Regulations
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What to recycle in Wisconsin
The 2026 nomination period is open for the Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards! Nominations are due Sept. 14. Learn more and access the nomination form.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 the 2026 MRF Stakeholder Meeting via Teams webinar on Oct. 2, 2026. Meeting topics included implementation of the recycling rule revision for MRFs, new requirement for MRFs to acquire owner financial…
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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
Changes to NR 40 Effective Jan. 1, 2027Attention: In 2026, the department completed the administrative rule revision process for ch. NR 40. As of January 1, 2027 the revisions to the rule will become effective. Please refer to the summary of changes…