Dumpsters in the Public Way; Temporary Basis.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 115-11.5
in effect115-11.5. Dumpsters in the Public Way; Temporary Basis.
1. RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN PERMIT. For any dumpster placed in the public way on a temporary basis, it shall be the responsibility of the business placing the dumpster to obtain the permit required by s. 115-10. No permit shall be required for any Work On Public Ways
dumpster placed in the public way by the city. For any dumpster placed in the public way on an ongoing or permanent basis, it shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property served by the dumpster to obtain a special privilege as provided in s. 245-12.
2. STANDARDS. For any dumpster placed in the public way on a temporary basis, it shall be the responsibility of the commissioner (for a dumpster placed by the city) or the business placing the dumpster (for all other dumpsters) to provide:
a. The name and telephone number of the city agency or private business placing the dumpster, applied to the exterior of the dumpster in letters and numbers at least one inch high.
b. Either of the following:
b-1. Alternating red and white DOT-C2-approved 2-inch-wide retroreflective conspicuity tape applied along at least 50% of the exterior sides of the dumpster and entirely across the front and back ends of the dumpster. In addition, 2 2-inch-by-12-inch segments of white retroreflective conspicuity tape shall be placed together to form an inverted “L” on the exterior of each upper corner of the dumpster.
b-2. One Type I barricade with an attached flashing yellow light. This barricade shall be placed on the side of the dumpster which faces approaching traffic. For a dumpster in an alley or sidewalk area, barricades of this type shall be provided on both sides of the dumpster which face vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH115.pdf#page=9Fetched: 10/26/2026