Check Your Residency, Load and Vehicle Before Driving to Brookfield Recycle Center
The City of Brookfield Recycle Center at 19700 Riverview Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045 accepts selected recyclables, yard material, appliances, oil and several other resident materials—but it is not a public dump or universal recycling facility.
Saturday is the year-round drop-off day. Tuesday and Thursday hours are seasonal, proof of residency matters, vehicle size is restricted, and several items people expect to recycle here—including computers, televisions and rechargeable batteries—need another route.
Quick answer: what are Brookfield Recycling Center hours?
The City of Brookfield currently lists the Recycle Center as open Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM all year, plus Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM from April 1 through November 30.
The center is closed on major holidays. The City lists New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas among those closures.
The Recycling Center Office phone is 262-782-5029. Office help is listed Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, but those office hours are not additional public drop-off hours.
Brookfield City resident and Waukesha County resident are not the same access category
The City’s current Recycling page explicitly says Waukesha County residents may deposit corrugated cardboard, while City of Brookfield residents qualify for all other Recycle Center services.
An older City brochure and the current County drop-off page use broader language for excess curbside recyclables. Because those official sources are not worded identically, a non-City resident should call 262-782-5029 before bringing anything other than cardboard.
On this page
- Quick facts
- Hours and holidays
- Residency and access
- City vs Town of Brookfield
- Vehicle limits
- Accepted materials
- Cardboard and paper
- Yard waste
- Concrete, stone and soil
- Scrap metal
- Oil and antifreeze
- Appliances
- Free resident materials
- Not accepted
- Electronics
- Batteries
- Paint and HHW
- Propane tanks
- Bulky items and fees
- GFL vs drop-off
- Map and directions
- FAQs
Brookfield Recycling Center Quick Facts
| Detail | Current planning information |
|---|---|
| Official facility | City of Brookfield Recycle Center |
| Address | 19700 Riverview Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045 |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM all year, except holidays |
| Tuesday / Thursday | 1:00 PM–7:00 PM, April 1–November 30, except holidays |
| Phone | 262-782-5029 |
| Office help | Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM |
| Residency | Proof of residency required |
| Commercial use | Contractors and commercial businesses are not allowed |
| Dump truck | Not allowed |
| Trailer maximum | 8 ft. × 10 ft. |
Brookfield Recycling Center Hours, Seasonal Access and Holidays
Monday
No regular public drop-off hours listed.
Tuesday
1:00 PM–7:00 PM from April 1 through November 30.
Wednesday
No regular public drop-off hours listed.
Thursday
1:00 PM–7:00 PM from April 1 through November 30.
Friday
No regular public drop-off hours listed.
Saturday
8:00 AM–5:00 PM all year.
Sunday
No regular public drop-off hours listed.
Major holidays
Closed. Verify observed-holiday arrangements before driving.
Major holiday closures listed by Brookfield
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Temporary closures do happen
The center had temporary 2026 closures for weather and road construction. Regular posted hours are therefore not a guarantee of live access. Check City notices before hauling a heavy or unusual load.
Proof of Residency and Who Can Use the Center
Brookfield requires proof of residency for admission. The official Recycle Center brochure says a City resident’s proof should show the person’s name and a City of Brookfield address.
| User | Access rule | Safest action |
|---|---|---|
| City of Brookfield resident | Eligible for listed City resident services when material meets the rules. | Bring proof of City residency. |
| Waukesha County resident outside Brookfield | The City’s current main page specifically confirms corrugated cardboard. | Call before bringing any other material. |
| Contractor | Not allowed to use the center. | Use an approved commercial disposal facility. |
| Commercial business | Not allowed under the City’s Recycle Center rules. | Arrange commercial recycling or hauling. |
Why this article is stricter for non-City residents
Waukesha County’s current drop-off page says Brookfield can receive excess curbside recyclables from County residents and also lists scrap metal for all County residents. The City’s current main page, however, specifically mentions corrugated cardboard for non-City residents. When official wording differs, calling Brookfield before the trip is safer than assuming access.
City of Brookfield vs Town of Brookfield
This article is for the City of Brookfield, Wisconsin Recycle Center at Riverview Drive. The Town of Brookfield is a separate municipality and can have different hauling and drop-off arrangements.
Do not use a mailing address that says “Brookfield” by itself to decide eligibility. Confirm whether your property is inside the City of Brookfield before bringing City-resident-only material such as yard waste, appliances, oil or other restricted services.
Truck and Trailer Restrictions
The Recycle Center is designed for residential-scale loads rather than commercial dumping.
Dump trucks
Not allowed.
Large trucks
Trucks larger than a pickup are not allowed.
Trailers
Maximum trailer size is 8 feet × 10 feet.
Attendants are authorized to reject non-conforming loads and may turn away people who do not follow the center’s rules.
Accepted Materials at Brookfield Recycle Center
The City’s detailed accepted-material PDF is older but remains linked from the current City Recycling page. It provides the most specific preparation limits available from Brookfield. For an unusual item, call before making the trip.
| Material | Official detail | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated cardboard | Accepted | Flatten; no larger than 2 ft. × 3 ft. at the center. |
| Paper products | Catalogs, cereal boxes, magazines, newspaper, office paper, phone books and similar paper | Keep dry and separate from trash. |
| Motor oil and filters | Accepted for eligible City users | Do not mix oil with gasoline. |
| Antifreeze | Accepted for eligible City users | Must not contain contaminants. |
| Scrap metal | Aluminum, steel, cast iron, copper and selected equipment | Remove nonmetal parts; remove gas and oil from equipment. |
| Appliances | Selected major appliances | City residents only; see appliance section below. |
| Asphalt / brick / concrete | Maximum ½ cubic yard per visit | Fairly clean; no excess soil or rock. |
| Rocks / stones | Maximum ½ cubic yard per visit | Fairly clean with no excess soil. |
| Soil / sod | Maximum ½ cubic yard per visit | May contain minimal vegetation. |
| Wood ashes | Fireplace wood ashes | Must be completely cold. |
| Yard waste | Brush, branches, grass and leaves | Follow size and bag-removal rules below. |
Cardboard and Paper Rules
At the Recycle Center, Brookfield’s detailed accepted list says corrugated cardboard must be flattened and no larger than 2 feet × 3 feet.
For household curbside collection, the City’s separate recycling guidance uses a different size rule: clean, unwaxed corrugated cardboard should be broken down and cut to less than 3 feet in any direction, then put into the recycling container or bundled and tied.
Center cardboard
Flatten and keep pieces at or below the center’s listed 2 ft. × 3 ft. size.
Paper products
Catalogs, cereal boxes, magazines, newspaper, office paper and phone books are examples on the detailed list.
County resident
Current City page clearly confirms corrugated cardboard access. Call before bringing other paper if you do not live in the City.
For box preparation, see the cardboard box recycling guide.
Yard Waste, Brush, Leaves and Grass
City of Brookfield residents can bring approved yard waste to the Recycle Center. The City does not provide normal curbside brush and yard-waste pickup.
| Yard material | Preparation rule |
|---|---|
| Branches / brush | Cut to 6 feet or less; detailed City list says up to 30 inches in diameter. |
| Grass | Remove from bags at the Recycle Center. |
| Leaves | Remove from bags at the Recycle Center. |
| Contractor-generated yard waste | Contractors may not use the City Recycle Center. |
Do not leave bags mixed into the compost stream
If you transport grass or leaves in bags, plan to empty those bags at the site and take the bags to the appropriate disposal route.
Concrete, Brick, Asphalt, Rocks and Soil
The center accepts limited residential quantities of several heavy materials. These are not unlimited construction-debris privileges.
Asphalt, brick & concrete
Maximum ½ cubic yard per visit. Material should be fairly clean without excess soil or rock.
Rocks & stones
Maximum ½ cubic yard per visit and no excess soil.
Soil / sod
Maximum ½ cubic yard per visit. Minimal vegetation is permitted under the detailed City list.
Construction debris is not the same as clean concrete or stone
Mixed demolition debris, lumber, drywall, carpeting and other bulky construction material should follow the City’s bulky-item or commercial disposal guidance rather than being mixed into a masonry load.
Scrap Metal, Bicycles, Mowers and Snow Throwers
Brookfield’s detailed list includes scrap aluminum, steel, cast iron, copper and other metal. It also lists bicycles, fluorescent light fixtures with ballasts removed, lawn mowers and snow throwers.
- Remove nonmetal material where practical.
- Remove gasoline from lawn mowers.
- Remove oil from lawn mowers.
- Remove gasoline and oil from snow throwers.
- Remove ballasts from fluorescent light fixtures before using the scrap-metal route.
- Ask an attendant before unloading an unusual metal item.
County access is broader for scrap metal—but confirm first
Waukesha County’s current drop-off page lists scrap metal for all County residents at Brookfield. Because the City’s own current page is more restrictive in its general non-City access wording, non-City residents should confirm by phone before loading metal.
Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Transmission Fluid and Antifreeze
Waukesha County currently lists Brookfield as a municipal disposal site for motor oil and filters for City residents. Its drop-off page also lists transmission fluid and antifreeze for City residents.
Motor oil
Brookfield’s detailed list says oil must not be mixed with gasoline.
Oil filters
Included with the City’s used-oil route. Keep filters separate and follow attendant instructions.
Antifreeze
Accepted only when it has no contaminants.
Do not pour unknown automotive liquids into an oil tank
Gasoline, chemical mixtures and contaminated fluids can require different handling. If you cannot identify what is in the container, call before driving.
For broader oil preparation guidance, see the used motor oil recycling guide.
Major Appliances: Free Drop-Off for Eligible City Residents
The City’s current major-appliance page confirms that certain appliances are accepted at the Brookfield Recycle Center for City of Brookfield residents only.
Cooling
Air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and water coolers.
Laundry
Washers and dryers.
Kitchen
Dishwashers, microwaves, stoves and ovens/ranges.
Other listed units
Water heaters are on the current appliance list. The older detailed accepted list also names furnaces; call before bringing a furnace.
The City’s currently linked bulky-item guidance says appliances can be brought to the City Recycle Center for free disposal.
Buying a replacement appliance?
Brookfield recommends asking the retailer to remove the old unit when a replacement is delivered. That can be easier than loading a refrigerator, freezer or washer yourself.
Free Wood Chips, Composted Yard Waste and Logs
The City says Brookfield residents may remove wood chips, composted yard waste and logs from the Recycle Center for free when those materials are available during normal operating hours.
Availability is not guaranteed
These materials are offered when available. Call before making a trip specifically to collect compost, mulch-type wood chips or logs.
Items Not Accepted at Brookfield Recycle Center
The following are common wasted-trip items. Some are recyclable somewhere else, but not through the normal Riverview Drive drop-off.
Computers
The City’s electronics page says the Recycle Center does not accept electronics or e-waste.
TVs and media electronics
The detailed list says TVs, DVD players, VCRs and DVRs are not accepted.
Rechargeable batteries
The City’s detailed accepted-material list specifically says rechargeable batteries are not accepted.
Liquid latex paint
Dry it completely and use the City’s trash route instead.
Oil-based paint and HHW
Use Waukesha County’s hazardous-waste system.
General trash and furniture
Use GFL or the correct bulky-item disposal route.
Propane tanks
Do not place compressed-gas cylinders in curbside recycling or ordinary trash.
Oversized commercial loads
Contractors, commercial businesses, dump trucks and oversized trailers are not permitted.
Contaminated loads
Attendants can reject material that does not meet the site’s preparation rules.
Computers, TVs and Other Electronics Need Another Route
The City of Brookfield’s current electronics page states plainly that the Recycle Center does not take electronics and e-waste.
Waukesha County currently lists several electronics-recycling options, including regional private recyclers and retailers. One Brookfield-area option appearing on the County list is Elite Energy Distribution, 3545 N. 127th St., Brookfield. Acceptance and fees can vary by device, so call the recycler before transporting a television, monitor or computer.
Cell phone listing needs a phone check
The older City accepted-items PDF specifically lists cell phones of any brand, without chargers, headsets or cases. The City’s newer general electronics page broadly says electronics and e-waste are not accepted. Because those official pages are not perfectly aligned, call the Recycle Center before making a special trip solely for a phone.
For device preparation and data safety, see the electronic recycling center guide.
Rechargeable, Alkaline and Vehicle Batteries
Do not put batteries into ordinary curbside recycling. Brookfield’s detailed Recycle Center list says rechargeable batteries are not accepted.
Rechargeable batteries
Use one of Waukesha County’s listed retail or specialty battery-recycling routes.
Alkaline batteries
Waukesha County lists specialty battery recyclers; fees may apply at some locations.
Lead-acid vehicle batteries
Wisconsin law restricts landfill disposal. Vehicle-battery retailers must accept a used lead-acid battery at no charge when a new one is purchased.
For more detail, use the battery recycling guide.
Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint and Household Hazardous Waste
Latex paint
Brookfield says latex paint is not accepted at the Recycle Center or household hazardous waste sites. Dry it completely first.
- Remove the lid.
- Let a small amount dry inside the can, or brush layers onto newspaper or cardboard.
- For larger quantities, mix with cat litter, sawdust or sand in a lined cardboard box.
- Once fully hardened, place the dried material in the trash.
- Leave paint-can lids off so the collector can see that the paint is dry.
Oil-based and solvent-based paint
These belong in the Waukesha County household hazardous waste program rather than the normal Brookfield Recycle Center.
Brookfield’s 2026 one-time HHW event has already passed
The Brookfield event at 19700 Riverview Drive was held June 6, 2026. Do not arrive at the Recycle Center now expecting the annual Clean Sweep event to be operating.
Current 2026 Waukesha County HHW alternatives
| Location | 2026 schedule |
|---|---|
| Menomonee Falls – Veolia, W124N9451 Boundary Rd. | Monday & Wednesday 11 AM–6 PM; Saturday 8 AM–2 PM, January–December. |
| UWM-Waukesha, 1500 N. University Dr. | 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 8 AM–Noon, March–November. |
| Muskego, W124S10629 South 124th St. | 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 8 AM–Noon; current County page says this newer site opened August 1, 2026. |
Waukesha County says its HHW collection sites are free to County residents and require proof of residency. Stay in the vehicle, place material in the trunk, and use boxes or containers so staff can remove items safely.
See the household hazardous waste recycling guide for preparation details.
Propane Tanks and Compressed-Gas Cylinders
Waukesha County says propane tanks should never be placed in curbside recycling or trash, even when they appear empty.
For standard 20-pound propane cylinders, the County recommends retailer exchange or refill programs. For tank disposal, its current disposal page lists specialty propane providers and the City of Waukesha Drop-Off Center among possible routes.
Do not test a tank by puncturing it
Keep compressed-gas cylinders intact and follow the receiving facility or manufacturer’s disposal instructions.
Furniture, Mattresses and Bulky-Item Pickup Fees
The City’s current bulky-item guidance defines bulky waste as items larger than three feet in any dimension and/or heavier than 50 pounds. Examples include mattresses, box springs, furniture, large toys, carpeting, sinks, toilets, doors and some construction material.
The Recycle Center does not replace GFL’s bulky-waste service for those items.
| GFL service in current City-linked guidance | Listed fee |
|---|---|
| Up to two bulky items per collection | $45 |
| Major appliance | $45 |
| Major appliance containing refrigerant/Freon | $60 |
Call GFL at 262-367-6040 to confirm the current price, pickup rules and any cancellation fee before scheduling. Fees can change after a City document is published.
Eligible appliance drop-off can avoid the pickup fee
The City’s current bulky-item guidance says City residents can bring accepted appliances to the Brookfield Recycle Center for free disposal.
When GFL Curbside Pickup Is Easier Than Riverview Drive
Brookfield contracts with GFL for residential trash and recycling. The City itself says residents should use driveway pickup for refuse and residential recyclables that do not need to be hauled to the Recycle Center.
| Your material | Usually easier route |
|---|---|
| Normal weekly paper, bottles, cans and accepted containers | Weekly GFL recycling collection |
| Excess cardboard | Recycle Center when eligible, or curbside if prepared within size rules |
| Yard waste | Recycle Center for City residents |
| Refrigerator / washer / dryer | Free City-resident drop-off, retailer haul-away or GFL paid pickup |
| Mattress / couch | GFL bulky-item service, donation or another approved route |
| TV / computer | Waukesha County e-waste option |
| Oil-based paint / chemical | Waukesha County HHW program |
For missed trash or recycling collection, Brookfield directs residents to GFL at 262-367-6040.
How to Prepare a Brookfield Recycle Center Load
Confirm you live in the correct municipality
Know whether you are a City of Brookfield resident, Town of Brookfield resident or another Waukesha County resident.
Check the day and season
Tuesday and Thursday access disappears after November 30; Saturday remains the normal year-round day.
Bring proof of residency
Your proof should clearly identify the eligible address when using City-resident-only services.
Sort your vehicle before arrival
Separate cardboard, paper, metal, yard waste, masonry, appliances, oil and other material so you can use the correct location inside the site.
Prepare each material
Flatten cardboard, empty yard-waste bags, cool fireplace ashes, remove fuel from equipment and keep automotive liquids uncontaminated.
Ask before unloading an uncertain item
Attendants can reject non-conforming material. Asking first is better than placing an item in the wrong stream.
Brookfield Recycling Center Map and Directions
The official address is 19700 Riverview Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045.
Official Sources for Final Verification
Current hours, holiday closures, address, residency rule and official linked documents. City Recycle Center
Vehicle restrictions, free resident materials and general center guidance. Brookfield Major Appliances
Official appliance acceptance and GFL alternative. Brookfield Electronics Guidance
Confirms that the City Recycle Center is not a general e-waste facility. Brookfield Paint Disposal
Latex drying instructions and oil-based paint route. Waukesha County HHW
Current 2026 collection locations, schedules and safety rules. Waukesha County Electronics Options
Current alternatives for computers, televisions and e-waste. Waukesha County Disposal Options
Material-by-material disposal directory for items the City center cannot take.
Brookfield Recycling Center FAQs
Where is Brookfield Recycling Center?
The City of Brookfield Recycle Center is at 19700 Riverview Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045.
What are Brookfield Recycling Center hours?
The City currently lists Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM all year and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM from April 1 through November 30, except holidays.
Is Brookfield Recycling Center open Sunday?
No regular Sunday public drop-off hours are listed.
Do I need proof of residency?
Yes. Brookfield requires proof of residency for admission. City-resident-only services require proof showing a City of Brookfield address.
Can any Waukesha County resident use the Brookfield center?
The City’s current main page clearly confirms corrugated cardboard for Waukesha County residents. County and older City documents use broader language for excess curbside recyclables. Non-City residents should call before bringing anything other than cardboard.
Does Brookfield Recycling Center accept yard waste?
Yes, for eligible City residents. Branches and brush should be cut to 6 feet or less, while grass and leaves must be removed from bags at the center.
Can I bring concrete, brick or soil?
The City’s detailed list accepts limited clean asphalt, brick, concrete, rock, stone and soil loads, generally up to one-half cubic yard per visit. Preparation requirements differ by material.
Does Brookfield Recycling Center accept motor oil?
Motor oil and oil filters are accepted for eligible City residents. The oil must not be mixed with gasoline. Waukesha County also lists transmission fluid at Brookfield for City residents.
Does Brookfield Recycling Center accept appliances?
Yes, selected major appliances are accepted from City of Brookfield residents. Current City guidance lists refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, dishwashers, microwaves, water heaters, stoves, ovens, dehumidifiers and water coolers.
Is appliance drop-off free?
The City’s current linked bulky-item guidance says City residents can bring accepted appliances to the Recycle Center for free disposal.
Does Brookfield Recycling Center accept computers or TVs?
No. The City’s electronics guidance says the Recycle Center does not accept electronics or e-waste. Use Waukesha County’s electronics-disposal options instead.
Does the center accept rechargeable batteries?
The City’s detailed accepted-material list specifically says rechargeable batteries are not accepted. Waukesha County lists retail and specialty recycling alternatives.
Can I bring latex paint?
No liquid latex paint. Brookfield instructs residents to dry latex paint completely and place the hardened material in the trash with the lid off.
Can I bring propane tanks?
Do not place propane tanks in ordinary trash or recycling. Waukesha County directs residents to propane exchange/refill programs or approved tank-disposal sites.
What trailer size is allowed?
The maximum listed trailer size is 8 feet by 10 feet. Dump trucks and trucks larger than a pickup are not allowed.
Can contractors use Brookfield Recycling Center?
No. Contractors and commercial businesses are not permitted to use the City Recycle Center under the official center rules.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Brookfield website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information guide. The City of Brookfield and Waukesha County control the official hours, material acceptance, residency requirements and disposal programs.
Brookfield Before-You-Go Checklist
- Confirm this is the City of Brookfield, Wisconsin facility.
- Use 19700 Riverview Drive for navigation.
- Check Saturday or seasonal Tuesday/Thursday hours.
- Check for a holiday or temporary closure notice.
- Bring proof of residency.
- Non-City residents should call before bringing anything beyond clearly confirmed cardboard.
- Do not use a dump truck or truck larger than a pickup.
- Keep trailers at or below 8 ft. × 10 ft.
- Flatten cardboard to the center’s listed size.
- Empty grass and leaves from bags.
- Make sure wood ashes are completely cold.
- Keep motor oil free of gasoline and antifreeze free of contamination.
- Remove gas and oil from mowers and snow throwers.
- Keep computers, TVs and rechargeable batteries out of the load.
- Use current Waukesha County sites for HHW now that Brookfield’s June 2026 event has passed.
- Ask an attendant before unloading anything uncertain.
The Brookfield Center Works Best When You Know Your Route Before Loading
For an eligible City resident, 19700 Riverview Drive can handle far more than ordinary cardboard: yard waste, limited clean masonry and soil, scrap metal, uncontaminated automotive fluids, certain appliances, paper and other listed materials all have specific local routes.
The details are what prevent a rejected load. Bring residency proof, use an allowed vehicle, follow material-size and contamination limits, and keep electronics, rechargeable batteries, liquid paint, propane cylinders, general trash and commercial loads out.
Independent information guide: Recycling-Centre.org is not the City of Brookfield, Waukesha County, GFL or the Recycle Center. Some detailed City material documents remain older than the main current web pages, so unusual items, fees and conflicting access questions should be confirmed directly with the City before transport.