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Milwaukee, WI Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 79-25, Milwaukee Code of Ordinances
First violation charge
$10 special charge
Repeat violation charge
$25 per repeat, same year
Cart return deadline
10 p.m. on service day
Covered properties
Homes, condos, multi-family, businesses

Summary

Milwaukee requires occupants of homes, condos, and businesses to separate standard recyclables, aluminum, glass, paper, and PETE/HDPE plastic containers, from trash under Chapter 79.

Except as provided in s. 79-27, occupants of single family residences, 2 to 4 unit residences, condominium complexes, multiple-family dwellings and non-residential facilities and properties shall separate the following materials from postconsumer waste: ... STANDARD RECYCLABLE MATERIALS. a. Aluminum containers. b. Bi-metal containers. c. Corrugated paper or other container board. d. Glass containers. e. Magazines. f. Newspapers. g. Office paper. h. Rigid plastic containers made of PETE and HDPE. i. Steel containers.

Source: Milwaukee Code Ch. 79 — RecyclingView official code

Full Breakdown

Milwaukee's solid waste code requires occupants of single-family homes, 2-to-4 unit residences, condos, multi-family dwellings and non-residential properties to separate standard recyclable materials, aluminum, bi-metal and steel containers, corrugated cardboard, glass containers, magazines, newspapers, office paper and PETE/HDPE rigid plastic containers, from postconsumer waste under Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-25. Materials must be set out for department pickup per the commissioner's rules, and carts left curbside must be returned to storage by 10 p.m. on service day.

Violations & Fines

Failure to separate standard recyclables from trash under s. 79-25 draws a $10 special charge for a first violation, $25 for each repeat violation in the same calendar year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must I recycle in Milwaukee?
Standard recyclables: aluminum, bi-metal and steel containers, corrugated cardboard, glass containers, magazines, newspapers, office paper, and PETE/HDPE rigid plastic containers, per Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-25.
What happens if I don't separate my recyclables?
The city sends a written notice, then charges $10 for a first violation and $25 for each repeat violation within the same calendar year, per § 79-47.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSignificant RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsFew Restrictions

All Milwaukee rules

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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Milwaukee County handle recycling requirements.

Wauwatosa, WI
Some Restrictions