Wisconsin's recycling law passed in 1990 and bans a variety of materials from landfills. They must be reused, recycled, or composted. Different levels of local government take charge of implementing this law. Sometimes a county or a village takes responsibility. In the City of Milwaukee's case, the City acts as the Responsible Unit. Read the City Ordinance about Recycling in Chapter 79 Subchapter 2. The City provides recycling services to all 1 - 4 family residences and some condominiums. Apartment and condo buildings with 5+ units, businesses, organizations, and other institutions must provide for their own recycling services.
If you have questions, need resources, or would like to file a complaint about non-recycling in the City of Milwaukee, please call 414 286-CITY (2489). If the facility is not located within the City of Milwaukee, contact these DNR staff to help you find the appropriate Responsible Unit for your area.
Air conditioners
Boilers
Clothes dryers
Clothes washers
Dehumidifiers
Freezers
Furnaces
Microwaves
Refrigerators
Stoves and ovens
Water heaters
Cell phones
Computers - desktop, laptop, netbook, tablet
Computer monitors and mice
Computer keyboards
Computer scanners
Computer speakers
Desktop printers (including those that fax and scan)
DVD players, VCRs, DVRs, and all other video players
External hard drives
Fax machines
Flash drives/ USBs
Other items that plug into a computer
Televisions
#1 & #2 plastic bottles, jugs, and jars
Aluminum containers
Bi-metal cans and containers
Glass containers
Steel (tin) cans and containers
Corrugated cardboard
Magazines, catalogs, and other materials on similar paper
Newspaper and newsprint materials
Office paper
Grass clippings
Debris and brush under 6" in diameter
Leaves
Lead-acid vehicle batteries
Tires
Used oil filters
Waste oils
Learn more about the state law on the DNR website or view this easy to read PDF of the recycling law.