We provide a number of collection services to Wauwatosa residents and have information on other recycling or collection opportunities in the region, including:
Extra Garbage & Recycling Carts
Need another cart? A second recycling cart is a one-time fee of $85 (plus tax). The fee for a second garbage cart is $100 annually. Call us at (414) 471-8422 to ask for one.
Waste Wizard
Type in an object below to see how to properly dispose, recycle, or compost items.
Prohibited Items
Certain items are never picked up at the curb, either as special or regular collections. These items include:
| Item | Curb Pick-Up | Drop-Off Center | Alternate (Also see Resources & Publications Page) |
|---|---|---|---|
Computers |
No |
Yes – Fee Based |
For a list of DNR registered recyclers visit E-Cycle Wisconsin |
Grass Clippings |
No |
No |
Leave on yard or visit WI DNR |
Gas or Propane Tanks |
No |
No |
Exchange at retailers or bring to MMSD site |
Pesticides, Herbicides, Solvents, or Chemicals |
No |
No |
Bring to MMSD site or visit Wisconsin DNR |
Hazardous Household Waste |
No |
No |
Bring to MMSD site or visit Wisconsin DNR |
Vehicle Batteries |
No |
No |
Return to retailers |
Tires |
No |
Yes – Fee Based |
Return to retailers |
Motor Oil |
No |
Yes |
Bring to MMSD site |
Latex, Oil, or Lead Paints
Latex paint must be completely used up or dried out. The empty or dry cans can be collected with regular garbage. Latex, oil, or lead paints, as well as other household hazardous wastes, can be taken to the free disposal facility or mobile collection sites. View more information about household hazardous waste.
Disposing of Medical or Pharmaceutical Waste, Syringes, or Sharps
Learn more about how properly dispose of medication and needles.
Disposing of Prescription Medications
- We have a permanent medical collection site located at the Police Department. For more information see their medical collection website.
- You can find other collection sites and information through Milwaukee County by visiting Take Back Your Meds Milwaukee.
- Wisconsin DNR Sharps Collection Information
Tires
Tires can be taken to the Drop-Off Center for $5 each, and used motor oil can be dropped off there for free. Car or truck batteries should be taken back to retailers or to private scrap dealers.
E-Waste
Don’t know where to recycle it? Check out these resources:
Dead Animal Collection
For dead animal collection in the street or on public property, call Public Works at (414) 471-8422.
If there is a dead animal on private property, simply place the dead animal in the garbage bin. Preferably, place the dead animal in a bag, but this is not a requirement.
If there is a dead deer on private property, the deer may be placed on the curb for pickup outside of the garbage bin. This can be done outside of the regular collection schedule, but call Public Works at (414) 471-8422 when it is out at the curb.
Other Animals
If you see a stray dog or cat, contact Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC).
If there is an animal causing a nuisance on your property (such as raccoons, skunks, or other wildlife), contact a professional animal or pest control company.
Household Hazardous Materials Disposal
The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) offers ways to properly dispose of many types of household hazardous wastes. For more information, view their website or call (414) 271-MMSD.