Milwaukee County, WI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- State statute
- Wis. Stat. § 287.81
- Standard forfeiture
- Up to $500
- Large-item forfeiture
- Up to $1,000
- County parks
- County enforces on its land
Summary
Wisconsin's littering statute, Wis. Stat. § 287.81, bans depositing solid waste on any public or private property, with forfeitures up to $500 (up to $1,000 for large items). Milwaukee County enforces dumping on its parks and land; municipalities enforce elsewhere.
No person may deposit or discharge any solid waste on or along any highway, in any waters of the state, on the ice of any waters of the state or on any other public or private property.
Full Breakdown
Illegal dumping across Milwaukee County is prohibited by the statewide littering law, Wis. Stat. § 287.81, which bars any person from depositing or discharging solid waste on or along any highway, in the waters of the state, or on any other public or private property. Enforcement is split by property: municipalities police dumping within their borders, the City of Milwaukee runs a “Report Illegal Dumping” program through the Department of Neighborhood Services with a reward for tips, while Milwaukee County enforces against dumping in county parks, parkways, and other county-owned land, patrolled by Parks Rangers and the Sheriff. Dumping in county parks has been a documented, costly problem prompting county cleanup efforts.
Violations & Fines
Under Wis. Stat. § 287.81, a person who deposits solid waste on public or private property may forfeit up to $500; a “large item” brings a forfeiture of up to $1,000. Violators may also pay removal costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for illegal dumping in Milwaukee County?
Where do I report illegal dumping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee County
Compare Milwaukee County to another location·View the Wisconsin trash & recycling overview
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