Non-hazardous Solid Waste and Recycling - Wisconsin

Wisconsin incorporates by reference the federal regulations for Non-Hazardous Solid Waste and Recycling; however, the state adds further requirements.

A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:

• The law also instituted bans on landfilling and incineration of certain materials that went into effect in 1991, 1993 and 1995. Additional bans were instituted in 2010 and 2011. However, there are some exceptions.
• The statutes delegate responsibility for implementing municipal recycling programs to responsible units (RUs). An RU can be a municipality, county, tribe, solid waste management system or other unit of local government that is responsible for planning, operating and funding a recycling program.
• Each RU in Wisconsin is required to maintain an approved effective recycling program as defined in s. 287.11, Wis. Stats., and NR 540 and 542, Wis. Adm. Code
• RUs are also required to report annually to the DNR on their recycling program, including the amount of materials collected for recycling.
• Wis. Administrative Code NR 500-538 - The disposal location handling construction and demolition debris is exempt from the solid waste code requirements provided the fill is not placed within a floodplain, wetland, surface water environment or critical habitat.
• NR 502-08 - It is illegal to burn construction and demolition materials, with few exceptions. Development of alternative uses for construction and demolition wastes may require initial DNR evaluation under the solid waste processing facility requirements. Unpainted and untreated wood that is chipped or shredded can be used for erosion control, landscaping, trail surfaces and soil amendment in accordance with exemptions.

Related Information

• Wisconsin Legislature: Solid Waste Management
• Solid waste management in Wisconsin | | Wisconsin DNR
• Wisconsin Waste Reduction and Recycling Law
• State Statute
• Chapter 287 - Solid waste reduction, recovery and recycling
• Administrative Code 500-599 - Environmental Protection - Solid waste management

Citations

• Chapter 287 - Solid waste reduction, recovery and recycling
• Chapter NR 502
• Wisconsin Waste Reduction and Recycling Law, WA-422