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Rock County, WI Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Recycling statute
Wis. Stat. 287.07
Ban effective
January 1, 1995
Electronics ban
Wis. Stat. 287.17 (2010)
Program provider
City, village or town
Janesville
Recycling cart + drop-offs

Summary

Wisconsin law bans specific recyclables from the trash statewide, so Rock County residents must separate them. Wis. Stat. 287.07 prohibits disposing of aluminum, glass, steel and plastic containers, cardboard, newspaper, magazines and office paper in a landfill or incinerator.

City-specific rules exist: Beloit, and Milton have their own recycling requirements rules that differ from Rock County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Beginning on January 1, 1995, no person may dispose of in a solid waste disposal facility, convert into fuel, or burn at a solid waste treatment facility in this state any of the following: an aluminum container; corrugated paper or other container board; foam polystyrene packaging; a glass container; a magazine; a newspaper; office paper; a plastic container; a steel container.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Recycling is not optional in Wisconsin. Under Wis. Stat. 287.07(4), effective January 1, 1995, no one may landfill or burn a defined list of recyclables. Municipalities provide the program: Janesville gives every single-family and 2-to-4-unit home a recycling cart plus drop-off sites. Separately, Wisconsin's e-waste law (Wis. Stat. 287.17) bans TVs, computers, monitors and desktop printers from landfills as of September 1, 2010, take those to E-Cycle Wisconsin collectors. So residents must keep listed containers, paper, cardboard and electronics out of the garbage and use curbside recycling or a drop-off.

Violations & Fines

Landfilling or burning the banned materials violates Wis. Stat. 287.07; the DNR enforces the disposal bans against generators and facilities, and municipal recycling ordinances add local penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can't I put in the trash in Wisconsin?
Under Wis. Stat. 287.07: aluminum, glass, steel and plastic containers, corrugated cardboard, newspaper, magazines, office paper and foam polystyrene packaging, plus electronics under 287.17. Recycle these instead.
Is recycling mandatory in Rock County?
Yes. State law bans the listed recyclables from landfills and incinerators, and your municipality provides curbside carts or drop-offs so residents can comply.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Rock County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions

All Rock County rules

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Recycling Requirements in Cities Across Rock County

Beloit, WIMilton, WI