City Sun Prairie Recycling Drop-Off: Hours, Map & Accepted
Use this City of Sun Prairie recycling center guide before you load your car. It explains the Recycle Center at 1798 South Bird Street, seasonal hours, permit sticker fees, accepted materials, curbside recycling, cardboard, brush, yard waste, batteries, household hazardous waste options, Dane County Clean Sweep, holiday closures, and map directions in plain local language.
Sun Prairie Recycle Center hours depend on the season, day of week and city holiday closures.
Sun Prairie, WI 53590 Public Works (608) 837-3050 City General Info (608) 837-2511 Official Page Hours & rules → RC
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. Residents in 1-4 unit dwellings who receive city-sponsored curbside refuse and recycling can access the center for free, but they must still obtain the permit sticker first.
Seasonal hours matter. Winter hours are limited to Monday and Saturday. Spring/summer and fall hours add Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday service, but the closing time changes between seasons. The Recycle Center also follows city facility holiday closures.
On This Page
- Sun Prairie recycling center overview
- Today’s hours and seasonal schedule
- Permit sticker and fees
- Accepted items at the Recycle Center
- Curbside recycling vs drop-off
- Items not accepted or not simple
- Battery recycling and disposal
- Hazardous and unique materials
- Holiday closures
- Before-you-drive checklist
- Official links
- Map and directions
- FAQ
City of Sun Prairie Recycling Center Overview
The City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center is a local drop-off facility for residents who need to dispose of approved recyclables and certain materials that may not fit easily in the curbside cart. The facility is different from the weekly curbside recycling cart, and it is not a commercial dumping site.
Materials listed for the Recycle Center include mixed recycling, brush and yard waste, appliances without Freon, oil absorbents, oil filters, waste motor oil, antifreeze, scrap metal and flattened cardboard. Normal curbside recycling items include aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, paper, empty aerosol cans, glass bottles or jars, plastic bottles or containers numbered #1-#7, steel cans, tin cans and paper cups.
The biggest mistake is arriving without the required permit sticker or assuming every material is accepted. Commercial properties are not permitted to use the Recycle Center at this time, and some items such as rechargeable batteries, automotive batteries, single-use alkaline batteries and household hazardous materials need separate guidance.
Sun Prairie Recycle Center Today’s Hours
Sun Prairie Recycle Center hours change by season. The city defines winter hours as following the first Saturday in December through the last Saturday in March; spring/summer hours as following the last Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October; and fall hours as following the third Saturday in October through the first Saturday in December.
| Season | Date Range Rule | Open Days and Hours | Closed Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Hours | Following the first Saturday in December through the last Saturday in March | Monday: 3 PM-5 PM; Saturday: 9 AM-Noon | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday and city holidays |
| Spring/Summer Hours | Following the last Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October | Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 AM-6 PM; Saturday: 8:30 AM-4 PM | Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday and city holidays |
| Fall Hours | Following the third Saturday in October through the first Saturday in December | Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 AM-5 PM; Saturday: 8:30 AM-4 PM | Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday and city holidays |
Recycle Center Permit Sticker and Fees
A Recycle Center permit sticker is required to enter the facility. The sticker should be displayed on your windshield when entering. Sun Prairie residents in 1-4 unit dwellings who receive curbside refuse and recycling pickup can access the Recycle Center for free, but they still need to obtain the permit first.
| Applicant Type | Permit Fee | Important Rule |
|---|---|---|
| City residents receiving curbside collections in 1-4 unit dwellings | $0 | Free access, but permit sticker is still required. |
| 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 to use the center with the paid annual permit. |
| Commercial properties | Not available | Commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center at this time. |
Free permits can be requested online or picked up in person at City Hall, 300 E Main St, or Sun Prairie Public Library, 1350 Linnerud Dr, according to the city permit page. If you are not sure which fee category applies to you, contact the city before driving to the center.
Accepted Items at the City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center
The Recycle Center is best for approved local drop-off materials, not every unwanted item. Accepted categories listed by the city include mixed recycling, brush and yard waste, appliances without Freon, oil absorbents, oil filters, waste motor oil, antifreeze, scrap metal and flattened cardboard.
| Category | Accepted Examples | Preparation Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed recycling | Single-stream mixed recycling similar to approved curbside items. | Keep containers empty and rinsed. Do not bring trash mixed into recycling. |
| Cardboard | Flattened cardboard and move-in boxes. | Flatten boxes before bringing them in. A permit sticker is required to use the facility. |
| Brush and yard waste | Approved brush and yard waste materials. | Follow city brush/yard waste rules and do not mix with trash or construction debris. |
| Appliances without Freon | Approved appliances that do not contain Freon. | Do not assume Freon appliances qualify. Check before loading refrigerators, freezers or AC units. |
| Oil-related materials | Oil absorbents, oil filters, waste motor oil and antifreeze. | Keep liquids sealed and labeled. Do not mix fluids. |
| Scrap metal | Approved scrap metal items. | Keep metal separate from regular trash and ask staff if the item is unusual. |
Cardboard and Move-In Boxes
The city provides a dumpster at the Recycle Center for move-in boxes. Flatten boxes before bringing them in, and make sure you have the permit sticker. This is one of the most useful Recycle Center services for new residents, college moves, large deliveries and moving-week cleanup.
Curbside Recycling vs Recycle Center Drop-Off
Weekly curbside recycling is different from Recycle Center drop-off. Sun Prairie curbside recycling is collected weekly, and carts must be curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day. Carts should not be set out earlier than noon the day before collection, and residents should leave proper clearance around carts.
Items allowed in the curbside cart include aluminum cans, beverage cases, cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, computer paper, copy paper, empty aerosol cans, glass bottles or jars, junk mail, magazines, newspapers, phone books, plastic bottles or containers #1-#7, steel cans, tin cans and paper cups. Items can be co-mingled and do not need to be separated.
Items Not Accepted or Not Simple at the Recycle Center
Do not assume every “recyclable-looking” item belongs at the Sun Prairie Recycle Center. Non-rechargeable household batteries are not currently recyclable in Sun Prairie and should not be placed in the recycle cart, trash cart or taken to the Recycle Center. Rechargeable batteries and automotive batteries are also not accepted at the City Recycle Center.
Battery Recycling and Disposal in Sun Prairie
Battery rules are strict because batteries can cause fires or contamination. The city says non-rechargeable household batteries or single-use alkaline batteries cannot currently be recycled in Sun Prairie and should not be placed in the recycle cart, trash cart or taken to the Recycle Center.
Rechargeable batteries such as Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Li-ion and small sealed lead batteries are not currently accepted through the City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center. The city recommends checking local hardware stores because many accept rechargeable batteries. Automotive batteries are no longer accepted at the City Recycle Center; check local battery retailers for recycling options.
Hazardous and Unique Materials Near Sun Prairie
Some materials should not go through the Recycle Center or curbside cart. Sun Prairie’s hazardous and unique materials page points residents to options for new drop-off recycling opportunities, plastic film recycling, appliances and electronics collection, household hazardous waste disposal, and medication and sharps disposal.
Dane County Clean Sweep shares space with the Dane County Landfill at 7102 U.S. Highway 12, Madison, WI 53718, for household hazardous materials. Not all items are accepted and fees may apply. The city lists Clean Sweep hours as Tuesday-Friday 7:00 AM-2:45 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM-10:45 AM, closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
Sun Prairie also lists newer City Hall drop-off recycling opportunities for certain items that are not recyclable curbside, such as oral care products, used socks, make-up products, writing utensils and shaving razors. Collection bins are listed for the first floor of City Hall in the front entrance vestibule.
Holiday Closures and Collection Delays
The Recycle Center observes the same holiday closures as other city facilities. For 2026, city facility closures include New Year Holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day observed, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Refuse and recycling collections do not follow every city facility holiday. The city says collections are delayed by one day when New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day fall on a weekday. Use the official holiday collection page before assuming your curbside pickup is delayed.
Before-You-Drive Checklist for Sun Prairie Recycle Center
- Confirm the season. Winter, spring/summer and fall hours are different. Check the correct date range before loading your vehicle.
- Bring your permit sticker. A Recycle Center permit sticker is required to enter and should be displayed on your windshield.
- Flatten cardboard. Flatten move-in boxes and cardboard before using the Recycle Center dumpster.
- Separate questionable items. Keep batteries, chemicals, electronics, sharps, medicine and unknown liquids separate until you verify the correct route.
- Do not bring commercial waste. Commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center at this time.
- Check holidays. The Recycle Center follows city facility holiday closures.
- Call before a heavy or unusual load. Call Public Works at 608-837-3050 if you are unsure about appliances, oils, antifreeze, scrap metal or special materials.
Official Sun Prairie Recycling Links
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 it for directions, but use the official city hours page for the final word on seasonal hours, holiday closures, access rules and permit requirements.
Map note: Recycling-Centre.org is an independent guide, not the official City of Sun Prairie website. Hours, permit fees, accepted items, holiday closures and disposal rules can change. Always verify with the official city page before driving with a large, heavy, hazardous or questionable load.
Frequently Asked Questions About City of Sun Prairie Recycling Center
Where is the City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
The City Recycle Center is located at 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
What are the Sun Prairie Recycle Center winter hours?
Winter hours run following the first Saturday in December through the last Saturday in March. The center is open Monday 3 PM-5 PM and Saturday 9 AM-Noon.
What are the spring and summer hours?
Spring/summer hours run following the last Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October. The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 AM-6 PM, and Saturday 8:30 AM-4 PM.
What are the fall hours?
Fall hours run following the third Saturday in October through the first Saturday in December. The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 AM-5 PM, and Saturday 8:30 AM-4 PM.
Do I need a permit sticker for the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
Yes. A Recycle Center permit sticker is required to enter the facility and should be displayed on your windshield.
How much does a Sun Prairie Recycle Center permit cost?
Residents in 1-4 unit dwellings who receive curbside collections are eligible for a $0 permit. Residents in multi-family dwellings of 5 or more units pay $30 per sticker per year. Non-residents pay $100 per sticker per year.
Can commercial businesses use the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
No. The city states that commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center at this time.
What items are accepted at the Recycle Center?
The city lists mixed recycling, brush and yard waste, appliances without Freon, oil absorbents, oil filters, waste motor oil, antifreeze, scrap metal and flattened cardboard.
Can I bring flattened cardboard and move-in boxes?
Yes. The city says there is a dumpster at the Recycle Center for move-in boxes. Flatten the boxes and bring your permit sticker.
Can I recycle batteries at the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
No. The city says single-use alkaline batteries cannot currently be recycled in Sun Prairie and should not be placed in the recycle cart, trash cart or taken to the Recycle Center. Rechargeable and automotive batteries are also not currently accepted through the City Recycle Center.
Where should I take household hazardous waste near Sun Prairie?
Use official hazardous and unique material guidance. Dane County Clean Sweep at 7102 U.S. Highway 12 in Madison is listed for household hazardous materials, with fees and item restrictions possible.
What number should I call for Sun Prairie recycling questions?
For Public Works and Recycle Center questions, call 608-837-3050. For general city information, call 608-837-2511. For Pellitteri service questions, call 608-257-4285.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official City of Sun Prairie website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify current hours, permits, fees, accepted materials, holiday closures and disposal rules with the City of Sun Prairie before visiting.
Final Local Summary
For City of Sun Prairie recycling drop-off, go to the Recycle Center at 1798 South Bird Street with your required permit sticker. Check the current seasonal schedule before driving because winter, spring/summer and fall hours are different. Bring approved items such as mixed recycling, flattened cardboard, brush and yard waste, appliances without Freon, oil-related materials, antifreeze and scrap metal only when they fit city rules.
Do not bring commercial waste, loose batteries, unknown chemicals, medication, sharps or unusual hazardous materials to the Recycle Center without checking official guidance. Use Dane County Clean Sweep, city hazardous/unique material resources, retailer battery programs or Pellitteri service guidance when your item does not belong in regular recycling.