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

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

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 79-25
First violation
Written notice only
Repeat violation charge
$10, then $25
Exemption
Licensed processing facility, § 79-27
Cart return deadline
10 p.m. service day, § 79-32

Summary

Milwaukee requires households and businesses to separate recyclables from trash, with special charges for repeated noncompliance.

79-25. Separation of Recyclable Materials Required. 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: 1. SPECIAL RECYCLABLE MATERIALS. a. Electronic devices. b. Lead acid batteries. c. Major appliances. d. Waste oil and oil filters. e. Waste tires. f. Yard waste. 2. STANDARD RECYCLABLE MATERIALS.

View official code

Full Breakdown

City Code § 79-25 requires occupants of single-family homes, 2-4 unit residences, condos, multi-family buildings, and nonresidential properties to separate two categories from postconsumer waste before disposal: special recyclable materials (electronics, lead acid batteries, major appliances, waste oil and oil filters, waste tires, yard waste) and standard recyclable materials (aluminum, bi-metal and steel containers, corrugated paper, glass, magazines, newspapers, office paper, and rigid PETE/HDPE plastic containers). Section 79-27 exempts properties that send waste to a licensed processing facility that recovers the same materials. Carts left at the curb must be returned to storage by 10 p.m. the day of service under § 79-32.

Violations & Fines

Written notice for a first § 79-25 violation, then a $10 special charge; $25 for the second and each subsequent violation within a calendar year, billed as a lien against the property if unpaid after 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must Milwaukee residents separate for recycling?
Special recyclable materials like electronics, batteries, appliances, waste oil/tires, and yard waste, plus standard recyclables like containers, cardboard, glass, paper, and PETE/HDPE plastics, per § 79-25.
What happens if I don't separate recyclables in Milwaukee?
You get a written notice for the first violation; noncompliance after notice triggers a $10 special charge, rising to $25 for repeat violations within a calendar year.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSignificant RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome 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 Rules in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Milwaukee County handle recycling rules.

Wauwatosa, WI
Some Restrictions