Regulations
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What to recycle in Wisconsin
Congratulations to the 21 organizations that won a 2025 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 meetingThe DNR held a MRF stakeholder meeting Aug. 26 via Teams webinar. Revisions to the administrative code that oversees MRFs that serve as a component of a responsible unit's effective recycling program took effect July 1,…
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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…
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Water Quality Standards and Classifications
Water quality standards are important because they help water quality managers protect and restore the quality of Wisconsin's waters. Our water quality may be impacted by many different sources and types of pollution. Under the Clean Water Act,…
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Water Quality Criteria
The Clean Water Act requires states to adopt water quality standards to protect aquatic life, wildlife and recreation. Water quality standards consist of three components: antidegradation, designated uses and water quality criteria. Water quality…
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Triennial Standards Review
Final 2025-2027 Triennial Standards Review Workplan Now AvailableThe final work plan, 2025-2027 Triennial Standards Review (TSR) Priorities for the Water Quality Standards Program, is available for download.
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Lake Superior lake trout, splake and brook trout comparison
Lake Trout (top) Splake (middle) "Coaster" Brook Trout (bottom) Lake Trout (left) will have a deeply forked tail. Splake (middle) has a moderately forked tail. "Coaster" Brook Trout (right) has only a slightly forked tail. Splake has a…
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Recreation rules and permits
Wisconsin state parks, forests and trails have special rules to protect the safety of visitors and the environment. See Chapter NR 45 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code for the legal language or this page for the basic information about many rules…
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Invasive species rule – NR 40
Wisconsin’s invasive species rule, Wis. Admin. Code NR 40 [PDF exit DNR], makes it illegal to possess, transport, transfer or introduce certain invasive species in Wisconsin without a permit. Everyone is responsible for complying with these…