Recycling Center in Sun Prairie: Hours, Holidays & Drop-Off
Use this Recycling Center Sun Prairie guide to check the City Recycle Center address, seasonal hours, holiday closures, permit sticker rules, free and paid access, accepted drop-off items, not accepted materials, cardboard rules, battery restrictions, electronics guidance and official map directions before you load your vehicle.
🧭 Recycling Center Sun Prairie Open Today: What to Confirm First
The recycling center sun prairie search usually points residents to the City Recycle Center at 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. This is a permit-based city facility, not a public dump where anyone can arrive with any material at any time. You must have a Recycle Center Permit sticker displayed on your windshield when entering the facility.
The most important detail is that hours change by season. Winter hours are much shorter than spring, summer and fall hours. The center also observes the same holiday closures as other City of Sun Prairie facilities, so a normal weekday or Saturday schedule can still be interrupted by city holidays.
Before you drive, check three things: your permit status, the current seasonal schedule and the item you plan to drop off. The city lists accepted materials such as mixed recycling, brush and yard waste, appliances without Freon, oil absorbents, oil filters, waste motor oil, antifreeze, scrap metal, flattened cardboard and select electronics. It also lists several items that are not accepted, including trash, Freon appliances, tires, paint cans, propane cylinders, light bulbs and batteries.
Sun Prairie Recycling Center Overview for Local Drop-Off
The City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center is a local drop-off facility for eligible users who need to handle certain recyclable, yard, oil-related, metal, cardboard and select electronic materials outside the regular curbside cart. It is especially useful when you have flattened cardboard, brush, yard waste, scrap metal, antifreeze, used motor oil, oil filters or appliances without Freon.
This facility is not the same as curbside recycling collection. Curbside recycling in Sun Prairie is handled through the city’s contracted collection program, and normal cart materials include items such as aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, paper, glass bottles or jars, newspapers, plastic bottles or containers numbered #1 through #7, steel cans, tin cans and paper cups. The Recycle Center is a separate drop-off location and requires a permit sticker.
The facility is also not a commercial disposal site. The city states that commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center at this time. Residents, multi-family dwelling residents and non-residents have different permit rules, and the paid permit path does not automatically mean every material is accepted.
Recycling Center Sun Prairie: Quick Facts Before You Drive
| Question | Current Official Detail | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the Sun Prairie Recycle Center? | 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. | Use the verified address in the map section and follow facility signs. |
| Is a permit required? | Yes. A Recycle Center Permit sticker is required to enter. | Apply before visiting and display the sticker on your windshield. |
| Can 1–4 unit curbside residents use it free? | Yes, residents receiving curbside refuse and recycling collection can access it free after obtaining a permit. | Still obtain the permit before using the facility. |
| Do multi-family residents pay? | Residents in 5+ unit dwellings are eligible but must pay an annual permit fee. | Bring proof of residence if applying as a Sun Prairie multi-family resident. |
| Can non-residents use it? | Non-residents may use the center after paying the annual permit fee. | Check the current permit page before purchasing. |
| Can businesses use it? | Commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center at this time. | Use a private recycler, hauler, landfill, transfer station or approved business service. |
| Are batteries accepted? | No. The city states batteries are not accepted at the Recycle Center. | Use hardware stores, battery retailers or approved battery recycling options. |
| Are Freon appliances accepted? | No. Freon appliances are not accepted. | Contact local appliance stores or scrap metal dealers for private disposal rates. |
Sun Prairie Recycling Center Hours, Seasonal Schedule and Saturday Drop-Off
Sun Prairie Recycle Center hours are seasonal. This is the detail that most people miss when searching for “Sun Prairie recycling center open now” or “Sun Prairie recycling center hours today.” The center does not keep one simple year-round weekday schedule.
Winter Hours: First Saturday in December Through Last Saturday in March
During the winter schedule, the Recycle Center is listed as open Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Winter hours are short, so do not plan a large load close to closing time. If you are bringing brush, yard waste, scrap metal, flattened cardboard or oil-related materials, sort your load before arriving.
Spring and Summer Hours: After Last Saturday in March Through Third Saturday in October
During the spring/summer schedule, the Recycle Center is listed as open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the broadest access season and the most useful schedule for residents handling yard waste, moving boxes, garage cleanouts and weekend drop-off.
Fall Hours: After Third Saturday in October Through First Saturday in December
During the fall schedule, the Recycle Center is listed as open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fall drop-off can be busy because residents often bring yard material, brush and seasonal cleanup loads.
| Season | Date Range Description | Open Days and Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Following the first Saturday in December through the last Saturday in March. | Monday 3–5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–noon. |
| Spring / Summer | Following the last Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October. | Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Fall | Following the third Saturday in October through the first Saturday in December. | Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Holiday closures | The Recycle Center observes the same holiday closures as other city facilities. | Check the official city holiday page before visiting near holidays. |
Sun Prairie Recycling Center Open Today, Open Now and Weekend Checks
Searches like “recycling center Sun Prairie open now” can be risky because the correct answer depends on the season, weekday and holiday status. A Monday in winter is not the same as a Monday in spring. A Friday in spring is not the same as a Friday in winter. A Saturday also changes between winter and the rest of the year.
Sun Prairie Recycling Center Open Today During Spring and Summer
If the current season is spring/summer, the center is generally listed for Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. That does not override holiday closures. Always check the city holiday schedule if your visit is near New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
Sun Prairie Recycling Center Saturday Hours
Saturday is listed in every seasonal schedule, but the hours differ. Winter Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to noon, while spring/summer and fall Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you only remember one rule, remember this: winter Saturday closes much earlier.
Last-Minute Drop-Off Warning
Do not arrive near closing with a mixed, unsorted load. The center accepts some materials and rejects others. If staff cannot clearly identify what you have, or if your material is on the not-accepted list, you may have to leave with part of your load still in your vehicle.
Sun Prairie Recycling Center Holiday Schedule and 2026 City Facility Closures
The City states that the Recycle Center observes the same holiday closures as other city facilities. That matters because curbside refuse and recycling collection can follow a different contracted holiday schedule from city facility closures. Do not confuse curbside cart delays with Recycle Center gate access.
2026 City Facility Holiday Closures That Include the Recycle Center
For 2026, the City of Sun Prairie lists city facility closures on January 1, January 19, May 25, July 3, September 7, November 26 and 27, December 24 and 25, and December 31. These dates correspond to city-observed holidays including New Year Holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Holiday and New Year’s Eve Holiday.
Holiday Refuse and Recycling Collection Is Different
The city notes that contracted refuse and recycling services do not follow the same schedule as city facility holidays. Curbside collections are delayed by one day on certain observed holidays if they fall on a weekday, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. That curbside rule should not be used to decide whether the Recycle Center gate is open.
| 2026 Date | City Holiday Description | Recycle Center Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year Holiday | City facilities including the Recycle Center are closed. |
| January 19 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Check before planning a Monday drop-off. |
| May 25 | Memorial Day | Do not assume normal spring/summer Monday hours. |
| July 3 | Independence Day observance | Verify Friday access before loading materials. |
| September 7 | Labor Day | Do not assume normal Monday hours. |
| November 26 and 27 | Thanksgiving Day and day after | Plan holiday cleanup for another open day. |
| December 24 and 25 | Christmas Holiday | Christmas Eve and Christmas Day closures apply. |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve Holiday | Check before year-end drop-off. |
Free vs Paid Recycling Center Access in Sun Prairie
The Sun Prairie Recycle Center has a permit system, and fees depend on who is applying. This is not a simple “free for everyone” facility. The official permit page separates applicant types into city residents receiving curbside collections, city residents in multi-family dwellings and non-residents.
Free Recycle Center Permit for 1–4 Unit Curbside Residents
City of Sun Prairie residents who currently receive curbside refuse and recycling pickup in 1–4 unit dwellings can access the Recycle Center for free, but they must obtain a permit first. The sticker should be displayed on the windshield when entering the facility.
Paid Permit for Multi-Family Residents
City of Sun Prairie residents who live in multi-family dwellings of five or more units are eligible to use the Recycle Center, but the official permit page lists a $30 per sticker per year fee. Proof of residence is required, and accepted proof can include a government-issued ID, rental lease or utility bill.
Paid Permit for Non-Residents
Non-residents are eligible to use the Recycle Center after paying the listed annual permit fee. The official permit page lists the non-resident fee as $100 per sticker per year. Non-residents should confirm the current fee before applying because fees can change.
Commercial Businesses Are Not Permitted
The city states that commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center at this time. This is a hard boundary. A business should not buy a resident-style permit or use a residential route for commercial material. Use an approved hauler, private recycler, landfill, transfer station or business service instead.
| Applicant Type | Official Permit Fee Listed | Important Rule |
|---|---|---|
| City residents receiving curbside collections in 1–4 unit dwellings | $0 | Free access requires obtaining the permit sticker first. |
| City residents in multi-family dwellings of 5+ units | $30 per sticker per year | Proof of residence is required. |
| Non-residents | $100 per sticker per year | Paid annual permit required. |
| Commercial businesses | Not available | Commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center. |
Accepted Drop-Off Items at the Sun Prairie Recycle Center
The official city list of accepted materials includes mixed recycling, brush and yard waste, appliances without Freon, oil absorbents, oil filters, waste motor oil, antifreeze, scrap metal, flattened cardboard and select electronics. These categories should not be stretched beyond what the city says. If an item is unusual, call Public Works before taking it to the center.
Cardboard Drop-Off in Sun Prairie for Moving Boxes
The city says there is a dumpster at the Recycle Center for move-in boxes. Boxes should be flattened before drop-off, and you must have a permit or sticker to use the facility. This is especially helpful after moving, deliveries or large cleanouts when cardboard does not fit neatly in the curbside cart.
Yard Waste and Brush Drop-Off in Sun Prairie
Brush and yard waste are listed as accepted at the Recycle Center. This helps residents who have seasonal cleanup material that does not belong in normal refuse or recycling carts. Keep yard material separate from trash, lumber, plastic furniture, carpet and other rejected materials.
Scrap Metal, Motor Oil, Oil Filters and Antifreeze
Scrap metal, waste motor oil, oil filters, oil absorbents and antifreeze are listed as accepted categories. These materials should be handled neatly and safely. Do not mix oils with other fluids, do not bring leaking containers, and do not assume all automotive waste is accepted just because one automotive item is listed.
Appliances Without Freon
Appliances without Freon are listed as accepted. Freon-filled appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and dehumidifiers are not accepted. The city directs users to contact local appliance stores or scrap metal dealers for private disposal rates for refrigerant-filled appliances.
📦 Everyday Drop-Off
Mixed recycling, flattened cardboard and move-in boxes are common reasons residents use the Sun Prairie Recycle Center when curbside carts are not enough.
🌿 Outdoor Cleanup
Brush and yard waste are accepted, but tree stumps, root balls, wreaths, garland and roping are listed as not accepted.
🛢️ Garage Items
Waste motor oil, oil filters, oil absorbents, antifreeze and scrap metal are accepted categories, but batteries and propane cylinders are not accepted.
Items Not Accepted at Sun Prairie Recycle Center
The Recycle Center has a clear not-accepted list. This is where many wasted trips happen. The official city list says the facility does not accept trash, Freon appliances, wood or plastic furniture, carpet or padding, wood or lumber, tires, tree stumps or root balls, porcelain, concrete, asphalt, rocks, bricks, blocks, fill materials, wreaths, garland or roping, water softeners, paint or paint cans, propane cylinders, light bulbs, batteries, pails and drums.
Trash, Furniture, Carpet, Lumber and Construction-Type Material
Do not use the Recycle Center as a general dump. Trash, wood or plastic furniture, carpet or padding, wood, lumber and many construction-type materials are not accepted. If you have building materials, mixed cleanout debris or refuse, check official alternate disposal options such as Dane County Landfill or Waste Transfer Station information.
Concrete, Asphalt, Rocks, Bricks and Fill Materials
Heavy materials such as porcelain, concrete, asphalt, rocks, bricks, blocks and fill materials are not accepted. These materials require different disposal routes and may involve transfer station rules, fees and load restrictions.
Paint, Propane Cylinders, Light Bulbs and Batteries
Paint or paint cans, propane cylinders, light bulbs and batteries are not accepted at the Sun Prairie Recycle Center. These items are commonly confused with recycling, but they often need hazardous material, retailer, battery-specific or county clean sweep programs.
Sun Prairie Electronics Recycling and Battery Drop-Off Confusion
The official City Recycle Center page lists “select electronics” among accepted materials, but it also makes clear that batteries are not accepted. This creates a real search-intent problem: people searching for “electronics recycling Sun Prairie” may also have batteries, power tools, phones, laptops or rechargeable devices in the same box.
Select Electronics Does Not Mean Every Device
Because the city uses the phrase “select electronics,” do not assume every TV, monitor, printer, computer, cord, appliance, battery-powered device or business e-waste item is accepted. Check the current city list or ask Public Works before bringing electronics. Wisconsin DNR’s E-Cycle Wisconsin program also explains that many electronics cannot be placed in the trash and must be reused, recycled or managed properly.
Non-Rechargeable Batteries Are Not Accepted at the Center
The city states that 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. This is stricter than what many residents expect, so do not include loose batteries in a load.
Rechargeable and Automotive Batteries Are Not Accepted at the Center
The city states that rechargeable batteries are not currently accepted through the City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center and recommends checking local hardware stores because many accept these items. Automotive batteries are also no longer accepted at the Recycle Center; the city recommends checking with local battery retailers for recycling options.
Plastic Bag and Wrap Recycling Is Usually Retail Drop-Off
Plastic bags and similar film materials are another common confusion point. The city explains that the recycling industry generally encourages use of retail drop-off locations for plastic bags and wraps. Accepted examples can include grocery bags, air pillows, bubble wrap, case wrap, clean food storage bags, dry cleaning bags and newspaper bags, but drop-off locations may vary.
Official Portal Confusion: Sun Prairie City Page vs Curbside Pickup vs Other Drop-Off Sites
Search results for recycling center sun prairie can show several different resources: the City Recycle Center page, the permit sticker page, Pellitteri curbside collection information, the city holiday schedule, Dane County Landfill, Dane County Clean Sweep, Dane County Waste Transfer Station, map listings and older third-party pages. These are not interchangeable.
Use the City Recycle Center Page for Facility Rules
The official City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center page is the strongest source for the facility address, accepted items, not accepted items, seasonal hours and holiday closure note. Use this page first when deciding whether to visit 1798 South Bird Street.
Use the Permit Page for Sticker Fees and Application Rules
The permit page is the stronger source for entry requirements, sticker fees, who qualifies for a free permit, who pays an annual permit fee, where to apply and what proof of residence can be used. Do not rely on an old map listing for permit fees.
Use Pellitteri for Curbside Collection Questions
Sun Prairie’s curbside refuse and recycling service information is connected to Pellitteri Waste Systems. Curbside cart rules, extra recycling bags, missed pickup, bulky item pickup, collection calendars and cart placement are not the same as Recycle Center gate rules.
Use Dane County Options for Hazardous or Transfer Station Materials
The city’s Other Drop-Off Sites page points users to Dane County Landfill, Dane County Clean Sweep and Dane County Waste Transfer Station for specific materials. Those sites have their own hours, fees, accepted materials and banned materials. Do not take hazardous materials to the Sun Prairie Recycle Center just because a county option exists elsewhere.
How to Prepare for Sun Prairie Recycling Center Drop-Off
A smooth trip starts before you leave home. The Recycle Center accepts specific categories and rejects many common cleanout materials, so mixing everything together creates problems. Sort your load by material, keep rejected items out, and bring only materials the city currently accepts.
- Confirm your permit sticker Make sure you have a valid Recycle Center Permit sticker displayed on your windshield before entering the facility.
- Check the correct seasonal hours Use winter, spring/summer or fall hours based on the current date, then check city holiday closures.
- Separate accepted materials Keep cardboard, brush, yard waste, scrap metal, oil filters, antifreeze, motor oil and select electronics separate for easier drop-off.
- Keep rejected materials out Do not bring trash, tires, Freon appliances, paint cans, propane cylinders, light bulbs, batteries, furniture, carpet, lumber or construction material.
- Flatten cardboard before arrival The city says move-in boxes can go in the Recycle Center dumpster after flattening. Do this before entering if possible.
- Use official alternatives for special items Use Dane County Clean Sweep, Dane County Landfill, retailers, appliance stores, battery retailers or private recyclers when the city directs you away from the Recycle Center.
Official Sun Prairie Recycling Links and Related Guides
The best way to avoid wrong hours, rejected items and wasted trips is to start with official Sun Prairie resources. Use the city pages for Recycle Center rules and permits, Pellitteri for curbside collection questions and Wisconsin DNR for broader electronics recycling rules.
Sun Prairie Recycling Center Map and Directions
This is a location-specific Sun Prairie guide, so the map below uses the verified official Recycle Center address: 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Use the map for directions, but use the official city pages for hours, holiday closures, permits, accepted materials and rejected items.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Prairie Recycling Center
📍 Where is the Sun Prairie Recycle Center located?
The City Recycle Center is located at 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Use the map section for directions and follow the official city page for current facility details.
🪪 Do I need a permit sticker to use the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
Yes. A Recycle Center Permit sticker is required to enter the facility. The sticker should be displayed on your windshield when entering the Recycle Center.
🕒 What are Sun Prairie Recycle Center winter hours?
Winter hours run following the first Saturday in December through the last Saturday in March. The listed winter schedule is Monday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
🌤️ What are Sun Prairie Recycle Center spring and summer hours?
Spring/summer hours run following the last Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October. The listed schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
🍂 What are Sun Prairie Recycle Center fall hours?
Fall hours run following the third Saturday in October through the first Saturday in December. The listed schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
📆 Is the Sun Prairie Recycle Center closed on holidays?
Yes. The city states that the Recycle Center observes the same holiday closures as other city facilities. Check the official City of Sun Prairie holiday schedule before visiting near major holidays.
💵 Is the Sun Prairie Recycle Center free?
City residents in 1–4 unit dwellings who receive curbside refuse and recycling pickup can access the Recycle Center for free, but they must obtain a permit first. Multi-family residents and non-residents have listed annual permit fees.
🏢 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. Businesses should use approved private, county or commercial disposal and recycling options.
📦 Does the Sun Prairie Recycle Center accept cardboard?
Yes. Flattened cardboard is listed as accepted, and the city says there is a dumpster at the Recycle Center for move-in boxes. A permit or sticker is still required to use the facility.
🔋 Does the Sun Prairie Recycle Center accept batteries?
No. The city states that non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable batteries and automotive batteries are not currently accepted through the City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center. Use local hardware stores, battery retailers or other approved options.
🚫 What items are not accepted at the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
Not accepted items include trash, Freon appliances, wood or plastic furniture, carpet or padding, wood or lumber, tires, tree stumps or root balls, porcelain, concrete, asphalt, rocks, bricks, blocks, fill materials, wreaths, garland or roping, water softeners, paint or paint cans, propane cylinders, light bulbs, batteries, pails and drums.
ℹ️ Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Sun Prairie Recycle Center website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify hours, permit fees, accepted items, closures and disposal rules directly with the City of Sun Prairie before visiting.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not the official City of Sun Prairie website. Recycle Center hours, permit fees, accepted materials, rejected items, holiday closures, curbside collection rules and alternate disposal options can change. Always verify directly with the official City of Sun Prairie pages before loading materials or driving to the facility.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use Recycling Center Sun Prairie
The recycling center sun prairie search should take you to the City Recycle Center at 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590. This facility is useful for permitted users who need to drop off mixed recycling, brush and yard waste, appliances without Freon, oil absorbents, oil filters, waste motor oil, antifreeze, scrap metal, flattened cardboard and select electronics.
The key rules are simple but strict. A permit sticker is required. Hours change by season. The center observes city facility holiday closures. Commercial businesses are not permitted to use the facility. Batteries, tires, trash, Freon appliances, paint cans, propane cylinders, light bulbs, carpet, lumber, concrete and several other materials are not accepted.
Before going, check the official city page, confirm the current seasonal hours, review the holiday schedule, verify your permit sticker, sort your load and remove any rejected items. If you have batteries, hazardous material, Freon appliances, construction debris or business waste, use the official alternate disposal guidance instead of guessing.