Madison mandates recycling under Wisconsin Statute 287 and MGO Chapter 10. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and rigid plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5. No plastic bags in carts.
Wisconsin Statute 287 establishes a statewide recycling mandate prohibiting the disposal of designated recyclable materials in landfills. Madison implements this requirement through MGO Chapter 10, operating the every-other-week curbside recycling program. Accepted materials include aluminum and steel cans, paper and flattened cardboard, glass bottles and jars, and rigid plastic containers marked with resin codes 1, 2, and 5. Items must be empty, rinsed, and placed loose in the recycling cart (not bagged). Plastic bags, film, and wrap are not accepted curbside and should be returned to retail drop-off bins. Contaminated loads may be rejected. Styrofoam, textiles, batteries, and small electronics are not accepted in the curbside program. Businesses and multi-unit buildings of nine or more units must arrange recycling through private haulers but are still subject to the state landfill ban on recyclables.
Placing banned materials in landfill-bound trash or contaminating recycling with non-recyclables violates MGO 10.18 and WI Stat. 287.07.
Madison, WI
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Madison, WI
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See how Madison's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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