Waste & Materials Management

The Waste and Materials Management Program encourages management of waste as a resource to help ensure a clean and healthy Wisconsin for future generations.

Residential recycling.

We develop policies and offer technical assistance to actively encourage the reduction, recycling and re-use of wastes as raw material for new products. We oversee management of solid and hazardous waste through storage, treatment and disposal. We also work with local governments to reclaim mining sites to valued natural resources.

Our goal is to increase waste material reuse and recycling in Wisconsin by 30%. Wisconsin's communities and businesses benefit from a more efficient economy and a cleaner environment when waste becomes a resource.

Cleaning Up After The Storm

After floodwaters recede, it is important to dispose of debris quickly but safely to protect human health and the environment. We encourage everyone involved in flood clean up to use our information on how to dispose of specific materials and items safely. The bottom line: don't burn or bury debris, recycle where possible, separate hazardous materials and landfill the rest. Above all, be safe.

New Composting Web Resources

We have new Web pages with information for residents, farmers, municipalities and businesses interested in composting. These pages include an overview of different composting methods, an explanation of Wisconsin's rules and regulations for composting operations, information on requirements for compost use and marketing, and links to additional resources.

Reduced Technical Assistance for Wisconsin Recycling Markets

Waste and Materials Management Program staff may not be able to respond to individual inquiries on recycling markets and market trends. Check the Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory for more information.

Pharmaceutical Collections: New Guidance on Accepting Meds from Healthcare Facilities

DNR has worked with the Department of Health and Family Services, Division of Quality Assurance to develop guidance that clarifies the terminology used by the State of Wisconsin to describe various types of non-hospital healthcare facilities and how they are regulated with respect to using Clean Sweep or other household hazardous waste collection facilities to dispose of pharmaceutical waste. The document, Pharmaceutical waste at non-hospital healthcare facilities [PDF 54KB], is available in the programs Electronic Guidance System.

Burn Barrels: Unhealthy, Unneighborly and Often Illegal

Backyard trash and leaf burning often releases high levels of toxic compounds, often including dioxin, furans and other carcinogens. Our open burning page contains alternatives to burning and information on permits and educational materials.

Need More Information? Contact:

DNR Waste Materials@Wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-2111