Regulations
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Wisconsin's waste reduction and recycling law
The solid waste reduction, recovery and recycling law was enacted to promote the development of waste management structures and encourage reduction, reuse and recycling of Wisconsin’s solid waste. When the law passed in 1990, only about 17 percent…
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Recycling at home
We recycle because it is good for our environment, good for our economy and because in Wisconsin, it's the law. Since 1990, Wisconsin's recycling law requires all residents to recycle items like cardboard, bottles and cans and ensures all residents…
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Composting in Wisconsin
Compost is an environmentally friendly way to create healthy soil for Wisconsin's landscape. Compost made from yard materials and other organics, like food scraps, can replenish soil with microorganisms and nutrients. Wisconsin law prohibits…
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Business and workplace recycling
Wisconsin businesses and other workplaces can save landfilling costs, earn money from the sale of materials and help Wisconsin's economy and the environment by recycling. Wisconsin's recycling laws banned certain materials from landfill disposal,…
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Recycling light bulbs
Many types of light bulbs contain metals such as mercury. Examples include: tube- and compact-style fluorescent bulbs, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs); mercury vapor bulbs – i.e., high-intensity lamps with blue-white, originally used…
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Proper handling of used batteries
Batteries used in many household and office products, as well as motor vehicle batteries, contain a variety of heavy metals and other materials that can be harmful to human health and the environment if not handled properly. Many of these materials…
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What to recycle in Wisconsin
Congratulations to the 13 organizations that won a 2024 Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Award! Read more about their recycling and waste reduction achievements.In Wisconsin, many recyclable or compostable items cannot be put in the trash.
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Responsible unit recycling programs
Wisconsin's recycling law applies equally to all residential and nonresidential locations throughout the state. The law bans disposal or incineration of certain recyclable materials. It also requires every municipality in the state to operate a…
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Requirements for materials recovery facilities (MRFs)
MRF stakeholder meeting The DNR held a MRF stakeholder meeting Aug. 6 via Teams/conference call. The agenda featured presentations on recycling rule revisions for MRFs, solid waste rule feedback, battery collection and legislation, fire…
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Farms and composting in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, farmers may compost crop residues, manure and animal carcasses generated on their farm sites. Depending on the material and size of the farming operation, DNR wastewater and/or solid waste rules may apply. In most cases, a DNR…