’s holiday example.
Sun Prairie Recycle Center Permit Sticker: Fees, Eligibility and How to Get It
A Recycle Center permit sticker is required to enter the facility and should be displayed on the windshield. City residency alone is not enough; the City separates users by dwelling type, curbside service status, and fee category.
| Applicant Type | Listed Fee | What to Bring / Know |
|---|---|---|
| City residents in 1-4 unit dwellings with curbside collections | $0 | Free access, but the permit sticker must still be obtained before using the center. |
| City residents in multi-family dwellings of 5 or more units | $30 per sticker per year | Proof of residence is required. |
| Non-residents | $100 per sticker per year | Eligible with the paid annual permit; confirm before loading. |
| Commercial properties | Not available | Commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center at this time. |
Where to Get the Sticker
Eligible residents can apply online or use the in-person options listed by the City. Free permits for eligible 1-4 unit dwelling residents can be picked up at City Hall or the Sun Prairie Public Library. Paid permits for multi-family residents and non-residents must be handled online or at City Hall; the Library cannot process paid permits.
Accepted Items at Sun Prairie Recycle Center
The Recycle Center accepts specific categories only. Sort your load at home so you can unload quickly and avoid mixing accepted items with rejected materials.
Rejected-Load Checker: Items Not Accepted at Sun Prairie Recycle Center
The fastest way to waste a trip is to bring a load that includes one or more rejected items. The City’s not-accepted list includes trash, Freon appliances, furniture, carpet, lumber, tires, stumps, concrete-type materials, paint, propane cylinders, light bulbs, automotive batteries, pails, and drums.
| Do Not Bring | Why It May Be Rejected | Better Route |
|---|---|---|
| Trash, furniture, carpet, padding, lumber | The site is not a dump or bulky trash facility. | Use curbside bulky-item options, hauler guidance, or approved disposal. |
| Freon appliances | Refrigerant-filled appliances require special handling. | Contact appliance stores or scrap metal dealers for private disposal rates. |
| Tires, stumps, root balls, concrete, asphalt, rocks, bricks, blocks, fill | Heavy debris and construction-type material are not Recycle Center materials. | Use landfill, contractor, or private disposal guidance. |
| Paint, propane cylinders, light bulbs | These can be hazardous, pressurized, breakable, or require special handling. | Use the HHW event, Dane County Clean Sweep, retailer options, or official guidance. |
| Automotive batteries, pails, drums | These are not listed as accepted Recycle Center items. | Use battery retailers, hazardous-waste guidance, or specialized disposal. |
| Commercial waste | Commercial businesses are not allowed to use the Recycle Center. | Use a commercial waste or recycling provider. |
Electronics, TVs, Computers and Appliances in Sun Prairie
Wisconsin requires electronics recycling, and Sun Prairie states that electronics can no longer go in the refuse cart. Under the City’s current guidance, select electronic waste is accepted at the Recycle Center with the required permit/sticker and no charge for electronic recycling with that permit/sticker.
Electronics Listed Under E-Cycle WI
Eligible items include cellphones, computers, desktop printers, 3D printers, fax machines, computer monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, external hard drives, tablets, e-readers, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, video players, TV/monitor accessories, video game consoles, and battery-operated gaming components.
Personal Data Checklist
Before dropping off phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, external drives, or game consoles, back up files, sign out of accounts, remove memory cards, and wipe personal data where possible. Recycling handles the material; it does not automatically protect your privacy.
Appliance Rule: Freon vs Non-Freon
Non-Freon appliances are accepted during normal Recycle Center operational hours at no charge. Freon appliances, including air conditioners, dehumidifiers, freezers, and refrigerators, are not accepted at the Recycle Center.
Sun Prairie Household Hazardous Waste Event 2026
The City lists a free Household Hazardous Waste collection event on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the City Service Center, 201 South Bristol Street. A Recycle Center Permit is required for the event.
| HHW Event Detail | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|
| Who can use it? | The brochure says participants must be City of Sun Prairie residents and a Recycle Center Permit is required. |
| Accepted examples | Aerosol products, bug sprays, cleaners, gasoline/oil mixtures, old gasoline, brake fluid, transmission fluid, paint thinner, oil-based/metal-based paints, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers, mercury and similar labeled hazardous materials. |
| Warning words to look for | Bring products that say caution, toxic, corrosive, pesticide, combustible, poison, flammable, warning, danger, or reactive. |
| Do not bring | Latex paint, propane cylinders, radioactives, explosives, biologicals, medical wastes, ammunition, or commercial wastes. |
| Latex paint rule | Latex paint is not accepted at the HHW event. The brochure says to dry or solidify it, then dispose of the can and solidified paint in the refuse cart with the lid removed. |
How to Pack Hazardous Materials for the Event
- Keep products in original containers when possible. Original labels help staff identify the material safely.
- Seal containers tightly. Use a secondary leak-proof container for anything leaking or unstable.
- Do not mix chemicals. Some materials can react dangerously when combined.
- Pack containers in a sturdy box in the trunk. Keep materials away from the driver, passengers, pets, sparks, and flames.
- Do not use plastic bags for the HHW load. Boxes and containers other than gasoline cans may not be returned.
Plastic Film, City Hall Drop-Offs, Medication and Sharps
Not every special recycling item belongs at the Recycle Center. Sun Prairie also lists City Hall drop-off options, Trex plastic film recycling, MedDrop, and registered sharps collection routes.
| Special Item | Best Official Route | Helpful Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic film | Trex collection bins at listed public buildings such as City Hall, Westside Community Services Building, the Public Library, and the Historical Museum. | Film must be clean and dry. If it stretches when pulled, it is more likely to qualify. Shiny, crinkly, or food-wrapper style film should stay out. |
| Oral care, used socks, makeup products, writing utensils, shaving razors | City Hall drop-off recycling opportunities listed by the City. | Follow the preparation list on the City page before placing items in collection bins. |
| Medication | Permanent MedDrop in the Police Department lobby at 300 East Main Street. | Do not flush old medication. Follow the City’s bagging instructions for pills, liquids, gels and creams. |
| Medical sharps | Registered sharps collection sites listed by the City and state resources. | Sharps are illegal to put in refuse or recycling carts. Use approved containers and collection sites. |
Brush and Yard Waste: Drop-Off vs 2026 Curbside Collection Weeks
Brush and yard waste can be dropped off at the Recycle Center with the required permit, but curbside collection weeks are separate. If you prefer curbside pickup, use the City’s 2026 schedule and place materials out by the required time.
| 2026 Service | Listed Collection Weeks | Resident Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Yard waste curbside collection | April 6; May 26; November 2; November 16. | Set materials curbside by 7:00 AM on the first day of the collection week. |
| Brush curbside collection | April 6; May 4; June 1; July 6; August 3; September 8; October 5; October 26. | Collections can take all week or longer depending on weather, crews, equipment, and citywide volume. |
| Yard waste drop-off | Use the Recycle Center during the listed seasonal hours. | Permit required. Drop-off may be better if you miss a collection week. |
Recycle Center vs Curbside Recycling vs Bulky Item Options
The Recycle Center is not the answer for every waste problem. A normal weekly cart, extra recycling, bulky item, appliance, or hazardous product may follow a different route.
| User Problem | Best Route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Normal weekly bottles, cans, paper and boxes | Curbside recycling cart | Weekly collection handles everyday recyclables. |
| Extra flattened cardboard or move-in boxes | Recycle Center with permit, or curbside extra service if arranged | The City lists cardboard and a move-in box option, but permit access still applies. |
| Brush or yard waste | Recycle Center drop-off or scheduled curbside collection weeks | Both options exist, but timing and setout rules differ. |
| Furniture or large bulky items | Bulky item collection or approved hauler | Furniture is not an accepted Recycle Center item. |
| Paint, chemicals, rechargeable batteries | HHW event, Dane County Clean Sweep, retailer, or specialized disposal | These are not normal Recycle Center drop-off items. |
What to Do Instead When the Recycle Center Is the Wrong Place
Use Dane County Clean Sweep for Many Hazardous Items
Dane County Clean Sweep is the better route for many chemicals, oil-based paints, pesticides, poisons, rechargeable batteries, and similar household hazardous materials. Hours, fees and item limits can change, so verify before driving.
Use Retailers or Private Services for Certain Items
Freon appliances, propane cylinders, automotive batteries, and some electronics may require appliance stores, scrap metal dealers, hardware stores, retailers, or private recyclers. Call first because fees and acceptance rules vary.
Before-You-Go Checklist for Sun Prairie Recycle Center
- Confirm the seasonal schedule. Winter, spring/summer and fall hours are different.
- Check the holiday page. City facility closures can override normal Recycle Center hours.
- Bring the permit sticker. The permit should be displayed on your windshield.
- Sort your load at home. Keep cardboard, yard waste, scrap metal, electronics and oil-related materials separate.
- Remove rejected items. Do not bring trash, furniture, tires, paint, propane cylinders, light bulbs, batteries, Freon appliances or construction debris.
- Protect privacy on electronics. Wipe phones, computers, tablets and drives before drop-off.
- Call about questionable items. One phone call can prevent a wasted trip or rejected load.
Official Sun Prairie Recycling Links
Use the official City pages below for final verification. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent guide and is not the City of Sun Prairie.
Sun Prairie Recycle Center Map and Directions
The map below points to the City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center at 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Use the map for directions, but use the official City page for final hours, permit rules, item acceptance and closure notices.
Map note: Map labels may not reflect seasonal hours, holiday closures, permit rules or rejected-load restrictions. Confirm on the official City page before driving with electronics, appliances, yard waste, hazardous materials or a full vehicle load.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Prairie Recycling Center
Where is the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
The City Recycle Center is located at 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
Do I need a permit sticker?
Yes. A Recycle Center permit sticker is required to enter the facility and should be displayed on your windshield.
How much does the permit cost?
The official permit page lists $0 for eligible city residents in 1-4 unit dwellings receiving curbside collections, $30 per sticker per year for city residents in multi-family dwellings of 5 or more units, and $100 per sticker per year for non-residents.
What are the winter hours?
Winter hours are Monday 3:00 PM-5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM-Noon, following the first Saturday in December through the last Saturday in March.
What are the spring and summer hours?
Spring/summer hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM and Saturday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM, following the last Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October.
What are the fall hours?
Fall hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM and Saturday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM, following the third Saturday in October through the first Saturday in December.
Is the Recycle Center open Sunday?
Sunday is not listed as a regular operating day in the posted winter, spring/summer or fall schedules.
Can commercial businesses use the Recycle Center?
No. The City states that commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center at this time.
What items are accepted?
Accepted categories include mixed recycling, brush and yard waste, appliances without Freon, oil absorbents, oil filters, waste motor oil, antifreeze, scrap metal, flattened cardboard, pumpkins during November only, and select electronics.
What items are not accepted?
Not-accepted examples include trash, Freon appliances, furniture, carpet or padding, lumber, tires, tree stumps or root balls, concrete-type materials, paint or paint cans, propane cylinders, light bulbs, automotive batteries, pails, drums, and commercial waste.
Does Sun Prairie accept electronics at the Recycle Center?
Yes, the City lists select electronic waste for recycling at the Recycle Center with a permit/sticker. There is no charge for electronic recycling with a permit/sticker under current guidance.
Where should I take paint and chemicals?
Paint and paint cans are not accepted at the Recycle Center. Use the City’s hazardous/unique materials guidance, Dane County Clean Sweep, or the 2026 Sun Prairie HHW event if eligible.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official City website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify current hours, permit rules, fees, accepted materials and closures with the official City of Sun Prairie website before visiting.
Final Local Summary
For approved drop-off materials in the City of Sun Prairie, use the Recycle Center at 1798 South Bird Street only after confirming your permit sticker and the correct seasonal hours. The center accepts approved materials such as mixed recycling, flattened cardboard, yard waste, brush, scrap metal, oil-related items, non-Freon appliances and select electronics.
Do not bring trash, furniture, tires, Freon appliances, paint, propane cylinders, light bulbs, automotive batteries, stumps, construction debris, pails, drums or commercial waste. Use the HHW event, Dane County Clean Sweep, retailers, private recyclers or city collection services when the Recycle Center is the wrong place.