DPW Winter Storm Operation
DPW Operational Plan: DPW crews began anti-icing operations at 9:00 AM Friday, pre-treating with brine on all main and residential routes ahead of the forecasted snowfall. This brine application helps prevent snow from forming a bond of ice on treated streets. During the daytime shift, plows were mounted on all trucks to get ready for heavier snowfall on Saturday early morning, throughout the day. Packer plows and end loaders are also being prepped for quick response over the weekend.
DPW Leaf Collection Update: The 2025 leaf rake-out deadline was extended to Sunday, November 30, which is the last day residents may rake leaves into the street for collection. Please note: this is not the final day of leaf pickup — the City will conduct a final sweep after this date, which may take 2–3 weeks to complete.
With significant snowfall expected this weekend, standard leaf collection operations will be impacted. Snowplows will do their best to navigate around large leaf piles, similar to how they navigate around parked cars. However, leaves not properly piled or buried under snow will be pushed back toward curbs and driveway openings during plowing. Where this occurs, we kindly ask residents to rake displaced leaves back into the street for pickup during the City’s final collection pass. Your cooperation helps us complete both snow removal and leaf collection safely and effectively. Please see the DPW leaf website for more information.
Garbage & Recycling Collection – Normal (as of now): Snow events, especially large events can cause delays in garbage or recycling collections. No impacts to garbage or recycling are expected at this time, changes and updates will be posted online. Please always clear snow and ice around and on top of your garbage and recycling carts and clear a path so the carts can be easily rolled from collection point to the truck. Your normal scheduled collection days can be found at https://city.milwaukee.gov/sanitation/GarbageRecyclingSchedules
Parking – Stay Alert for Snow Emergencies: No impact to parking expected at this time however if a snow emergency is called, updates will be posted online. Always follow posted signs and park as close to the curb as possible to give room for the large salt and plow trucks to pass through streets. Winter Parking regulations began December 1st, with no parking 2am – 6am on through highways and bus routes. Posted signs take precedence, such as streets posted “No Parking Dec 1 – Mar 1”. We encourage those that park on the street to sign up for E-notify and text message notifications at Milwaukee.gov/parking
How You Can Help:
- Only travel if absolutely necessary.
- Adjust driving for conditions by slowing down and providing more space for braking.
- Please be patient and understanding, snow and ice operations take time, all streets will be cleared. Drive carefully and plan your route to stay on main transportation routes as much as possible during snow and ice events.
- Give salt and plow trucks space and stay back from the trucks salting or brining streets to ensure the product hits the streets instead of your car.
- Park legally and follow alternate side parking rules. DPW does a better job when parking rules are followed. Parking farther away from driveways, alleys and intersections allows our equipment to get through
- Do not shovel, blow or plow snow back into the streets.
- Shovel your sidewalk and corners within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling, assist neighbors who need help.
- Clear the fire hydrant near your property of snow and ice.
Clear snow and ice around and on top of your garbage and recycling carts.
Stay Informed
· Sign up for Winter Parking Text Alerts at milwaukeeparkingalerts.com.
· Follow DPW on Facebook and Twitter – both @milwaukeedpw
· Join Next Door to receive DPW updates (City residents only)
· Check the DPW website for snow and ice updates at milwaukee.gov/snow
· Call (414) 286-CITY (2489) for information and assistance
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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