Private Waste Collector Regulations.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-9
in effect79-9. Private Waste Collector Regulations.
Transportation and collection of waste shall be in full compliance with all of the provisions of this chapter.
1. NUISANCE PROHIBITED. No person shall transport material of any kind whatsoever in any vehicle unless the vehicle is so operated and of such construction that the contents shall not blow, fall, scatter, leak or spill upon streets or alleys, or otherwise create a nuisance.
2. PRIVATE COLLECTOR'S LICENSE.
a. No person, except employees of the department in the regular performance of duty, shall collect or transport waste materials on any street or alley, except those acting under the authority of a licensed private waste collector. Each vehicle used by a collector shall bear a license sticker. The sticker shall be prominently displayed on each vehicle.
b. See ch. 81 for the required license fee.
3. GRAFFITI CONTROL. a. In this subsection, ”graffiti” has the definition provided in s. 275-35-1.
b. Each licensed private waste collector or applicant for a private waste collector’s license shall submit a plan for ongoing and scheduled removal of graffiti on waste containers. The plan shall be attached to the application for a new license or license renewal filed with the city clerk’s office. The plan shall include a fax number and the name of the administrator responsible for maintenance for the applicant or licensee and the plan shall be forwarded to the department of neighborhood services.
c. Each private waste container shall be clearly marked or have signage noting the name and phone number of the company responsible for maintenance of the waste container.
d. Graffiti on private waste containers shall be removed within 3 working days following notification by the department of neighborhood services or within 3 working days of the last time the container was emptied, irrespective of any plan submitted under par. b.
4. PENALTY. a. Any licensed private waste collector who violates any provision of this section shall forfeit not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 for each offense, and the costs and disbursements of such action, and in default thereof, shall be imprisoned in the county jail or house of correction for not less than 10 days nor more than 40 days, until such forfeiture costs are paid.
b. Each day of violation shall be a separate offense.
c. Every private waste collector’s license may be suspended or revoked by the commissioner of the department of neighborhood services for failure to comply with sub. 3.
d. Every private waste collector’s license may be suspended or revoked by the commissioner of public works for failure to comply with any of the rules of the commissioner or if the licensee is convicted of illegal dumping of waste within the city or outside the city under any applicable state statute or code provision.
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/CH79.pdf#page=11Fetched: 10/26/2026