Waste and 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 percent. Wisconsin's communities and businesses benefit from a more efficient economy and a cleaner environment when waste becomes a resource.

Information on Wisconsin's New Electronic Recycling Law

Governor Doyle signed Wisconsin's new e-cycling program into law October 23^rd. The DNR is holding public meetings around the state to provide information to stakeholders on the bill's requirements. Learn more and register today.

Interagency Cooperation Leads to Recycling on State Building Projects

A pilot project, funded by the DNR, showed that state construction and demolition projects can recycle more than 60 percent of their waste. Learn more about the project and the new recycling requirement.

Information on New Landfill Tip Fees

The 2009-2011 state budget increased some of the landfill tip fees assessed on several categories of solid waste. The increase in the Environmental Repair Fund tip fee went into effect July 1, 2009, while the increase in the recycling tip fee went into effect October 1, 2009. See a chart of the tip fees by category [PDF 29KB].

Hazardous Waste In Healthcare: New Resources To Help You Comply

The DNR is working on an initiative to increase awareness and improve compliance with the hazardous waste requirements in the healthcare sector. Our Web pages provide an overview of considerations and requirements related to waste management at health care facilities, and provide links to other resources, including fact sheets aimed specifically at the healthcare industry.

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