Collection Schedules & Setout Instructions

Set Out Instructions

• Carts and bins must be at the collection point (alley line or curb line) by 7 AM on designated pickup dates.
• Carts must have a clear path to them and must be free from ice and snow accumulation.
• Carts must be 3 feet away from other objects
• Carts and bins must be returned to the storage area by 10 PM (Sec. 79-5.5 and/or 79-32)
  • Failure to return carts to storage area may result in a violation and fine
  • Scheduled winter pickups for garbage and some recycling routes may be postponed due to winter weather. In this situation, leave the cart(s) at the collection point until emptied. No fines or violations will be cited in these cases.
• Garbage must be bagged. Recyclables must be loose. Learn about what materials can and cannot be collected.

Some residents have their garbage or recyclables collected by an Automated Side Loader (or ASL) truck. If your cart is collected by an ASL truck, in addition to the instructions above, you must make sure the lid opens to the street or alley and the handle is closest to the house. Learn more about ASL collection.

Sign up for Garbage and Recycling Email/Text Notifications 

After you create an account, go to Location Based Notifications. Add an address under Sanitation Notifications. Notifications are sent the day prior to each scheduled garbage collection and recycling collection.

*Note: most recycling routes are unscheduled in the winter, and recycling notifications for these routes pause in the December – March time period.  Visit Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay or call (414) 286-CITY (2489) to review your collection schedule.