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

2008 Waste and Materials Management Program Annual Report Now Available

Get updated statistics on waste and materials management in Wisconsin and read about our program's accomplishments in our latest annual report [PDF 1.3 MB].

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.

Reissued Guidance for Safe Household Pharmaceutical Manangement

In order to facilitate continued safe collection and management, the department has reissued an enforcement discretion memorandum [PDF 2.4 MB] pertaining to household pharmaceuticals. Subject to certain conditions, the memorandum provides a limited conditional exemption from Wisconsin's hazardous waste and solid waste rules, as they apply to household pharmaceuticals brought to local collection events. The memorandum was approved on June 18, 2009 and will remain in effect for two years.

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