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.
Milwaukee mandates curbside recycling for paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and plastics #1-#5. Residents must separate recyclables from trash using provided bins. Contaminated bins containing food waste, plastic bags, or non-recyclable items may be rejected. Wisconsin recycling goals encourage diversion from landfills. Multi-family properties above a certain unit count may have additional commercial recycling requirements. Yard waste and food scraps may have separate programs.
Contaminated bins may be tagged and skipped. Repeat contamination: $25 to $100 fine. Failure to recycle where mandatory: warning then fine.
Milwaukee, WI
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Milwaukee, WI
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Milwaukee, WI
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Milwaukee, WI
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Milwaukee, WI
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Milwaukee, WI
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See how Milwaukee's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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