Trash & Recycling in Milwaukee, WI (2026)
9 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
In Milwaukee, carts left at the curb or alley for recycling pickup must be pulled back to their storage spot by 10 p.m. on collection day, or owners face special charges.
Milwaukee Curbside Cart Return Deadline
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-32
Owners and tenants of those properties serviced by the recycling collection system, where carts are left at the alley line or curb line after servicing, shall return the carts to their proper storage locations before 10 p.m. on the day they are serviced.
Bin Placement Rules
Milwaukee requires garbage and recycling carts to sit immediately next to the alley (or the rear/side yard on alleyless lots), stay clear and accessible, and be wheeled back to storage by 10 p.m. on collection day.
Milwaukee Garbage Cart Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-5
NEAR ALLEY. Containers shall be stored immediately adjacent to the alley except where a premises does not have an alley, in which case containers shall be stored in the rear yard... Owners and tenants of those premises serviced by the cart collection system, where carts are left at the alley line or curb line after servicing, shall return the carts to their proper storage location before 10 p.m...
Bulk Item Disposal
Milwaukee's DPW hauls bulky waste under one cubic yard for free, charges $90 to $250 for loads up to six cubic yards, and refuses anything larger outright.
Milwaukee Bulk Waste Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-6.5-3 (Vol. 1, General Ordinances); bulky waste charge set at § 81-15.5
3. DOMESTIC TREE AND BULKY WASTE. a. Domestic tree waste, limited to quantity and origin as specified in this chapter and the rules of the commissioner, shall be collected without charge. b-1. Bulky waste, not exceeding one cubic yard and origin as specified in this chapter and the rules of the commissioner, shall be collected without charge. b-2. Bulky waste, exceeding 6 cubic yards, limited...
Recycling Requirements
Milwaukee requires occupants of homes, condos, and businesses to separate standard recyclables, aluminum, glass, paper, and PETE/HDPE plastic containers, from trash under Chapter 79.
Milwaukee Curbside Recycling Separation Rules
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-25
Except as provided in s. 79-27, occupants of single family residences, 2 to 4 unit residences, condominium complexes, multiple-family dwellings and non-residential facilities and properties shall separate the following materials from postconsumer waste: ... STANDARD RECYCLABLE MATERIALS. a. Aluminum containers. b. Bi-metal containers. c. Corrugated paper or other container board. d. Glass conta...
Illegal Dumping
Dumping refuse on public or private property without a permit is banned in Milwaukee; violators face a mandatory $5,000 forfeiture, with each dumping incident charged as a separate offense.
Milwaukee Illegal Dumping Penalties
Significant RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 80-44 (Dumping); § 61-22 (Class P Penalty)
No person may engage in dumping on public or private property other than a permitted facility under ss. 80-45 and 46. ... Upon conviction of a Class P violation, the violator shall forfeit $5,000. Each incidence of a dumping violation shall constitute a separate offense. Upon default of payment, the violator shall be subject to imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 100 days.
Yard Waste Collection
Milwaukee does not collect yard waste at the curb. Residents must haul grass clippings, leaves and garden debris to sites the commissioner designates, at least once every two weeks during the season.
Milwaukee Yard Waste Disposal Rules
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-2-11 (Volume 1)
YARD WASTE. Yard waste shall not be collected by the department. Residents shall dispose of yard waste generated on their properties at sites designated by the commissioner. a. Yard waste shall be disposed of at least once every 2 weeks during the yard waste season as determined by the commissioner, except that residents may allow grass clippings to remain on their...
Dumpster Rules
A temporary dumpster in a Milwaukee street or alley needs a public-way permit, ID markings, and reflective safety tape or a barricade.
Milwaukee Dumpster-in-Street Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 115-11.5
115-11.5. Dumpsters in the Public Way; Temporary Basis. 1. RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN PERMIT. For any dumpster placed in the public way on a temporary basis, it shall be the responsibility of the business placing the dumpster to obtain the permit required by s. 115-10. No permit shall be required for any dumpster placed in the public way by the city. For any dumpster placed in the public way on a...
Collection Schedule
Milwaukee's Department of Public Works collects mixed domestic solid waste from residences under city ordinance; owners of 5-plus-unit buildings who opt out of city pickup must arrange weekly private removal instead.
Milwaukee Residential Trash Collection Service
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-2-1-a, c (Volume 1 — General Ordinances)
Mixed solid waste of domestic origin, unless contents are specifically excluded, shall be collected by the department, provided such waste is properly handled, contained, stored and located in conformance with the rules of the commissioner. ... Owners of multiunit dwellings with 5 or more units who choose not to have city removal of solid waste shall be required to provide for removal of solid ...
Recycling Rules
Milwaukee requires households and businesses to separate recyclables from trash, with special charges for repeated noncompliance.
Milwaukee Mandatory Recycling Separation
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-25
79-25. Separation of Recyclable Materials Required. Except as provided in s. 79-27, occupants of single family residences, 2 to 4 unit residences, condominium complexes, multiple-family dwellings and non-residential facilities and properties shall separate the following materials from postconsumer waste: 1. SPECIAL RECYCLABLE MATERIALS. a. Electronic devices. b. Lead acid batteries. c. Major ap...
Looking for Milwaukee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Milwaukee city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Milwaukee County →