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Milwaukee, WI trash pickup schedule

Milwaukee trash and recycling: who collects, how often, how to find your pickup day, and what changes on holidays in 2026.

Population 562,407 (Census 2025 estimate)Last checked Not affiliated with any city, county or hauler.

Contents10 sections

Quick answer

Who collectsThe city collects City of Milwaukee DPW Sanitation collects garbage and recycling for about 190,000 households in buildings with 1-4 units. Buildings with 5+ units, businesses, and mixed-use with 5+ residences use private haulers; condos vary by association.18
How oftenTrash weekly, recycling every other week, year-round (set schedule since winter 2025), yard waste on request (brush); fall leaf collection cycles through the city with one final pass after rake-out1311
Set outat the collection point (alley line or curb line) by 7 a.m.; carts 3 feet from other objects; return carts to storage by 10 p.m.2
Your pickup dayAddress lookup: city.milwaukee.gov2
Holiday Thanksgiving Day, Thu, Nov 26, 2026: Changes; see details. No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17

Bulk items: Set collection days (details). Drop-off sites: 3 listed (hours and fees).

Milwaukee holiday trash schedule 2026

City’s ruleNo garbage or recycling collection on City holidays; schedules shift after holidays (the city does not say by how much; check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay for your address). The 2026 Fall Mailer lists the no-collection days through Labor Day 2027.17
Official noticecity.milwaukee.gov17
City holiday listCity Clerk list of City holidays (office closures): New Year's Day, MLK Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, last normal workday before Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, last normal workday before New Year's Day; Saturday holidays observed Friday, Sunday holidays Monday. Note: the sanitation mailers' no-collection lists (2025 and 2026) are a subset; they do not list the last normal workdays before Christmas/New Year's Day, so do not treat those as no-collection days.4
Milwaukee trash pickup on holidays, 2026
HolidayDatePickupWhat the city says
New Year's Day Thu, Jan 1, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.3
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Mon, Jan 19, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.3
Presidents' Day Mon, Feb 16, 2026 Not on the city’s list Not on the city’s list for this year
Good Friday Fri, Apr 3, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.3
Memorial Day Mon, May 25, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.3
Juneteenth Fri, Jun 19, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.3
Independence Day (Fourth of July) Fri, Jul 3, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay. July 4, 2026 is a Saturday; the city lists Friday July 3.3
Labor Day Mon, Sep 7, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.3
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day Mon, Oct 12, 2026 Not on the city’s list Not on the city’s list for this year
Veterans Day Wed, Nov 11, 2026 Not on the city’s list Not on the city’s list for this year
Thanksgiving Day Thu, Nov 26, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17
Day after Thanksgiving Fri, Nov 27, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17
Christmas Eve Thu, Dec 24, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17
Christmas Day Fri, Dec 25, 2026 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17
Milwaukee trash pickup on holidays, 2027
HolidayDatePickupWhat the city says
New Year's Day Fri, Jan 1, 2027 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Mon, Jan 18, 2027 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17
Presidents' Day Mon, Feb 15, 2027 Not on the city’s list Not on the city’s list for this year
Good Friday Fri, Mar 26, 2027 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17
Memorial Day Mon, May 31, 2027 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17
Juneteenth Fri, Jun 18, 2027 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay. June 19, 2027 is a Saturday; the city lists Friday June 18.17
Independence Day (Fourth of July) Mon, Jul 5, 2027 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay. July 4, 2027 is a Sunday; the city lists Monday July 5.17
Labor Day Mon, Sep 6, 2027 Changes; see details No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.17
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day Mon, Oct 11, 2027 No dated list; see the city’s rule See the city’s rule above
Veterans Day Thu, Nov 11, 2027 No dated list; see the city’s rule See the city’s rule above
Thanksgiving Day Thu, Nov 25, 2027 No dated list; see the city’s rule See the city’s rule above
Christmas Day Fri, Dec 24, 2027 (observed) No dated list; see the city’s rule See the city’s rule above

Check your own day for the next three holidays with the holiday delay checker, or download a pickup calendar.

Sources: 2025 Sanitation Fall Mailer (PDF), City Holidays (City Clerk), 2026 Sanitation Fall Mailer (PDF) Last checked Report a change

Bulk trash pickup in Milwaukee

How it worksSet collection days5
How to requestUp to 1 cubic yard: no request needed, set out on your regular garbage day. More than 1 cubic yard: set out and request a paid Special Pickup online or at 414-286-CITY. Spring Project Clean and Green (one zone per week, April 20-June 1 in 2026): up to 6 cubic yards per property on your assigned day.5
Limits1 cubic yard free per regular collection; special pickup up to 6 cubic yards; over 6 cubic yards, loose or mixed loads not eligible5
Feesfree up to 1 cubic yard; $75 for 1-4 cubic yards; $225 for 4-6 cubic yards; construction/demolition waste pre-paid pickup $50 per cubic yard5
Not accepted
  • Yard waste, electronics and TVs, appliances, and tires (take to a Drop Off Center)5
  • Special pickup not available for more than 6 cubic yards, loose material, or mixed materials (construction waste, recyclables, tires, brush/yard waste); referred to Neighborhood Services as a property violation5
EligibilityOnly properties with City of Milwaukee Sanitation solid waste service (1-4 unit buildings)5
CarpetSmall amounts of carpet (area-rug size) are picked up curbside5

Sources: Bulky Item Pickup Last checked Report a change

Recycling in Milwaukee

Pickupevery other week, year-round (set schedule since winter 2025)13
Typesingle-stream6
Glassaccepted in cart7
Plastics#1, #2 and #5 bottles and containers only (the cart guidelines page also lists #3, #4, #6, #7 as not accepted)7
Extra recyclingHoliday season: extra recycling may go in a cardboard box next to the recycling cart on collection day; extra cardboard broken down, next to or on top of the cart; never bagged17

Accepted

  • Aluminum and steel cans (empty and rinse, no caps)7
  • Food and beverage cartons7
  • Glass bottles and jars7
  • Cereal boxes, newspaper, magazines, mail, flattened cardboard and paper tubes7
  • Shredded paper in a sealed paper bag7
  • Plastic bottles and containers marked #1, #2 or #5 (kitchen, laundry, bath)7

Not accepted

  • Plastic Bags, Wrap, or Film7
  • Bagged Recyclables7
  • Batteries7
  • Hard Cover Books7
  • Propane Cyclinders or Tanks7
  • Ceramics7
  • Hoses7
  • Styrofoam7
  • Take Out Packaging or Containers7
  • Clothing7
  • Light Bulbs7
  • Tires7
  • Construction Debris7
  • Loose Caps and Lids7
  • Cords7
  • Medical Waste & Medication7
  • Toys7
  • Cups (Paper or Styrofoam)7
  • Motor Oil Bottles7
  • Window Glass or Mirrors7
  • Diapers7
  • Needles, Sharps, Syringes7
  • Wires7
  • Drinking Glasses or Mugs7
  • Paint or Paint Cans7
  • Wood7
  • Food7
  • Paper Ice Cream Containers7
  • Yard Waste or Compost7
  • Garbage7
  • Paper Plates or Cups7
  • Scrap Metal7
  • Appliances7
  • Garden Pots or Trays7
  • Hangers7
  • Plastic Utensils7
  • Car Parts (Brake Rotors, etc.)7
  • Helium Cylinders or Tanks7
  • Chains7
  • Liquids7
  • Tissue Paper7

Programs

  • Contaminated carts get an orange tag; if not re-sorted, a fine is issued and a garbage truck collects it9
  • Free Food Scrap Drop-Off Program (sign-up required at Milwaukee.gov/FoodScraps)17

Sources: Sanitation Services, 2025 Sanitation Fall Mailer (PDF), Garbage, Recycling, and Cart Care Tips, Curbside Recycling Guide, Recycling FAQ, 2026 Sanitation Fall Mailer (PDF) Last checked Report a change

Yard waste, food scraps and seasonal pickups

Yard waste pickupLimited: no regular curbside yard waste; brush by request April-November; loose or paper-bagged leaves during fall rake-out; paper-bagged yard waste only on your spring Project Clean and Green day; grass clippings never collected curbside13
SeasonBrush: April-November by request; leaves: October 1-November 1512
How oftenon request (brush); fall leaf collection cycles through the city with one final pass after rake-out11
RulesBrush piles up to 2 cubic yards (couch size) between curb and sidewalk or at alley; branches max 4 feet long and 6 inches diameter; bigger piles to a Drop Off Center. Yard waste is banned from garbage carts by state law.12
Food scrapsNo curbside food scraps; free Food Scrap Drop-Off Program with sign-up (Milwaukee.gov/FoodScraps)17
Christmas trees2026-27: request cut-tree collection December 26, 2026 - January 31, 2027 via Milwaukee.gov/ClickForAction, the MKE Mobile Action app or (414) 286-CITY (DPW curbside customers only; remove lights, ornaments and stand; do not bag; trees with fake snow can't be composted). Artificial trees go at the garbage collection point, not in the cart. Trees are also taken at the Drop Off Centers.17
Leaf collectionFall 2026: rake leaves into the street October 1-November 15 (1-foot gap from the curb), or put them in paper bags and file a Leaf Pick Up service request; no plastic bags11
Cleanup events
  • Project Clean and Green 2026: one zone per week April 20-June 1; up to 6 cubic yards of furniture, mattresses, household items and paper-bagged yard waste on your assigned day (1-4 unit homes)14
PumpkinsPumpkins free of paint, candles and decorations can be brought to a Drop Off Center for composting17

Sources: Fall Leaf Collection, Brush Collection, Yard & Food Waste, Project Clean & Green, 2026 Sanitation Fall Mailer (PDF) Last checked Report a change

Drop-off sites: landfill, recycling and hazardous waste

North Side Drop Off Center (Industrial Road)

TypeTransfer station
Run byThe city
Address6660 N Industrial Rd, Milwaukee, WI (must enter Industrial Rd from Mill Rd) · Map1017
HoursSummer April 12-November 28, 2026: Tuesday-Sunday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; winter November 29, 2026-April 3, 2027: Tuesday-Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (Sunday & Monday closed); summer 2027 from April 4, 2027. Closed on City holidays (observed and actual): New Year's Day, MLK Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday (open Saturday), Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.1017
Feesfree under 1 cubic yard; $20 (1-3 yd3), $30 (3-6), $50 (6-10), $90 (10-18); normal recyclables and scrap metal free regardless of volume; brush free under 6 yd3, $20 above; TVs $5 each (max 3); tire fee currently waived (max 5 per party); leaves and yard waste free year-round; cash, debit and credit cards accepted10
Who can use itCity of Milwaukee residents and property owners; state or city photo ID (or tax/utility bill)10

South Side Drop Off Center (Lincoln Avenue)

TypeTransfer station
Run byThe city
Address3879 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI · Map10
Hourssame as North; Lincoln Ave eastbound closed between 43rd and 35th St: enter by traveling westbound on Lincoln from S. 35th St10
Feessame fee schedule as North10
Who can use itCity of Milwaukee residents and property owners; photo ID10

MMSD Household Hazardous Waste drop-off (3 sites)

TypeHousehold hazardous waste
Run byMilwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Address6060 S 13th Street, Milwaukee 53221 (Tue 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-2 p.m.); 3879 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee 53215 (Thu-Sat 7 a.m.-3 p.m.); W124N9451 Boundary Rd, Menomonee Falls 53051 (Mon & Wed 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-2 p.m.) · Map16
Hourssee address list. Remaining 2026 closed days: 13th St Nov 28, Dec 26; Lincoln Ave Nov 26, Nov 27, Dec 24, Dec 25, Jan 1 2027; Menomonee Falls Nov 11, Nov 28, Dec 2616
FeesNot published by the city (official page)
Who can use itMilwaukee County households and apartments only; no businesses16
Acceptshousehold chemicals, paint (latex limit 20 gal per visit), automotive fluids, rechargeable and button batteries, fluorescent tubes (limit 20), 1-lb and 20-lb propane tanks (new), asbestos only at Menomonee Falls; not accepted: car batteries, electronics, tires, sharps, prescription drugs, fire extinguishers, oxygen/helium tanks16

Item guides: Mattress · Couch and furniture · Appliances · Paint · Batteries · Electronics · Tires · Motor oil · Christmas tree.

Sources: Drop Off Centers, Household Hazardous Waste Collection (MMSD), 2026 Sanitation Fall Mailer (PDF) Last checked Report a change

Missed pickup and contacts

Missed pickup formcity.milwaukee.gov (Click for Action online service request; short link Milwaukee.gov/ClickForAction)2
Phone414-286-CITY (2489)2
311414-286-CITY (2489) (CLICK or CALL for Action; Milwaukee.gov/ClickForAction or the MKE Mobile Action app)3
Official websitecity.milwaukee.gov1

Sources: Sanitation Services, Garbage and Recycling Schedules, 2025 Sanitation Fall Mailer (PDF) Last checked Report a change

Nearby cities

All Wisconsin cities: Wisconsin trash pickup schedules.

Milwaukee trash pickup FAQ

What day is trash picked up in Milwaukee?

Trash is collected weekly. Milwaukee does not use one citywide day: your day depends on your address. Look it up with the city’s address lookup (city.milwaukee.gov).

Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving Day 2026 in Milwaukee?

Thanksgiving Day falls on Thu, Nov 26, 2026. Changes; see details: No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.

Is trash picked up on Christmas Day 2026 in Milwaukee?

Christmas Day falls on Fri, Dec 25, 2026. Changes; see details: No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.

Is trash picked up on New Year's Day 2027 in Milwaukee?

New Year's Day falls on Fri, Jan 1, 2027. Changes; see details: No garbage or recycling collection (City holiday). Schedules shift after holidays; the city does not publish the make-up day, so check Milwaukee.gov/CollectionDay.

How do I get rid of bulky items in Milwaukee?

Set collection days. Up to 1 cubic yard: no request needed, set out on your regular garbage day. More than 1 cubic yard: set out and request a paid Special Pickup online or at 414-286-CITY. Spring Project Clean and Green (one zone per week, April 20-June 1 in 2026): up to 6 cubic yards per property on your assigned day. Fees: free up to 1 cubic yard; $75 for 1-4 cubic yards; $225 for 4-6 cubic yards; construction/demolition waste pre-paid pickup $50 per cubic yard.

Does Milwaukee recycle glass?

Glass: accepted in cart.

How do I report a missed trash pickup in Milwaukee?

Use the city’s online form (city.milwaukee.gov) or call 414-286-CITY (2489).

Sources

  1. 1
    Sanitation ServicesCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  2. 2
    Garbage and Recycling SchedulesCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  3. 3
    2025 Sanitation Fall Mailer (PDF)City · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  4. 4
    City Holidays (City Clerk)City · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  5. 5
    Bulky Item PickupCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  6. 6
    Garbage, Recycling, and Cart Care TipsCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  7. 7
    Curbside Recycling GuideCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  8. 8
    Who Picks Up My Recycling?City · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  9. 9
    Recycling FAQCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  10. 10
    Drop Off CentersCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  11. 11
    Fall Leaf CollectionCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  12. 12
    Brush CollectionCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  13. 13
    Yard & Food WasteCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  14. 14
    Project Clean & GreenCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  15. 15
    Christmas Tree DisposalCity · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  16. 16
    Household Hazardous Waste Collection (MMSD)regional agency (Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, runs HHW for Milwaukee County) · mmsd.com · checked October 30, 2026
  17. 17
    2026 Sanitation Fall Mailer (PDF)City · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  18. 18
    Milwaukee Recycles - Reports & Media (lists fall mailers)City · city.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026
  19. 19
    DPW_Sanitation MapServer (route layers, no day attribute)City · milwaukeemaps.milwaukee.gov · checked October 30, 2026

Something changed? Report a change

Second-pass verification against every source: October 30, 2026. Not affiliated with any city, county or hauler.