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Thanksgiving trash & recycling in Milwaukee, WI

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Holiday pickup

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. City of Milwaukee offices are closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26–27. Drop Off Centers are closed Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday. The City's garbage and recycling schedules page says collection schedules may shift after holidays — check your address tool or call 414-286-CITY (2489) for your make-up day.

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Pickup changes
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. City of Milwaukee offices are closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26–27. Drop Off Centers are closed Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday. The City's garbage and recycling schedules page says collection schedules may shift after holidays — check your address tool or call 414-286-CITY (2489) for your make-up day.
Turkey fryer oil & grease
Cooking oil is accepted for recycling at City Drop Off Centers when they are open (North: 6660 Industrial Road; South: 3879 W. Lincoln Avenue). Do not pour oil down a drain. Centers reopen after the Thanksgiving Thu–Fri closure (summer hours Tue–Sun 7 a.m.–3 p.m. through Nov. 28, 2026).
Extra trash
Request City services online, use the MKEmobile app, or call 414-286-CITY (2489). Carts must be at the collection point by 7 a.m.; garbage must be bagged and recyclables loose.
Boxes & wrapping
Recyclables must be loose (not bagged). Flatten cardboard so it fits collection rules. Confirm any holiday shift for recycling with the address tool or 414-286-CITY.
Tip
Drop Off Centers require current State or City photo ID (or matching utility/tax bill). Passenger-car-load under 1 cubic yard is free; larger loads have volume fees. Mattresses are landfilled there if you self-haul.

Official sources (checked 2026-11-04): city.milwaukee.gov · city.milwaukee.gov · city.milwaukee.gov

FAQ

Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Milwaukee?

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. City of Milwaukee offices are closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26–27. Drop Off Centers are closed Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday. The City's garbage and recycling schedules page says collection schedules may shift after holidays — check your address tool or call 414-286-CITY (2489) for your make-up day.

How do I get rid of turkey fryer oil in Milwaukee?

Cooking oil is accepted for recycling at City Drop Off Centers when they are open (North: 6660 Industrial Road; South: 3879 W. Lincoln Avenue). Do not pour oil down a drain. Centers reopen after the Thanksgiving Thu–Fri closure (summer hours Tue–Sun 7 a.m.–3 p.m. through Nov. 28, 2026).

What do I do with extra trash after Thanksgiving in Milwaukee?

Request City services online, use the MKEmobile app, or call 414-286-CITY (2489). Carts must be at the collection point by 7 a.m.; garbage must be bagged and recyclables loose.

Can I recycle boxes and wrapping paper in Milwaukee?

Recyclables must be loose (not bagged). Flatten cardboard so it fits collection rules. Confirm any holiday shift for recycling with the address tool or 414-286-CITY.

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