Recycling Requirements: Milwaukee vs West Allis
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Milwaukee, WI and West Allis, WI?
Milwaukee and West Allis have similar restriction levels.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee County
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.
View full Milwaukee rules →West Allis, WI
Milwaukee County
Wisconsin's statewide recycling law, Wis. Stat. § 287.07, bans landfilling or burning aluminum, glass, plastic and steel containers, paper, and cardboard. Municipalities — not Milwaukee County — are the designated “responsible units” that run recycling programs.
View full West Allis rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Milwaukee | West Allis |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | WI NR 544 — mandatory recycling | - |
| City Code | Milwaukee Code Ch. 79 | - |
| System | Single-stream blue cart recycling | - |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics #1-5, #7 | - |
| Enforcement | Cart rejection and citations for violations | - |
| State law | - | Wis. Stat. § 287.07 / NR 544 |
| Landfill ban since | - | January 1, 1995 |
| Responsible unit | - | City/village, not county |
| Milwaukee collector | - | DPW Sanitation Division |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Milwaukee FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in Milwaukee?
Yes. Both Wisconsin state law (NR 544) and Milwaukee Code Chapter 79 require all residents and businesses to recycle. Failure to participate in the recycling program can result in citations and fines.
What can I put in my recycling cart?
Milwaukee's single-stream recycling accepts paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics numbered 1-5 and 7. Items must be clean, dry, and loose (not bagged). No plastic bags, foam, or food-soiled materials.
West Allis FAQ
What must be recycled in Milwaukee County?
Under Wis. Stat. § 287.07, aluminum, glass, plastic and steel containers, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, and office paper are banned from the landfill and must be recycled. Your city or village provides collection.
Is Milwaukee County the recycling authority?
No. State law makes the “responsible unit” for recycling a municipality in Milwaukee County. Cities and villages run the programs; the county does not provide curbside recycling.
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