Wisconsin Statewide Rule

Wisconsin Statewide Landfill Bans and Recycling Mandates

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Wisconsin (2026)

Key Facts

Banned-from-landfill Statute: Wis. Stat. § 287.07
E-Cycle Statute: Wis. Stat. § 287.17
Code: Wis. Admin. Code NR 544
Max Forfeiture: $200 per violation
Yard Waste: Banned from landfills

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Wisconsin State Legislature

Summary

Wisconsin universally bans designated recyclable materials from landfills and incinerators under Wis. Stat. § 287.07 and requires every responsible unit to operate an effective recycling program meeting statewide standards.

(2) Duties. Each responsible unit shall do all of the following: 287.09(2)(a)(a) Develop and implement a recycling or other program to manage the solid waste generated within its region in compliance with s. 287.07 (1m) to (4) and the priorities under s. 287.05 (12). 287.09(2)(ar)(ar) Beginning on February 1, 2010, provide information to persons in its region about the prohibitions under s.

Source: Wisconsin State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Wis. Stat. § 287.07 prohibits disposal of aluminum, steel, glass, and certain plastic containers, newspaper, magazines, office paper, corrugated cardboard, foam polystyrene packaging, lead acid batteries, major appliances, waste oil, yard waste, electronics, and tires in landfills or incinerators. Wis. Stat. § 287.09 and § 287.11 require each responsible unit (county, city, village, town, or designated entity) to operate a recycling program that collects banned materials and meets minimum performance standards under Wis. Admin. Code NR 544. Statewide electronics recycling is governed by Wis. Stat. § 287.17 (E-Cycle Wisconsin), which obligates manufacturers to provide free residential collection.

Violations & Penalties

Violators face forfeitures up to $200 per violation under Wis. Stat. § 287.95, plus possible solid waste facility license actions for accepting banned materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items are banned from Wisconsin landfills?

Wis. Stat. § 287.07 bans aluminum, steel, glass, plastic containers, paper, cardboard, yard waste, electronics, tires, lead acid batteries, appliances, and waste oil from landfills.

Does Wisconsin require electronics recycling?

Yes. Under Wis. Stat. § 287.17, the E-Cycle Wisconsin program prohibits disposal of covered electronics and requires manufacturers to fund free residential collection statewide.

Sources

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