Milwaukee's Clean and Green program introduces new yard waste bagging requirements

Milwaukee's Public Works Committee meeting on March 20, 2025, highlighted significant changes to the city's Clean and Green program, set to run from April 21 to June 2. This initiative allows residents to dispose of up to six cubic yards of debris without the usual fees, but new bagging requirements for yard waste have sparked controversy.

During the meeting, officials clarified that garden waste, including grass and leaves, must now be bagged in brown bags, a shift from previous practices where leaves could be left unbagged during collection. This change has raised concerns among residents, particularly those still dealing with uncollected leaves from the previous season. Many expressed frustration over the city’s inability to complete leaf collection, with some areas reporting piles of leaves that were never picked up, now frozen and obstructing parking.

Committee members voiced their dissatisfaction, questioning the practicality of the new bagging requirement. One member pointed out the unrealistic expectation for homeowners to bag wet, heavy leaves and transport them to drop-off centers. The sanitation services manager explained that the city no longer has the equipment for bulk leaf collection, which has led to the current situation where residents must adapt to the new rules.

The discussion underscored the challenges faced by residents and the city alike, as officials acknowledged the limitations of their current equipment and collection methods. As the Clean and Green program approaches, residents are urged to prepare for the new requirements, while city leaders are tasked with addressing the ongoing leaf collection issues to prevent further frustration.