Brookfield Recycling Center Hours 2026: Fees, Address & Directions
Use this guide before loading your vehicle for 19700 Riverview Drive. It explains the 2026 schedule, proof-of-residency rule, Waukesha County access limits, accepted materials, rejected loads, GFL pickup choices, HHW dates, paint disposal, electronics, appliances, vehicle restrictions and map directions in plain English.
Quick Answer for Brookfield Residents
The Brookfield Recycling Center in this guide is the City of Brookfield Recycle Center at 19700 Riverview Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045. The listed public hours are Saturdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM all year, plus Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM from April 1 through November 30. The office phone is (262) 782-5029.
Do not treat the center as a general dump. Brookfield says the Recycle Center only accepts certain recyclable materials. If your item is not accepted there, the better route may be GFL pickup, Waukesha County HHW, Waukesha County electronics guidance, dealer haul-away, paint drying instructions or bulky item guidance.
Screenshot Guide: Official Brookfield Recycling Center Hours, Address & Access Rules
This screenshot belongs near the hours and access section because the first user task is to confirm the schedule, address, phone number, proof-of-residency requirement and holiday warning before driving to Riverview Drive.
The image is for user guidance only. Use the official City page as the final source when hours change because of holidays, weather, temporary cleanup needs or updated accepted-item rules.
Brookfield Recycling Center Quick Facts
Brookfield Recycling Center Hours 2026: Open Today, Weekend and Seasonal Schedule
The schedule is simple but seasonal. Saturday is the dependable year-round public day. Tuesday and Thursday are warm-season public days from April through November only. The center is closed on major holidays, so map-app hours are not enough during holiday weeks.
| Day / Season | Listed Hours | What It Means | Before You Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, all year | Best year-round drop-off day for most residents. | Check major holidays and weather notices first. |
| Tuesday | 1:00 PM-7:00 PM, April 1-November 30 | Seasonal weekday access, useful after work. | Do not assume Tuesday access in winter. |
| Thursday | 1:00 PM-7:00 PM, April 1-November 30 | Seasonal weekday access, useful for summer and fall loads. | Check if the date is inside April-November. |
| Sunday / Monday / Wednesday / Friday | No regular public Recycle Center hours listed | Not normal drop-off days for the Recycle Center. | Use curbside/GFL, HHW, electronics or another route if needed. |
| Major holidays | Closed | New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas are listed. | Verify any observed holiday schedule before loading. |
Proof of Residency, Waukesha County Access and Who Can Use the Center
Access depends on who you are and what you are bringing. Brookfield states that admittance requires proof of residency. Waukesha County residents may use the site for excess curbside recyclable material such as cardboard and office paper. Only City of Brookfield residents may use all other accepted disposal services.
| User Type | Access Rule | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| City of Brookfield resident | May use listed Recycle Center services when the material is accepted and proof of residency is shown. | Bring ID or proof showing your name and City of Brookfield address. |
| Waukesha County resident outside the City | May use the center for excess curbside recyclables such as office paper and cardboard. | Do not assume access to yard waste, appliances, oil, antifreeze or all services. |
| Contractor or commercial business | Not allowed to use the Recycling Center under the official Recycle Center PDF. | Use a commercial disposal or recycling provider. |
| Town of Brookfield resident | Different municipal collection rules may apply. | Confirm whether you are City of Brookfield or Town of Brookfield before following this page. |
Brookfield Recycling Center Fees, Free Materials and Cost Warnings
The City does not publish one simple gate-fee table for every possible Recycle Center load. Some resident materials are available free when available, while other services outside the center may have fees. Do not assume that an appliance pickup, extra cart, TV disposal, private e-waste route or bulky item route is free.
| Fee Question | Verified Planning Answer | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a general resident gate fee? | No general gate fee was found on the official Recycle Center pages reviewed for normal eligible resident use. | Still call before bringing large, unusual or appliance loads. |
| Are wood chips, composted yard waste and logs free? | The City says these are free to City residents when available during normal operating hours. | Verify availability before planning your pickup. |
| How much is another green recycling can? | The City’s residential recycling page lists another green recycling can for a fee of $45.00. | Call City of Brookfield or GFL before ordering. |
| Does GFL appliance pickup cost money? | The City says GFL may pick up old appliances “for a fee.” | Call GFL at (262) 367-6040 to arrange and confirm the current cost. |
| Do electronics or TVs have fees elsewhere? | Waukesha County’s electronics page says to check individual companies for charges and policy changes. | Contact the e-waste provider before loading TVs, monitors or computers. |
Accepted Items at Brookfield Recycling Center: What to Bring and How to Prepare It
The accepted-items PDF gives the clearest micro-level rules. The material must be placed in the correct location, and the Recycle Center attendants may reject materials that do not follow the rules. Prepare your load at home so unloading is quick, safe and less stressful.
| Material | Accepted Detail | Preparation Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated cardboard | Accepted when flattened and no larger than 2 ft x 3 ft at the Recycle Center. | Flatten boxes before arriving. For curbside, follow the separate home recycling size rule. |
| Paper products | Catalogs, cereal boxes, magazines, newspaper, office paper, phone books and similar paper products. | Keep paper dry and separate from trash or food waste. |
| Motor oil and oil filters | Accepted when not mixed with gas. | Use clean containers and keep them upright. |
| Antifreeze | Accepted only when mixed with no contaminants. | Do not mix with gasoline, oil or other chemicals. |
| Major appliances | Dishwashers, washers, dryers, microwaves, water heaters/coolers, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, stoves, ovens/ranges and furnaces are listed. | City residents only. Call first if the item is heavy, large or hard to unload. |
| Scrap metal | Aluminum, steel, cast iron, copper, bicycles, lawn mowers and snow throwers are listed examples. | Remove nonmetal material. Remove gas and oil from mowers or snow throwers. |
| Asphalt, brick, concrete, rocks, stones and soil | Small clean amounts are listed, with a maximum 1/2 cubic yard per visit. | Keep loads fairly clean and avoid excess soil on concrete, brick or stone. |
| Wood ashes | Fireplace wood ashes are listed. | Ashes must be cold before drop-off. |
| Yard waste | Branches/brush and grass/leaves are listed. | Branches/brush must be 6 feet or less and up to 30 inches diameter. Grass/leaves must be taken out of bags at the center. |
| Cell phones | Any brand is listed. | No chargers, headsets or cases. |
Items Not Accepted at Brookfield Recycling Center
Several items that people naturally associate with recycling are not accepted at this center. These are the items most likely to create a wasted trip or rejected load.
What To Do Instead: Electronics, Paint, HHW, Trash, Bulky Items and GFL Pickup
A stronger recycling guide should not stop at “not accepted.” The practical answer is the next official route. Use this table when your item does not belong at the Recycle Center.
| Item / Problem | Better Route | Official Action |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics and computers | Use Waukesha County electronics guidance or local companies that take e-waste for free or a nominal cost. | Check City electronics guidance |
| TVs and monitors | Use Waukesha County electronics disposal options and call providers about fees or policy changes. | Check county electronics options |
| Household hazardous waste | Use Waukesha County HHW sites/events. Brookfield’s 2026 one-time event is listed for June 6, 2026, 8 AM-noon at 19700 Riverview Dr. | Check Waukesha County HHW |
| Latex paint | Dry it out, leave lids off, then place dried paint/cans in the trash according to City guidance. | Read City paint guidance |
| Oil-based or solvent-based paint | Use the hazardous waste collection route. | Check City HHW guidance |
| Bulky furniture | Do not bring it to the Recycle Center unless it is an accepted appliance. Use bulky item guidance or GFL. | Review bulky item guidance |
| Trash or non-accepted residential items | Use driveway pickup by GFL where applicable. | Check trash collection page |
Cardboard, Paper and Curbside Recycling Rules
Cardboard is one of the main reasons people search for Brookfield Recycling Center directions. The Recycle Center accepted-items PDF says corrugated cardboard should be flattened and no larger than 2 ft x 3 ft at the center. Brookfield’s residential recycling page separately says curbside corrugated cardboard should be clean, unwaxed, broken down and cut to less than 3 feet in any direction, then placed in the recycling container or bundled and tied.
Major Appliances: Accepted for City Residents Only
Brookfield’s major appliance guidance says the City Recycle Center accepts certain appliances from City of Brookfield residents only. Listed examples include air conditioners, dishwashers, microwaves, water heaters, stoves, ovens/ranges, dehumidifiers, water coolers, washers, dryers, refrigerators and freezers.
The City also advises asking the dealer to remove your old appliance when you buy a new one. That may be easier than loading and hauling a refrigerator, washer, dryer or air conditioner yourself. GFL may pick up old appliances for a fee, so call before placing an appliance outside.
Household Hazardous Waste: Brookfield 2026 Collection Date and Safety Rules
Waukesha County lists a one-time Brookfield household hazardous waste collection event for Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 8:00 AM to noon at the City Public Works Yard, 19700 Riverview Dr.. County HHW sites are free to Waukesha County residents, and proof of residency is required.
Vehicle Restrictions, Trailer Limits and Rejected-Load Problems
The Recycle Center is not designed for every vehicle or commercial-style load. Brookfield lists dump trucks, trucks larger than a pickup, and trailers larger than 8 ft x 10 ft as not allowed. The official PDF also says contractors and commercial businesses are not allowed to use the center.
For residents, the practical rule is simple: use a normal passenger vehicle, pickup or properly sized trailer, keep material contained inside the vehicle/trailer, and separate the load before arrival. Oversized vehicles, unsecured yard waste and mixed material can create safety problems.
GFL Pickup vs Brookfield Recycling Center Drop-Off
Brookfield’s official Recycle Center page says placing refuse and residential recyclable items not accepted at the Recycle Center on your driveway for pickup by GFL can reduce City costs and save residents time and money. That means the right answer is not always “drive to Riverview Drive.”
| User Problem | Best Route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly bottles, cans, paper and normal recyclables | Curbside recycling can | Brookfield collects recycling weekly with trash. |
| Large cardboard load | Recycle Center | Waukesha County residents may use Brookfield for excess curbside recyclables. |
| Old refrigerator or washer | Dealer haul-away, Recycle Center if City resident, or GFL fee pickup | Appliances have special rules and may be too heavy for some residents. |
| Old TV or computer | Waukesha County / e-waste company | The Brookfield Recycle Center does not take e-waste. |
| Furniture or bulky item | Bulky item guidance / GFL | The Recycle Center does not accept bulky items except listed appliances. |
Before-You-Drive Checklist for Brookfield Residents
- Confirm the correct Brookfield. This page is for the City of Brookfield, Wisconsin Recycle Center at 19700 Riverview Drive.
- Check the season. Saturday is listed all year. Tuesday and Thursday access is listed only April 1 through November 30.
- Bring proof of residency. Entry requires proof of residency. Service eligibility depends on whether you are a City resident or a Waukesha County resident.
- Sort materials at home. Keep cardboard, paper, yard waste, scrap metal, appliances, oil and antifreeze separate.
- Keep problem items out. Do not bring TVs, computers, e-waste, rechargeable batteries, liquid paint, HHW, general trash or bulky furniture to the Recycle Center.
- Prepare accepted material correctly. Flatten cardboard, remove bags from grass/leaves, keep oil uncontaminated, make sure ashes are cold, and remove gas/oil from mowers and snow throwers.
- Call before a questionable load. If you have an appliance, trailer, stone/soil, unusual item or a load near closing time, call before driving.
Brookfield Recycling Center Address, Map and Directions
The official Recycling Center Office address is 19700 Riverview Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045. Use the map for directions, but use the official City page for final hours, holiday closures, accepted materials and proof-of-residency requirements.
Independent guide note: Recycling-Centre.org is not the official City of Brookfield website. Always verify current hours, fees, accepted items, office hours, holiday closures, eligibility rules and safety instructions with the official City or County page before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brookfield Recycling Center
Where is the Brookfield Recycling Center?
The City of Brookfield Recycle Center is at 19700 Riverview Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045. The Recycling Center Office phone number is (262) 782-5029.
What are Brookfield Recycling Center hours in 2026?
The listed hours are Saturdays 8:00 AM-5:00 PM all year, plus Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 PM-7:00 PM from April 1 through November 30. The center is closed on major holidays.
Is Brookfield Recycling Center open on Sunday?
No regular Sunday Recycle Center hours are listed. Plan for Saturday year-round or Tuesday/Thursday seasonal access from April through November.
Is Brookfield Recycling Center open Tuesday and Thursday?
Yes, but only seasonally. Tuesday and Thursday hours are listed from April 1 through November 30, 1:00 PM-7:00 PM. These weekday hours are not listed for winter months.
Do I need proof of residency?
Yes. Admittance requires proof of residency. City residents must show proof with their name and City of Brookfield address listed.
Can Waukesha County residents use the Brookfield Recycling Center?
Waukesha County residents may use the center for excess curbside recyclables such as cardboard and office paper. Only City of Brookfield residents may use all other accepted disposal services.
What items are accepted at the Brookfield Recycling Center?
Accepted examples include flattened corrugated cardboard, paper products, uncontaminated antifreeze, motor oil and filters not mixed with gas, certain appliances, cell phones, scrap metal, small clean amounts of asphalt/brick/concrete/rocks/soil, cold wood ashes and properly prepared yard waste.
Does Brookfield Recycling Center accept electronics?
No. The City says the Recycling Center does not take electronics and e-waste. Use Waukesha County electronics disposal options or local e-waste companies instead.
Does Brookfield Recycling Center accept TVs?
The accepted-items PDF says TVs, DVDs, VCRs and DVRs are currently not accepted. Check Waukesha County electronics disposal options before loading a TV.
Does Brookfield Recycling Center accept appliances?
Yes, certain appliances are accepted from City of Brookfield residents only. Examples include refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, water heaters, stoves, ovens, dehumidifiers and air conditioners.
What should I do with latex paint in Brookfield?
Dry out latex paint, remove the lid, let it dry in the can or on absorbent material, then place the dried paint and cans in trash with lids off so collectors can see the paint is dry.
When is the 2026 Brookfield household hazardous waste event?
Waukesha County lists a Brookfield one-time HHW collection event for Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 8:00 AM to noon at City Public Works Yard, 19700 Riverview Dr.
Who do I call for missed trash or recycling pickup?
The City contracts with GFL for trash and recycling collection. For missed pickups, service questions, appliance pickup and complaints, call GFL Customer Service at (262) 367-6040.
What vehicles are not allowed at the Brookfield Recycle Center?
Dump trucks, trucks larger than a pickup, and trailers larger than 8 ft x 10 ft are not allowed.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Brookfield Recycling Center website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify current hours, accepted materials, eligibility, fees, holiday closures and safety rules with the official City of Brookfield or Waukesha County pages.
Final Local Summary
For most approved drop-off needs, use the City of Brookfield Recycle Center at 19700 Riverview Drive. Saturday hours are listed all year from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while Tuesday and Thursday hours run April 1 through November 30, 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Bring proof of residency.
Do not bring electronics, TVs, rechargeable batteries, liquid paint, HHW, bulky furniture, general trash, commercial loads or oversized vehicle loads to the center. Use Waukesha County electronics/HHW guidance, GFL, dealer haul-away, paint instructions, bulky item guidance or another official disposal route when your item does not match Brookfield’s accepted list.