Trash & Recycling in Milwaukee, WI (2026)
4 verified trash & recycling rules for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Milwaukee provides weekly curbside garbage and recycling collection managed by the Department of Public Works. Residents must place carts at the curb no earlier than 4:00 PM the day before collection or by 6:00 AM on collection day. Carts must be returned to storage by 10:00 PM on collection day. All garbage must be in the city-issued cart with the lid closed. Loose bags or overflow items next to the cart are not collected. The city provides a schedule tool online where residents can look up their specific collection days.
Milwaukee Trash Pickup Schedules & Rules
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Milwaukee Code Chapter 79 specifies requirements for trash and recycling cart placement. Carts must be placed at the curb with the opening facing the street, at least 3 feet from any obstruction including other carts, mailboxes, and parked cars. When not set out for collection, carts must be stored behind the front building line in a location not readily visible from the street. Carts blocking the sidewalk or placed in the street are subject to citation.
Milwaukee Trash Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Milwaukee provides scheduled bulk item collection for large items that do not fit in the regular trash cart. Residents must request a special collection appointment through the Department of Public Works by calling 414-286-CITY or using the online request system. Acceptable bulk items include furniture, appliances (with refrigerant removed by a certified technician), mattresses, and large household items. Electronics, hazardous waste, and construction debris are not accepted for bulk pickup and must be taken to designated drop-off facilities.
Milwaukee Bulk Item Disposal & Pickup
Some RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Wisconsin's mandatory recycling law (NR 544) and Milwaukee Code Chapter 79 require all residents and businesses to recycle. Milwaukee provides a blue cart for single-stream recycling that accepts paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastics #1-#5 and #7. Contamination of recycling with non-recyclable materials can result in cart rejection and eventual fines. The city has a goal of increasing its recycling diversion rate and conducts regular education campaigns. Failure to recycle is subject to citations under both state and local law.
Milwaukee Mandatory Recycling Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Milwaukee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Milwaukee city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Milwaukee County →