Milwaukee Waste Disposal Guide
Choose the Right Disposal Option for Large Junk
We have dumpster rentals in Milwaukee to get rid of all kinds of junk. While it’s easy to toss couches, old electronics and yard waste into a roll off dumpster, we know that sometimes you just need to toss one or two items at a time. Find waste disposal options for common bulky debris below.
Rent a Dumpster in Brew City for Bulk Waste Disposal
A roll off dumpster lets you handle junk in one seamless process instead of getting rid of it in small increments via curbside collection or taking multiple trips to the landfill. When you call, we’ll ask about the details of your project to help you choose the right container size to hold all your trash, then take detailed delivery instructions to place the bin right where you need it for easy loading. Rent a dumpster today to clear the way for what’s next.
Please Note: Some items may have fees or restrictions, but we'll go over specific details when you call.
Call 802-497-6695 to rent a dumpster today.
Easy Furniture Disposal in Milwaukee
No matter how much you love the furniture in your home, there will come a day when your couch loses its spring, your coffee table breaks or your headboard just doesn’t fit your style anymore. Here are a few furniture removal tips so you can get rid of your items without the hassle.
Leave It at the Curb
Items that are too large to place in your regular garbage cart can be left at the curb for pickup by the city. However, this only applies if you use the solid waste collection service provided by City of Milwaukee Sanitation Services. Up to one cubic yard worth of debris can be put out during your regular collection time. If you need to get rid of more items, you’ll need to request a special pickup online and pay a fee.
How much will curbside collection cost?
- 1 cubic yard: Free
- 1 – 4 cubic yards: $50
- 4 – 6 cubic yards: $150
What does one cubic yard worth of debris look like? One recliner or two garbage carts.
Take It to a Drop-Off Center
If you have more than 6 cubic yards of junk to get rid of, you can take your items to a drop-off facility. Even if you have a smaller number of items, it may be less costly to take your bulk items to a drop-off location directly, as opposed to leaving them for city collection. Be sure to check the drop-off centers’ website for up-to-date health guidelines and other restrictions before driving your furniture over.
Load Size (in cubic yards) | Approximate Comparison | Drop-off Center Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Trunk and/or backseat of a small passenger vehicle | Free | |
1 – 3 | Bed of a pickup truck or trunk of a minivan or SUV | $20 | |
3 – 6 | Small trailer | $30 | |
6 – 10 | Large trailer or small box truck | $50 | |
10 – 18 | Large box truck | $90 |
3879 West Lincoln Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53215
6660 North Industrial Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223
*Must enter Industrial Road from Mill Road
Use a Junk Removal Service
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of lugging debris to the curb or loading it in your car to take to the landfill, you can hire a junk removal company to haul it away for you. However, this option is usually most cost-effective if you have just one or two items to get rid of.
Things to Note:
- Rates are determined based on how much space your items take up in the truck.
- You need to sort items before workers arrive at your house during your scheduled pickup time.
- Junk removal workers may need to enter your home remove furniture and other large items.
Sell Useable Items
If your item is in good condition, you might be able to sell it and put the money towards new purchases for your home. Try hosting a garage sale or using an online marketplace.
Safety Tip: When arranging meetings with potential online buyers, check their profile rating and let someone know who, when and where you’re meeting.
Donate to a Local Charity
If your furniture can be reused, another option is to donate it to a local charity or another nonprofit organization so someone else can benefit.
Donation Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Ask about drop-off guidelines and pickup options.
- Make sure the item is free from stains, odors, scratches and other damage.
- Get in touch with the donation center to make sure they have a need for the item.
9601 West Silver Spring Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53225
414-462-7837
4129 West Villard Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209
414-463-3300
4150 South 108th Street
Greenfield, WI 53228
414-257-9078
Not sure how to get rid of a particular piece of furniture? View our Furniture Disposal Guide for item-specific tips.
Milwaukee Mattress Disposal Options
When it’s time to upgrade your mattress, you need to figure out how to get rid of the old one. We’ve rounded up some mattress disposal options to help you rest easy.
Use Curbside Collection
If you only need to get rid of one mattress, you can leave it at the curb for the city to collect. However, this service is only available if you use the City of Milwaukee’s Sanitation Services for your regular trash pickup. You can leave the mattress out during your weekly collection time. Keep in mind that if you need to get rid of more than just a mattress, you will be charged a fee and need to request a special pickup online.
Drive to a Drop-Off Center
Mattresses are accepted at the city’s two drop-off centers. If you’re only getting rid of one mattress, this won’t cost you anything. However, if you need to get rid of other items, too, you’ll be charged a fee based on the amount of cubic yards of debris. Be sure to check the drop-off centers’ website for current health regulations and other guidelines before taking your mattress over.
Click here to view drop-off center prices.
3879 West Lincoln Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53215
6660 North Industrial Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223
*Must enter Industrial Road from Mill Road
Hire a Junk Removal Company
If you don’t have anyone to help you move your mattress, schedule a pickup time with a junk removal service. They’ll send out a couple team members to load the mattress (and box spring if needed) in their truck so you don’t have to worry about lifting it. However, space in junk removal trucks is limited, so the cost is usually based on the amount of room your mattress takes up.
Things to Note:
- Rates vary based on the size of your item, so prices can add up quickly.
- You’ll need to strip bedding off of the mattress and make sure it’s ready to go by your scheduled time.
- Workers will need to enter your bedroom to carry the mattress out of your house.
Sell Items in Good Condition
Used mattresses typically don’t sell well. However, if yours was not often slept on, you may be able to get rid of it at a garage sale or give it away online.
Safety Tip: Check the buyer’s profile to see if they have any negative ratings that would deter you from doing business with them and always tell a friend the details of your meetup.
Donate a Gently Used Mattress
Mattress donations aren’t very common in an effort to prevent the spread of bed bugs. However, lightly used mattresses could be a valuable item for those in need. If you can’t find a charity that will take your mattress, consider donating it to someone you know needs it.
Donation Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Reach out to the organization to see if they accept mattress donations.
- Make sure the mattress is free from stains, odors and bed bugs.
- Find out what the drop-off guidelines and ask if pickup is available.
4129 West Villard Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209
414-463-3300
Need more mattress disposal tips? Check out our Furniture Disposal Guide to learn more.
Simple Appliance Disposal Tactics
Upgrading to a smart refrigerator? Getting rid of a clunky old appliance isn’t necessarily the easiest thing. We’ve collected some recycling, junk removal and donation options to help you get these items out of your house without the added stress.
Take It to an Appliance Recycling Facility
Recycling is the most environmentally friendly way to get rid of your old appliances. However, depending on the appliance, it can also come with some hazards. Freon should be removed from items like air conditioning units and refrigerators. You can take freon to one of the drop-off centers or a hazardous waste site. Find other safety tips below to help you transport large appliances safely.
Appliance Recycling Tips:
- Remove inside drawers, shelves and racks.
- Tape outside doors shut or remove and transport separately.
If you only need to get rid of one appliance, you won’t need to pay anything when you drop it off. However, you’ll be charged a fee to get rid of multiple items. Before heading over to one of the drop-off centers, check the website for current health considerations and other restrictions.
Click here to view drop-off center prices.
*Note: Curbside collection is not an option for appliances in Milwaukee.
3879 West Lincoln Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53215
6660 North Industrial Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223
*Must enter Industrial Road from Mill Road
Ask the Retailer About Recycling Services
Some appliance retail stores will remove and recycle your old appliances from your home for a small fee when they deliver your new ones. Ask the company you’re working with if they have this service and if your appliance qualifies.
2401 North Mayfair Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
414-257-9516
Get in Touch With a Junk Removal Company
If you’re only getting rid of one or two large appliances and can’t get them to a drop-off center yourself, a junk removal service may be a good option. However, because pricing is based on the amount of space your items take up in the truck, this method could get expensive if you’re upgrading multiple appliances at once.
Things to Note:
- Actual prices are determined after your items are loaded in the truck.
- Appliances should be disconnected and freon should be removed before the team shows up.
- Workers will enter your home to remove the items.
Sell Functioning Items for Cash
If your appliances aren’t quite past their prime, try selling them for cash to put towards your new ones. You can host a garage sale or get in touch with a buyer online.
Safety Tip: If you plan on selling your appliances through an online marketplace, check buyer’s profile. Make sure there are no red flags and always tell someone about your plans.
Donate to a Local Organization
Resale stores and nonprofit organizations would not be possible without generous donations. If your appliances still work, consider passing them on to one of the locations below to help others in your community.
Donation Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Call ahead to make sure your particular appliance is in demand.
- Ask about donation guidelines, like how old the appliance can be to be accepted.
- Find out about drop-off guidelines and see if there are pickup options.
4150 South 108th Street
Greenfield, WI 53228
414-257-9078
Need to know how to get rid of a specific appliance? Read our Appliance Disposal Guide to learn more.
What to Do With Old Electronics
Since September 2010, many electronics have been banned from Wisconsin landfills because they contain hazardous materials such as lead, chromium and mercury. It’s best to find a way to responsibly recycle old computers, cellphones and other devices so their parts can be used for new products. Try any of the options outlined below to properly get rid of these items.
E-Waste Tip: Protect your privacy and reset your devices to their factory settings before recycling them to prevent someone from finding your personal information.
Check With the Manufacturer or Retailer
Most manufacturers and major electronic retailers will offer recycling options, sometimes even in exchange for credit towards a new product or a coupon to use in store. Check with the manufacturer of your item or go to one of the local retailers below to find out about tech trade-in options.
2401 North Mayfair Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
414-257-9516
3555 South 27th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53221
414-383-8777
2500 North Mayfair Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
414-290-9780
Take E-Waste to a Recycling Facility
E-waste is not accepted for curbside or regular trash pickup in the city of Milwaukee, so take it to one of the local drop-off centers instead. Check their website before heading over to find out if there are any health restrictions or other drop-off guidelines.
- TVs: If you need to get rid of a television, you can take up to three per visit at $5 per TV.
- Cellphones: Smartphones and other cell devices are not accepted at the drop-off centers. Use one of the options above or find a drop-off location near you.
- All Other E-Waste: Free of charge.
3879 West Lincoln Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53215
6660 North Industrial Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223
*Must enter Industrial Road from Mill Road
Sell Devices to Get Money Back
If you’re only upgrading because you want the latest model, selling your working device could offset the hefty cost of a new one. Just make sure it’s in good condition and remember to reset to factory settings to protect your privacy.
Safety Tip: When using an online marketplace, check the buyer’s profile for previous ratings from buyers and sellers. Make sure the person seems trustworthy and always tell a friend who, where and when you’re meeting.
Donate Devices in Good Condition
If your electronics aren’t too outdated and still work fine, donate to a local organization so someone in need can stay connected. Note that TVs often come with restrictions. For example, they may not be accepted if they’re more than five years old.
Donation Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Call ahead to make sure the organization has a need for your device and accepts your model.
- Make sure the item is fully functional and set to factory settings.
- Ask about drop-off guidelines and if they offer pickup options.
1716 Miller Park Way
West Milwaukee, WI 53214
414-645-9113
4150 South 108th Street
Greenfield, WI 53228
414-257-9078
If you’re looking to recycle a particular device, check our Electronic Waste Removal Guide for specific tips.
Efficient Yard Waste Removal in Milwaukee
Whether you’re updating your curb appeal or just taking care of seasonal lawn maintenance, we have some tips to help you get rid of organic waste instead of letting it pile up in your yard.
Yard Waste Drop-off in Milwaukee
State law bans yard debris from Milwaukee landfills. However, flowers are exempt from this ban and, while they are accepted at the drop-off centers, they can also be bagged and placed in your garbage cart.
The following items are accepted at the Milwaukee drop-off centers:
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- Branches and brush*
- Garden debris and weeds
*Brush should be cut down. Branches should be shorter than 4 feet long and smaller than 6 inches in diameter. These are accepted at the drop-off centers from December to March or if you have more than two cubic yards any time of the year.
Be sure to check the drop-off centers’ website before taking your yard waste over to see if there are any health guidelines or other restrictions in place.
3879 West Lincoln Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53215
6660 North Industrial Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223
*Must enter Industrial Road from Mill Road
Curbside Brush and Fall Leaf Collection
Curbside brush and branch collection can be requested from April to November. Place up to two cubic yards between the curb and sidewalk, making sure to keep debris out of the street. You can request a pickup online or call 414-286-2489.
From October 1 to November 15, rake your leaves into the curb lane of the street and Sanitation Services will collect and compost them. Follow these tips for seamless collection:
- Leave a one-foot gap between the curb and the leaves.
- Keep leaves away from sewer grates, storm drains and low-hanging trees.
- You may leave flowers, garden trimmings and weeds on top of the leaf pile.
- Grass clippings, brush, pumpkins, litter and bagged material are not allowed.
Look up estimated leaf collection dates here.
Compost Yard Debris
The city of Milwaukee recommends composting your green waste when possible. You can try composting at home or use a local company with a subscription-based organics collection service.
Composting Tips:
- Use your lawn mower to mulch your leaves so they can return to the soil.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn so they can decompose and nurture the soil.
Visit our Yard Waste Disposal Guide for in-depth yard waste removal tips.
Getting Rid of Construction Debris
If you’re working through a DIY remodel and don’t know what to do with all the leftover materials, try one of the following methods to properly dispose of or donate your waste and leftovers.
Ask for Curbside Collection
The city offers construction debris collection on a pre-paid basis. Call 414-286-2489 for more information and fees. Small amounts of carpet about the size of an area rug can be left out for regular curbside collection and do not require a special request.
Find a Drop-Off Site
Construction debris is accepted at both of the city’s drop-off sites. It’s best to have materials separated before arriving at the center – inseparable loads will likely not be allowed to use the facility. Also, take a look at the facilities’ website to see if there are any health guidelines or other restrictions in place.
Commonly Accepted Items:
- Dirt
- Drywall
- Lumber
- Paneling
- Concrete
- Roofing materials
- Flooring materials
- Brick and block stones
Click here to view drop-off center prices.
Donate Materials
Local Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept some new and gently used construction materials. Visit their website for a full list of accepted items.
Donation Tips to Keep in Mind:
- Check the list of accepted items to ensure your donation will be allowed.
- Make sure the item is in the correct condition.
- Ask about drop-off rules and if they offer pickup.
6939 South Riverwood Boulevard
Franklin, WI 53132
414-257-9078
3015 North 114th Street
Wauwatosa, WI 53222
414-257-9078
4150 South 108th Street
Greenfield, WI 53228
414-257-9078
The Best Hazardous Waste Disposal Solutions
Household hazardous waste items like corrosive cleaning products, automotive fluids and paints can’t go to the landfill. Therefore, these items can’t go in your regular garbage cart or be left at the curb for collection.
Find a Hazardous Waste Collection Site
Take your hazardous items to one of the city’s drop-off centers or to one of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage Districts’ (MMSD) year-round drop sites. Visit MMSD’s website for a full list of accepted waste items and check the drop-off centers’ website for up-to-date health guidelines and other restrictions.
Getting rid of tires? The city’s drop-off centers accept up to five tires at a time with no fee.
3879 West Lincoln Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53215
6660 North Industrial Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223
*Must enter Industrial Road from Mill Road
6060 South 13th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53221
If you’re renting a dumpster, visit our prohibited items page to ensure you don’t toss restricted materials we can’t collect.