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Wisconsin pallet and wood waste rules

In Wisconsin, plastic crates, pallets and shells used for bottled beverages are 'proprietary articles' under the scrap dealer law, so a scrap dealer buying one needs documentation that the seller lawfully has it, or a diligent inquiry plus a report to local police within one business day (Wis. Stat. § 134.405).

Not yet verified Last reviewed October 27, 2026 by repallet.org editors. Not legal advice.

Landfill ban Not yet verified

We haven't checked Wisconsin's landfill ban rules against the law yet, so we say nothing about them. Ask Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Marked and pooled pallets In force

Plastic beverage pallets in the scrap dealer law. Wis. Stat. § 134.405

  • A 'plastic bulk merchandise container' is a plastic crate, pallet or shell used for bulk transport or storage of retail containers of bottled beverages. Wis. Stat. § 134.405(1)(em) (source)
  • These containers are listed as 'proprietary articles', alongside items such as catalytic converters and railroad track parts. Wis. Stat. § 134.405(1)(f)8. (source)
  • To buy a proprietary article, a scrap dealer needs a bill of sale, receipt or letter of authorization from the seller, or must document a diligent inquiry and report the purchase to local law enforcement within one business day. Wis. Stat. § 134.405(3)(a)5. (source)
  • The dealer keeps the purchase records for at least two years and shows them to a law enforcement officer on request. Wis. Stat. § 134.405(4) (source)

Plastic beverage pallets in the scrap dealer law in Wisconsin: full detail

Open burning Not yet verified

We haven't checked Wisconsin's open burning rules against the law yet, so we say nothing about them. Ask Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

C&D recycling Not yet verified

We haven't checked Wisconsin's c&d recycling rules against the law yet, so we say nothing about them. Ask Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Who to ask

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for state rules. Cities and counties can add their own disposal rules; check your hauler contract and local ordinance too.

Sources

  1. Wis. Stat. § 134.405 (scrap dealers) Wisconsin Legislature. Accessed October 27, 2026.

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