Recycling_Content Page_Annual reports for responsible units and materials recovery facilities

Annual reports for responsible units and materials recovery facilities

Both recycling responsible units (RUs) and materials recovery facilities (MRFs) must submit annual reports to the DNR covering activities for the previous calendar year.

Visit Wisconsin recycling studies and reports for data from previous reports.

Responsible units (RUs)

RU recycling accomplishments and actual costs annual report

RUs are required to submit a report to the DNR by April 30 each year. The annual report confirms an RU's compliance with program criteria, including information on the tonnage of recyclable material collected during the previous calendar year.

The 2024 RU annual report will be available in mid-March and due April 30, 2025. Make sure you receive important reporting emails by notifying the DNR of any contact information changes.

Annual report and grant materials

The table below lists what to include when reporting tonnages of recyclable material collected. When reporting actual recycling program costs for the previous calendar year, only costs associated with grant eligible materials may be covered by a state recycling grant.

***Plastic containers #3- #7 can also be reported, count towards the collection standard and are grant eligible, but they are not required to be collected.
 Required Reporting
(Collection Standard Eligible)		Optional ReportingDo Not Report
Grant Eligible Materials
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Residential mixed paper
  • Aluminum containers
  • Steel/bi-metal (tin) containers
  • Plastic containers #1 & #2***
  • Glass containers
  • Yard waste
  • Waste tires (not from heavy/farm equipment)
 
Grant Ineligible Materials 
  • Electronics
  • Used oil and oil filters
  • Major appliances
  • Used lead acid batteries
  • Rigid plastics
  • Scrap metal
  • Trash
  • Household hazardous waste materials
  • Sharps/pharmaceuticals

Notify the DNR of RU contact changes

If the RU's authorized representative, primary contact or the person filling out the annual report has changed or has new contact information, contact the DNR so the RU can receive important updates and timely information. After using the email link below, the RU will be contacted to confirm the updates.

Notify the DNR of RU contact updates

Register to use the online reporting system

To submit a report using the online system, a representative from the RU must have a current WAMS ID on file.

You need to register to access the online report if:

  • your RU has submitted an online recycling annual report or grant application in the past, BUT a different person will be submitting the annual report this year; or
  • your RU has not submitted an online recycling report or grant application before.

Note that registration confirmation may take 2-3 business days, so please allow enough time for this process before your report is due.

Resources to complete the report

Log in to the reporting system through DNR Switchboard

Materials recovery facilities (MRFs)

MRF annual self-certification

The 2024 MRF self-certification wil be available in mid-February and due March 30, 2025.

MRFs must submit an annual self-certification to the DNR by March 30 each year. The annual self-certification confirms a MRF's compliance with program criteria, including information on the tonnage of recyclable material collected during the previous calendar year.

If your MRF's operator or primary contact has changed or you need to update their contact information, let us know so we can make sure you receive important updates and timely information. Once we receive your request, we will contact you to confirm the updates.

Notify the DNR of MRF contact updates

Register to use the online reporting system

To submit an MRF self-certification using the online system, you must have a current WAMS ID on file. If you are an RU that operates a MRF, you may use your current WAMS ID, but must still register for the role of MRF on the DNR Switchboard.

You need to register if:

  • your MRF has submitted an online self-certification in the past, BUT a different person will be submitting it this year; or
  • your MRF has not submitted a self-certification before.

Registration confirmation may take several days, so please allow enough time for this process before your report is due.

Resources for completing your self-certification

To begin working on your self-certification, click the login link below. If you are unable to complete the online form and would like to request a paper copy by mail, email DNRRecycling@Wisconsin.gov.

Log in to the reporting system through DNR Switchboard