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Solid waste rules and statutes

Wisconsin's legislature creates and revises the Wisconsin Statutes (Wis. Stats.), while state agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) create and revise the rules required and authorized by those statutes. These agency rules constitute the Wisconsin Administrative Code (Wis. Adm. Code).

Public participation is a critical component of agency rulemaking and we value your involvement in the DNR's rulemaking activities. There are numerous opportunities for you to participate in the DNR rulemaking process.

Current hazardous waste rules and statutes are found on Hazardous waste resources.

Solid waste rules and statutes

Solid waste administrative codes

Solid waste state statutes

Recycling rule

Wa-13-21 statewide materials recycling and effective recycling programs rulemaking

The DNR is developing rules that correct, clarify and update effective recycling program criteria included in chapter NR 544 for responsible units and materials recovery facilities. The DNR is also developing amendments to code chapters 500, 502 and 542 related to waste reduction, recovery and recycling efforts.

Scope statement
Winter - summer 2022

  • WA-13-21 statement of scope
  • Preliminary hearing held on June 22, 2022
  • Statement of Scope approved by the Natural Resources Board Aug. 10, 2022

Rule drafting/ Public feedback
Sumer 2022 - summer 2023

Economic impact analysis
Comment period Oct. 2-23, 2023

Public hearing on proposed rule
Jan. 17, 2024

Adopted by NRB

May 22, 2024

Legislative review
Winter 2025

Rule published and effective
July 1, 2025

Landfill rule

WA-11-22 Landfill and Solid Waste Fees Rulemaking

This proposed rule (WA-11-22) would amend portions of chs. NR 500 to 524, Wis. Adm. Code, to incorporate changes to solid waste landfill requirements, solid waste management fees, financial responsibility and reporting requirements. The proposed rule would revise existing administrative code to reflect current industry standards and experience gained over the last 30 years related to the design, construction and operation of solid waste landfills while continuing to protect public health and the environment.

Scope statement
Fall 2022 - winter 2023

  • WA-11-22 statement of scope
  • Preliminary hearing held on Dec. 22, 2022
  • Statement of Scope approved by the Natural Resources Board Jan. 25, 2023

Rule drafting/Public feedback
Winter 2023 - spring 2024

Economic impact analysis
Comment period: June 4 - July 5, 2024

Public hearing on proposed rule
Sept. 30, 2024

Adopted by NRB
Jan. 22, 2025

Legislative review
Spring 2025

Rule published and effective
Oct. 1, 2025

Proposed non-landfill solid waste rule

WA-14-24 Non-Landfill Solid Waste

This proposed rule (WA-14-24) would amend portions of chs. NR 500, 502, 518, 520, 526 and 157, Wis. Adm. Code, to make updates regarding clean fill exemptions, low hazard exemptions, solid waste storage facilities, solid waste transporters, solid waste transfer facilities, solid waste processing facilities, solid waste incinerators, solid waste air curtain destructors, open burning, wood burning facilities, composting facilities, municipal solid waste combustion facilities, solid waste landspreading, plan review and licensing fees for the associated facilities, infectious waste handlers, infectious waste generators and PCB waste handlers..

Scope statement
Winer 2025

  • WA-14-24 statement of scope
  • Preliminary hearing held on Jan. 30, 2025
  • Statement of Scope approved by the Natural Resources Board Feb. 26, 2025

Rule drafting
Spring 2025-spring 2026

Economic impact analysis
Comment period: Summer 2026

Public hearing on proposed rule
Fall 2026

Adoption by NRB
Winter 2026-spring 2027

Legislative review
Fall 2027

Rule published and effective
Early 2028