Getting rid of bulky items in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee collects up to 1 cubic yard of bulky items (about a recliner, or two garbage carts) free at your regular collection point on your regular day, with no request needed. For more, you pay for a special pickup: $75 for 1 to 4 cubic yards, $225 for 4 to 6. Appliances, TVs, electronics and tires are not bulky waste; take them to a Drop Off Center.

Last checked against the official City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Sanitation Services website.

Drop Off Center summer hours (Tuesday to Sunday) end November 28, 2026; winter hours have been Tuesday to Saturday. Eastbound Lincoln Ave is closed from 43rd to 35th St, so reach the South Side center westbound from S. 35th St.

Pick your item

Bulky item pickup (1 cubic yard free; paid special pickup): the basics

Who can use it

  • Only for properties with solid waste collection from City of Milwaukee Sanitation Services.

How to book

  1. Up to 1 cubic yard: no request needed; set it out at your regular collection point on your regular day.
  2. More than 1 cubic yard: set the items out, then request a special pickup online or call 414-286-CITY (2489).

Setting items out

  • Place items at your regular collection point (alley line or curb line).
  • Special pickup does not take more than 6 cubic yards, loose material, or mixed materials (construction waste, recyclables, tires, brush or yard waste); those piles are referred to the Department of Neighborhood Services as a property violation.
  • Not bulky waste: yard waste, electronics and TVs, appliances and tires. Take those to a Drop Off Center.

Fees

  • Up to 1 cubic yard on your regular day: free.
  • Special pickup: $75 for 1 to 4 cubic yards; $225 for 4 to 6 cubic yards.
  • Drop Off Centers: loads under 1 cubic yard (a passenger car) are free; 1 to 3 cubic yards $20; 3 to 6 cubic yards $30; larger loads cost more. TVs $5 each (max 3). Recyclables and scrap metal are free regardless of volume.

Drop-off options

  • North Side Drop Off Center, 6660 Industrial Road, and South Side Drop Off Center, 3879 W. Lincoln Avenue. For City of Milwaukee residents and property owners with a current photo ID. 2026 summer hours (April 12 to November 28): Tuesday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Winter hours (last posted for Nov 30, 2025 to Apr 11, 2026): Tuesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed City holidays, including Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday.
  • Not allowed: box trucks or trailers over 16 feet, dump trucks, flatbeds, semis and utility trucks.

What we could not confirm

  • The City has not yet posted its winter 2026-27 Drop Off Center dates; the winter schedule shown is last season's.

Sources

Last checked Oct 21, 2026. We read each page below on that date.