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(And Keep Your Home + Waterways Safer for Kids)
Some everyday household products can’t go in the trash — and for good reason. Items like old batteries, nail polish remover, leftover cleaners, and automotive fluids can harm your family, your home, and Milwaukee’s waterways if they’re not handled properly.
The good news? The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) makes safe disposal easy with free hazardous waste drop-off sites available to all Milwaukee County residents.
Whether you’re cleaning out the garage, organizing under the sink, or keeping dangerous items out of kids’ reach, here’s everything Milwaukee families need to know.
What Counts as Hazardous Waste? (Milwaukee Household Items to Never Throw Away)
If you’re unsure what “hazardous” really means, here are common household products that should never go in the trash, recycling bin, or down the drain.
Home & Cleaning Products
- Full aerosol cans
- Bleach, ammonia, disinfectants
- Drain and oven cleaners
- Old cooking oil
- Insect repellents, weed killer, mothballs
- Bug sprays and rodent control products
- Fluorescent bulbs (limits may apply)
- Rechargeable batteries and string lights
- Nail polish remover, hair dye, holiday lights
Paint, Stain & DIY Supplies
- Latex and oil-based paint
- Paint thinner, mineral spirits, varnish
- Stains and sealers
- Adhesives, roofing tar, deck products
- Turpentine, shellac, solvents
Automotive Chemicals
- Gasoline and old fuel
- Antifreeze
- Brake fluid, transmission fluid
- Used motor oil and oil filters
- Rust removers
- Car wax and polish
Not accepted at MMSD sites: ammunition, electronics, car batteries, sharps, propane tanks, medical waste, tires, and appliances.
Where to Dispose of Hazardous Waste in Milwaukee County (Free Drop-Off Sites)
MMSD operates three free, year-round household hazardous waste sites for Milwaukee County residents. These are drive-through style — just pop your trunk and staff will handle the rest.
Year-Round Drop-Off Locations
(Always check MMSD’s website for updated hours.)
1. Milwaukee – Lincoln Ave Site
3879 W Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee
Open Thursday–Saturday
2. Milwaukee – 13th Street Site
6060 S 13th St, Milwaukee
Open Tuesday & Saturday
3. Menomonee Falls Site
W124N9451 Boundary Rd, Menomonee Falls
Open Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
Milwaukee Mobile Hazardous Waste Collection Events (2026 Dates)
MMSD also hosts one-day mobile collection events throughout the year — perfect for families who don’t live near a permanent site.
Past collection locations have included:
- State Fair Park (West Allis)
- Nicolet High School (Glendale)
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Wauwatosa Drop-Off Center
📅 View upcoming event dates:
MMSD Mobile Collection Schedule
Tips for a Quick, Kid-Friendly Drop-Off Experience
- Place items in your trunk or hatchback — staff will unload for safety.
- Keep products in original containers when possible.
- Bring old gasoline in an approved gas can (you’ll get it back).
- Check limits for bulbs, latex paint, and asbestos.
- Separate chemicals to prevent spills during transport.
Why Proper Disposal Really Matters in Milwaukee
Improper disposal doesn’t just harm the environment — it affects:
- The water Milwaukee families drink
- Local rivers and Lake Michigan
- The places where kids play, fish, and explore
- Air quality inside your home and garage
A few extra steps at drop-off go a long way toward protecting our community.
Learn More
For the most up-to-date drop-off locations, accepted materials, and mobile event schedules, visit:
👉 MMSD Household Hazardous Waste Program
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
