Get Through the Sun Prairie Recycle Center Gate the First Time
The City of Sun Prairie Recycle Center at 1798 South Bird Street is a permit-controlled municipal drop-off site for mixed recycling, yard material, scrap metal, selected electronics, automotive fluids and other listed household materials.
Before loading your vehicle, check which permit category applies to you, confirm the seasonal schedule, and separate rejected materials such as trash, tires, Freon appliances, concrete, paint, propane cylinders and automotive batteries.
Quick answer: can you use the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
Yes, if you qualify for a City Recycle Center permit and obtain the required windshield sticker first. Sun Prairie residents in 1–4 unit dwellings that receive City curbside refuse and recycling service can obtain the permit for $0.
Sun Prairie residents in buildings with five or more units currently pay $30 per sticker per year. Non-residents may also obtain access for $100 per sticker per year. Commercial businesses are not permitted to use the center.
On this page
- Address & contact
- Permit fees & access
- How to get a sticker
- Seasonal hours
- Current 2026 schedule
- Accepted materials
- Rejected materials
- Electronics recycling
- Appliances
- Motor oil & antifreeze
- Yard waste & brush
- Pumpkin recycling
- Batteries
- Furniture, tires & bulky items
- Concrete & construction debris
- Commercial-use rule
- Holiday closures
- Drop-off steps
- Before-you-go checklist
- Map & directions
- Related guides
- Official sources
- FAQs
Sun Prairie Recycle Center Address and Contact
The City Recycle Center is located at 1798 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. The facility is operated through Sun Prairie Public Works.
For permit questions, unusual items, seasonal scheduling or disposal alternatives, call Public Works at 608-837-3050.
Recycle Center
1798 South Bird Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Public Works
201 South Bristol Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Phone: 608-837-3050
Sun Prairie Recycle Center Permit Fees
A vehicle permit is mandatory. The permit is a sticker that should be displayed on the windshield when entering the facility.
| User type | Current permit fee | Main condition |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Prairie resident, 1–4 unit dwelling | $0 | Must currently receive City curbside refuse and recycling collection. |
| Sun Prairie resident, 5+ unit dwelling | $30 per sticker/year | Proof of Sun Prairie residence is required. |
| Non-resident | $100 per sticker/year | Must obtain the paid annual permit before entry. |
| Commercial business | Not available | Commercial businesses are not permitted to use the center. |
How to Get a Sun Prairie Recycle Center Sticker
Identify your permit category
Determine whether you are a qualifying 1–4 unit curbside household, a resident of a 5+ unit building or a non-resident.
Apply online or use an approved in-person location
The City provides an online application. Qualifying free permits can also be obtained through City Hall or Sun Prairie Public Library.
Use City Hall for paid permits
Paid permits for residents of 5+ unit dwellings and non-residents are processed through the City’s application system or City Hall. The Library does not process paid permit applications.
Bring proof of residence when required
The City lists a government-issued ID, rental lease or utility bill as examples of acceptable proof for qualifying multi-family residents.
Display the sticker on the vehicle
The permit should be visibly attached to the windshield when entering the Recycle Center.
Sun Prairie Recycling Center Hours Change by Season
The center does not use one year-round schedule. Weekend and weekday hours change between winter, spring/summer and fall.
| Season | Open days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Spring / Summer | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Spring / Summer | Saturday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM |
| Fall | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Fall | Saturday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM |
| Winter | Monday | 3:00 PM–5:00 PM |
| Winter | Saturday | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM |
Current 2026 Sun Prairie Recycling Center Schedule
For 2026, the spring/summer schedule runs from March 30 through October 17. Fall hours begin October 19, and winter hours begin December 7.
Through Oct. 17
Mon/Wed/Fri: 9 AM–6 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM–4 PM
From Oct. 19
Mon/Wed/Fri: 9 AM–5 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM–4 PM
From Dec. 7
Mon: 3 PM–5 PM
Sat: 9 AM–Noon
What the Sun Prairie Recycle Center Accepts
The current City facility page lists these main material categories. Keep different streams separated so staff can direct you efficiently.
Mixed recycling
Single-stream household recyclables accepted under the City’s recycling rules.
Brush & yard waste
Seasonal garden material, leaves and brush can use the center with a valid permit.
Non-Freon appliances
Appliances without refrigerant are accepted during normal operating hours.
Scrap metal
Qualifying scrap metal can be delivered to the municipal recycling stream.
Used motor oil
Waste motor oil, oil filters and oil absorbents are listed as accepted.
Antifreeze
Keep antifreeze separate rather than mixing it with motor oil or other liquids.
Cardboard
Flatten cardboard before bringing it to the center.
Select electronics
The City now accepts eligible E-Cycle Wisconsin electronics without an additional electronics fee when the user has the required permit.
Pumpkins
The City currently lists pumpkin collection from November 1 through November 30 only.
What You Should Not Bring to the Sun Prairie Recycle Center
The center is not a landfill or all-purpose bulky-waste facility. Several common items must use another disposal route.
| Not accepted | Why this matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Trash | The Recycle Center is not a general garbage drop-off. | Use your normal refuse service or approved bulky-item route. |
| Freon appliances | Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and AC units require refrigerant handling. | Contact an appliance retailer or scrap recycler that handles refrigerant equipment. |
| Furniture | Wood and plastic furniture are excluded. | Use a bulky-item collection or private disposal option. |
| Carpet / padding | These are not part of the City’s accepted recycling streams. | Arrange bulky disposal. |
| Wood / lumber | Processed wood is different from brush. | Use a construction or bulky-waste route. |
| Tires | The facility does not operate a tire-disposal program. | Use a tire dealer, auto shop or other approved tire recycler. |
| Concrete / asphalt / brick | Heavy construction material is excluded. | Use a construction-material recycler or C&D facility. |
| Paint / paint cans | Paint needs a different household-hazardous or paint-management route. | Check Dane County or other local hazardous-material options. |
| Propane cylinders | Pressurized cylinders need specialized handling. | Use an approved cylinder or hazardous-material route. |
| Automotive batteries | Lead-acid batteries require a separate battery collection route. | Use a battery retailer or appropriate recycling location. |
Electronics Recycling Is Now Available at Sun Prairie
The City added electronics recycling at the Recycle Center in 2025. Eligible residential electronics can be dropped off at 1798 South Bird Street during normal center hours with a valid permit/sticker.
The City currently says there is no additional charge for electronics recycling when the user has the required Recycle Center permit.
Computers
Desktop, laptop and netbook computers are listed under the E-Cycle Wisconsin program.
TVs & monitors
Televisions and computer monitors are among the electronics listed by the City.
Phones & tablets
Cell phones, tablets, e-readers and certain phone accessories are included.
Printers
Desktop printers, 3D printers and fax machines are included in the City’s current list.
Computer accessories
Keyboards, mice, speakers, external hard drives and similar accessories are listed.
Video equipment
DVD players, VCRs, game consoles and other listed video equipment can qualify.
Appliance Recycling: Freon Makes the Difference
Sun Prairie accepts appliances that do not contain Freon/refrigerant at the Recycle Center at no additional disposal charge with the required permit.
The City specifically says the center does not accept refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners or dehumidifiers because they contain refrigerant.
Potential Recycle Center route
Non-refrigerant appliances that meet the City’s current acceptance rules.
Use another route
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Contact appliance retailers or scrap-metal businesses for current private disposal options.
Used Motor Oil, Oil Filters and Antifreeze
The Recycle Center currently accepts waste motor oil, oil filters, oil absorbents and antifreeze. These materials should be kept separate and free from unrelated liquids.
For a broader preparation guide, see the used oil recycling center guide.
Yard Waste and Brush: Keep the Two Streams Separate
Sun Prairie distinguishes brush from yard waste. Yard waste includes grass, leaves, weeds, garden trimmings and other leafy plant material. Brush means woody branches and similar tree or shrub material.
The City’s 2026 guidance says brush and yard waste can be taken to the Recycle Center year-round with the required permit.
Yard waste
Grass, leaves, garden waste and small plant material belong in the yard-waste stream.
Brush
Branches and woody tree or shrub material belong in the brush stream. Do not mix in lumber or processed wood.
Pumpkin Recycling Is Seasonal
The City’s current Recycle Center information lists pumpkins as accepted only from November 1 through November 30.
Remove candles, decorations, plastic, paint, wire and other non-organic items before using a pumpkin-recycling route.
Battery Rules Need Extra Attention
The City facility page specifically excludes automotive batteries, and its broader battery guidance separates battery types from normal recycling.
Do not put lithium-ion or other rechargeable batteries in a curbside recycling cart. Battery recycling should use an appropriate retailer, electronics recycler, hazardous-waste provider or other approved local collection program.
Automotive batteries
Not accepted at this Recycle Center. Use a battery retailer or another appropriate battery-recycling location.
Rechargeable batteries
Keep out of ordinary curbside recycling and use an appropriate battery program.
Battery inside electronics
Ask whether the device should be delivered intact or the battery removed before drop-off.
Furniture, Tires and Bulky Items Need Another Route
The municipal Recycle Center does not accept wood or plastic furniture, carpet, padding or tires. Large household items should use Sun Prairie’s contracted or private bulky-item services instead.
Before paying for private disposal, call Public Works or the City’s current refuse contractor and ask whether your sofa, mattress, carpet, tire or oversized household item has a scheduled bulky-item option.
Concrete, Asphalt, Brick and Construction Debris Are Not Accepted
The City’s current excluded-material list includes porcelain, concrete, asphalt, rocks, bricks, blocks and fill materials.
Do not bring a demolition or landscaping load simply because some of the material can technically be recycled. These heavy materials need an appropriate private aggregate recycler, C&D facility, quarry or disposal site.
Commercial Businesses Cannot Use the Sun Prairie Recycle Center
The City currently states that commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center.
If you are a contractor, landscaper, property-management company, shop or other business disposing of material generated through commercial operations, use a private recycler, waste hauler, transfer station or other facility that accepts commercial loads.
2026 Holiday Closures
City facilities, including the Recycle Center, close for observed holidays. As of September 29, 2026, the main remaining City facility closures are shown below.
| Date | City closure | Trip impact |
|---|---|---|
| November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving | City facilities closed. |
| November 27, 2026 | Day after Thanksgiving | Recycle Center closed. |
| December 24, 2026 | Christmas Eve holiday | City facilities closed. |
| December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | City facilities closed. |
| December 31, 2026 | New Year’s Eve holiday | City facilities closed. |
How to Use the Sun Prairie Recycle Center Step by Step
Get the correct permit
Apply before loading the vehicle and make sure the sticker is displayed as required.
Check the seasonal schedule
Do not assume summer hours apply in November or winter hours apply in April.
Sort the load at home
Separate cardboard, scrap metal, electronics, yard waste, brush, fluids and appliances.
Remove prohibited material
Keep trash, tires, furniture, lumber, concrete, paint, propane cylinders, automotive batteries and other excluded items out of the load.
Protect liquids and electronics
Prevent oil and antifreeze leaks, and prepare data-bearing electronics before recycling them.
Follow signs and staff directions
Unload each material only in the correct designated area.
Before-You-Go Sun Prairie Recycle Center Checklist
Map to Sun Prairie Recycle Center
The municipal drop-off facility is at 1798 South Bird Street in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
Official Sources Used for This Sun Prairie Guide
Sun Prairie’s schedule and material rules can change seasonally, so use the City’s live pages for final verification before a special trip.
Primary source for address, accepted and rejected materials, access categories and seasonal hours.
Open facility informationCurrent permit fees, user categories, proof-of-residence requirements and application locations.
Open permit pageCurrent electronics program, E-Cycle items, non-Freon appliance rules and Freon-appliance exclusions.
Open appliance/electronics pageCurrent department contact information and 2026 seasonal Recycle Center timing.
Open Public Works pageOfficial 2026 City facility closures that affect the Recycle Center.
Open holiday scheduleExplains the difference between brush and yard waste and the City’s seasonal curbside alternatives.
Open yard-waste guidanceFrequently Asked Questions About Sun Prairie Recycle Center
Where is the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
The City Recycle Center is located at 1798 South Bird Street in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
What is the Sun Prairie Recycle Center phone number?
Sun Prairie Public Works can be reached at 608-837-3050 for permit, hours and material questions.
Do I need a permit for the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
Yes. A Recycle Center permit/sticker is required for vehicles entering the facility.
How much is a Sun Prairie Recycle Center permit?
Qualifying residents in 1–4 unit dwellings receiving City curbside collection pay $0. Residents of 5+ unit dwellings currently pay $30 per sticker per year, while non-residents pay $100 per sticker per year.
Can non-residents use the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
Yes. The City currently allows non-residents to obtain an annual permit for $100 per sticker.
Can businesses use the Sun Prairie Recycle Center?
No. The City’s current facility guidance says commercial businesses are not permitted to use the Recycle Center.
What are Sun Prairie Recycling Center hours?
Hours are seasonal. Spring/summer hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 AM–6 PM and Saturday 8:30 AM–4 PM. Fall weekdays close at 5 PM. Winter hours are Monday 3–5 PM and Saturday 9 AM–Noon.
Is the Sun Prairie Recycle Center open Sunday?
No regular Sunday hours are listed. The facility’s seasonal schedule uses Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during warmer seasons, and Monday and Saturday in winter.
Does Sun Prairie Recycle Center accept electronics?
Yes. The City began accepting eligible E-Cycle Wisconsin electronics at the Recycle Center in 2025. A facility permit is required, and the City currently lists no additional electronics-recycling charge.
Does the center accept TVs?
Yes. Televisions are included in the City’s current eligible electronics list. Use the electronics area and follow staff directions.
Does Sun Prairie accept refrigerators or air conditioners?
Not at the municipal Recycle Center. Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers contain refrigerant and need another approved disposal route.
Can I take used motor oil to the center?
Yes. Waste motor oil, oil filters and oil absorbents are among the City’s accepted materials. Keep oil separate from antifreeze, gasoline and other liquids.
Does the center accept tires?
No. Tires are specifically listed among materials the Sun Prairie Recycle Center does not accept.
Does the center accept concrete or asphalt?
No. Concrete, asphalt, rocks, brick, block and fill materials are excluded and need an appropriate private construction-material route.
Can I take paint or propane tanks there?
No. Paint, paint cans and propane cylinders are currently listed among excluded materials.
Can I recycle automotive batteries there?
No. Automotive batteries are listed as not accepted at the Recycle Center. Use a battery retailer or another appropriate battery recycling program.
Does the center accept yard waste all year?
The City’s 2026 guidance says brush and yard waste can be taken to the Recycle Center year-round during the facility’s applicable seasonal operating hours.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Sun Prairie website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information website. Check CityOfSunPrairie.com or contact Public Works for live permit, schedule and acceptance information.