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
Garbage is collected weekly and recycling every other week, Monday through Friday. Find your exact day with the city's Sanitation address lookup. When a holiday falls on your collection day, pickup slides one day later for the rest of that week.
Milwaukee Trash Pickup Schedule & 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 →