Handyman services
in Brookfield, WI

Brookfield homeowners and property managers often need a reliable handyman for repairs, installations, and small home improvement projects. This page also includes official local resources, like permits, trash and recycling info, and village calendars, so you can plan projects without hunting around multiple sites.

View Homeowner Resources Below

brookfield Homeowner Resources

If you are planning repairs, cleanouts, or home improvements in Brookfield, Scroll down to find permits, pickup schedules, seasonal notices, and local city links, all in one place.

Garbage, recycling, and

yard waste collection

Brookfield’s residential trash service is provided by Green for Life (GFL). Collection is weekly, and trash and recycling are collected on the same service day based on your address.

Collection day and how to find your schedule

  • Your collection day depends on your location in Brookfield

  • Use the City’s address lookup tool to confirm your trash and recycling collection day

Set out time

  • Have trash out and ready for pickup by 7:00 AM on your service day

  • Setting out the night before is a good habit, especially during winter or holiday weeks

How Brookfield pickup works, “Up the Drive” service
Brookfield uses an “Up the Drive” style pickup, meaning items are placed on your driveway where the driver can access them.

  • Trash may be placed anywhere on the driveway from just outside the garage to the edge of the street

  • Trash will not be picked up from inside the garage

  • Place items where the collection vehicle has a clear path, avoid parking vehicles between the street and the trash set out area

Trash containers and bagging rules

  • Loose trash must be contained in watertight containers, such as plastic bags, or covered

  • Residents provide their own garbage cans, up to a maximum of five cans

  • Cans must be 33 gallons or less

  • When using a can, trash must still be in a garbage bag, no loose trash in a can

  • Bags and containers must not exceed 50 lbs each

  • Containers in poor condition must be maintained or replaced by the resident

Placement, spacing, and “do not accidentally take this” rules

  • Put all trash to be collected together in one place

  • Keep non collection items at least 10 feet away from trash set out for pickup

  • Keep about 6 feet of clearance from other objects, especially garage doors and parked vehicles, so the driver can safely access the items

Holiday delays
A one day delay occurs within the same week if the holiday falls on a weekday:

  • New Year’s Day

  • Memorial Day

  • Fourth of July

  • Labor Day

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Christmas Day

  • If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, collection happens on the regular day.

Severe weather
If severe weather interrupts service, collection resumes as soon as possible. Call GFL for rescheduled collection days.

Bulky items and overflow

  • Brookfield has separate guidance for bulky items, including what qualifies as bulky waste and how to schedule removal through the waste hauler

  • For large or heavy items, or items that may require scheduling and fees, use the City’s Bulky Items guidance first, then contact GFL

Contact for service questions

  • GFL customer service, (262) 367-6040

Garbage Collection

Brookfield Garbage Collection
Schedules, pickup day lookup, missed pickup help
Quick resident links for trash collection, address lookup, and official documents.
Missed pickup or service issue
Contact GFL Customer Service: (262) 367-6040
Find my pickup day by address
Use the City linked address lookup tool to confirm your collection day.
Open Address Lookup
Garbage collection schedule
Download the official collection schedule PDF.
Schedule PDF
Collection guidelines
City posted guidelines for trash and recyclables set out.
Guidelines PDF
Bulky item collection changes
City posted updates related to bulky item collection.
Bulky Items PDF
Open City Trash Collection Page

Recycling Collection

Brookfield curbside recycling is collected weekly by Green for Life (GFL) on the same service day as trash. The City issues a 32 gallon recycling can for each residential property, and recycling must be kept clean and loose, not bagged, so it can be processed properly.

Collection day and how to confirm your schedule

  • Recycling is collected weekly, on the same day as trash

  • Use the City’s address lookup tool to confirm your collection day

Set out time and service style

  • Have recyclables out and ready for pickup by 7:00 AM on your service day

  • Brookfield uses “up the drive” style pickup, place recycling on the driveway where the driver has a clear path to it

Recycling container rules

  • Each residential property (4 units or less per building) is issued a 32 gallon recycling can

  • You can use the old blue recycling can in addition to the newer green can

  • Additional green recycling cans are available through the City for a $45 fee

Placement and spacing so pickup is not missed

  • Place recycling where it is easy to see and access, from just outside the garage to the edge of the street

  • Keep about 6 feet of clearance from parked vehicles and other objects, especially garage doors

  • Keep recycling staged in one clear spot, avoid mixing with items you do not want collected

What goes in curbside recycling
Paper products

  • Phone books, catalogs, glossy magazines, newspapers

  • Beverage cartons and snack cartons

  • Paper egg cartons

  • Paper towel rolls, tissue boxes

  • Paper back books

  • Cereal boxes, household mail, writing paper

  • Frozen food boxes cannot be recycled if they are contaminated with food

Corrugated cardboard

  • Unwaxed, clean corrugated cardboard with the “waffle core”

  • Break down boxes and cut to less than 3 feet in any direction

  • Place in the recycling container, or bundle and tie with string or twine

Bottles, cans, and jars

  • Rinse clean, throw away lids, labels do not need to be removed

  • Do not include window glass, ceramic dishes, light bulbs, or drinking glasses

Plastic bottles and containers

  • Plastic coded 1, 2, 4, or 5

  • Rinse, flatten, and replace caps or lids

  • Do not include motor oil, antifreeze, or pesticide bottles

  • No plastic bags

Metal items

  • Aluminum cans and clean kitchen foil products

  • Steel or tin cans

  • Rinse clean of food, throw away lids, labels do not need to be removed

  • Do not include empty aerosol cans, pots and pans, scrap metal, or clothes hangers

Most common recycling mistakes to avoid

  • Bagging recyclables in plastic bags

  • Leaving food or liquid residue in containers

  • Tossing in glass that is not a bottle or jar, like drinking glasses or window glass

  • Including plastics that are not coded 1, 2, 4, or 5

Recycling collection
Brookfield curbside recycling, quick help
Confirm recycling rules, cart info, and where to take items that do not belong in your curbside cart.
Recycling Center Office
Official info: Recycling page
Residential recycling requirements, cart info
Use the City requirements page for curbside rules and container details, including cart options and what to do if you need an additional cart.
Open requirements page
What goes in the recycling cart, quick guide
The City curbside recycling guide is the fastest reference for accepted items and common mistakes.
Open recycling guide PDF
City Recycle Center, hours and accepted materials
For items that do not belong in your curbside cart, use the City Recycle Center page to confirm what is accepted and current hours.
Open recycle center page

Yard Waste and Seasonal Pickups

Brookfield does not provide routine curbside brush or yard waste pickup. For most yard debris, the standard option is to bring it to the City Recycle Center, or hire a contractor who hauls it to an approved facility. Planning this ahead of time is important, especially if your project creates debris that you cannot store for long.

Primary option, City Recycle Center drop off
Use the City Recycle Center for resident drop off of approved materials, including yard waste, plus other recyclables and special items the City accepts.

Hours and access rules

  • Open Saturdays year round, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  • Open Tuesdays and Thursdays April through November, 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM

  • Proof of residency is required for entry

  • The City does not accept yard waste from contractors at the Recycle Center

Vehicle and load limits to know before you go

  • Dump trucks are not allowed

  • Trucks larger than a pickup are not allowed

  • Trailers larger than 8 ft by 10 ft are not allowed

  • Secure yard waste loads so nothing falls out during transport

Free resident materials, when available
Brookfield notes that residents can pick up the following at the Recycle Center when available:

  • Wood chips

  • Composted yard waste

  • Logs

Alternative options for yard debris
If drop off is not practical:

  • Chip or compost yard waste at home

  • Hire a contractor to haul yard waste to a facility that accepts it

Seasonal rules, open burning of yard waste
Brookfield allows open burning of yard waste only under specific conditions. If you plan to burn yard debris, review the City rules first, since permitted days and months are limited, and there are restrictions for wind, air quality, location, and pile size.

Seasonal pickup, natural Christmas trees
Brookfield provides curbside pickup for natural Christmas trees placed at the edge of the roadway, and also allows drop off at the City Recycle Center. Key reminders:

  • Crews will not enter driveways

  • Do not bury the tree in snow

  • Remove all wire, metal, and plastic bags

  • Wreaths should go in regular household garbage

Brookfield FAQs
Highway, General Information
Tap a question to expand the official answer.
Does the City pick up Christmas Trees?
Natural Christmas trees without wire, nails, or plastic, placed curbside, will be picked up by the City. The City will be making two rounds picking up Christmas trees in the month of January (see the City Christmas tree page). Please set your tree out by the curb for pick up by 7:00 AM on that day. Trees should not be buried in the snow. Due to inclement weather it may take one to two weeks before the tree is picked up.
You may also bring your tree to the Recycle Center or cut them into 4 ft. pieces and place them at the roadside for removal by the solid waste contractor. Please contact our solid waste contractor for the date they will start picking up Christmas trees. Wreaths, which normally are tied with wire, can be disposed of in your weekly garbage.
Does the City pick up brush and yard waste?
No we do not. Residents can bring their yard waste to the Recycling Center or hire a contractor to pick it up and haul it away to a location that accepts yard waste. The City of Brookfield Recycling Center does not accept yard waste from contractors.
There is a dead animal in the road. Who picks it up?
The Highway Division will pick up dead animals from the roads and road sides between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. We cannot come on to private property. Vehicular killed deer within the City of Brookfield will be picked up and disposed of by the Highway Division.
What are the hours of operation for the Recycling Center?
The Recycling Center is open year round on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
In addition, from April through November, the Recycling Center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m until 7:00 p.m.
View this FAQ on the City site

Permits and home
improvement guidelines

Brookfield permits are handled through the City’s Inspection Services and the online permit portal. If your project involves exterior changes, structural updates, or trade work like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, it is worth confirming permit requirements before scheduling, so you do not run into delays with plan review or inspections.

Best starting point

  • Start with the City’s Permit Applications page, it links directly to the correct online application based on project type, residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, pool, and more

  • If you are unsure whether your project needs a permit, use the City’s Items Requiring Permits list as a quick check, then call Inspection Services if anything is unclear

Online permits, how Brookfield is set up

  • Brookfield accepts online permit applications through its permit portal

  • Online applications are listed as effective 1/2/2026, the portal is now the main place to submit and track permit requests

Plan review and fees that can affect timing

  • Brookfield notes that plan exam fees are collected at the time of application and are non refundable

  • For projects that require plans, build in time for plan review before you assume a start date

Common homeowner projects that often trigger permits
Use the Items Requiring Permits list to confirm requirements for projects like:

  • Decks, fences, sheds, gazebos, retaining walls, reroofing, residing

  • Interior or exterior alterations, recreation rooms, kitchen remodels, foundation repairs

  • Pools, service upgrades, and many types of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work

Inspection scheduling, what to know

  • Brookfield’s Inspection Services FAQ notes that if an inspection request is phoned in prior to 8:00 am, the inspection will take place that day, requests after that time are scheduled for the following day

  • Inspection Services main line is the best starting point for scheduling questions

Homeowner permits and trade restrictions

  • Brookfield’s Inspection Services FAQ notes homeowners can do a great deal of work on their homes, but they cannot do electrical or outside plumbing work, so those scopes typically require the appropriate licensed trade

Fire related permits, special notes

  • Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression permits are handled through the online portal, and Brookfield notes 2 paper copies of plans are still required for those submittals

  • The Permit Applications page lists the Fire Department Inspector phone number for questions

Permits, Brookfield
Permit applications and items requiring permits
Use the official online permit portal links below, plus the City reference list for projects that typically require permits.
Quick contacts
Building Inspections: (262) 796 6646
Fire permits, Inspector: (262) 796 6710
Items that typically require permits
This list is not all inclusive. If you are unsure, contact Building Inspections.
Item Building Electrical Plumbing
AdditionYesYesNo*
Air Conditioner, new or replacementNoYes, HVACNo
Alteration, interior or exteriorYesYesNo*
BeekeepingYesNoNo
Decks, attached or detachedYesNoNo
Dishwashers or garbage disposals, new or replacementNoYesYes
Fire places and wood burning stovesYesNo*No
Furnace, new or replacementNoYes, HVACNo
Garages, attached or detachedYesYesNo
Garden houseYesNoNo
GazebosYesNoNo
Hot tubsNoYesNo
Kitchen remodel or cabinet replacementYesYesYes
New homeYesYesYes
Plumbing fixtures, tubs, WC, showers, sinks, water softeners, reverse osmosis unitsNoYes*Yes
Post lightsNoYesNo
Razing of structureYesNoYes
Rec roomsYesYesYes*
Reroofing or residingYesNoNo
Service upgrade, electricNoYesNo
Sewer and water conversionNoNoYes
Structural alterations, foundation repairsYesNoNo
Swimming poolsYesYesNo
Water heaters, gas or electric, new or replacementNoYesYes
*May be required for certain projects.
View the full items requiring permits page View the full permit applications page

Seasonal Services
and City Notices

Brookfield updates seasonal operations and important notices through official City alerts, newsletters, and public works updates, this is the best place to check before scheduling time sensitive work.

Where to check for current notices and service changes

  • Use the City’s Alert Center for time sensitive alerts, including road construction alerts

  • Use the City News Flash page for the latest City wide announcements and posted updates

  • If you want updates pushed to you, subscribe through Notify Me, you can opt into items like road construction updates, newsletters, and parks and rec updates

Winter operations, snow and ice, what to expect

  • Plowing and road priority, main roads are prioritized first, residential routes follow, cleanup and widening happen after initial passes

  • Driveway snow, snow pushed into driveways is considered unavoidable during plowing, homeowners are responsible for clearing it

  • Cul de sacs, the City may make one or two passes early to keep access open, then return later for cleanup

  • Mailboxes and lawns, the City outlines how mailbox hits and right of way turf damage are handled, and how to report issues

  • Fire hydrants and storm inlets, the City recommends adjacent property owners clear hydrants for access, and to keep nearby storm inlets clear if you can do so safely from your property

Overnight street parking, winter planning note
Brookfield’s ordinances prohibit overnight parking on City streets between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM, unless you have express permission from the Police Department. This matters when planning overnight staging, dumpster placement timing, or early morning deliveries.

Spring and summer, street sweeping and construction planning

  • Street sweeping, the City generally starts sweeping in early spring after the threat of snow has passed, and typically focuses curb and gutter areas first

  • Construction and closures, check Public Works Projects and the Road Construction alert feed before scheduling exterior work, driveway work, or jobs that require clear street access

Brookfield, Wisconsin

City Notices

Quick access to official City alerts, subscriptions, and the most referenced seasonal FAQs.

Highway Snow Control FAQ

Open full FAQ page
Why didn’t I get a snowplow marker?
Route drivers place markers based on field conditions. If you add your own, use flexible break away posts, metal stakes are not allowed.
Who clears the bike paths and sidewalks?
Paths and sidewalks in the City right of way are cleared by Parks, Recreation and Forestry, call 262 796 6675.
The snowplow damaged my lawn, who is responsible?
The Highway Division repairs plow related turf damage in spring. To report, call 262 782 5029 or email highway@ci.brookfield.wi.us.
The snowplow hit my mailbox, who is responsible?
The City repairs or replaces mailboxes struck by a City snowplow. Paper boxes are handled by the newspaper provider.
What if the snowplow damages my lawn sprinkler head?
Sprinkler heads located in the City right of way are not repaired or replaced.
The snowplow left a lot of snow in my driveway, who cleans it up?
Driveway end snow is an expected part of plowing operations, homeowners are responsible for clearing it.
Why is my street always plowed last?
Main roads are prioritized first, then residential streets. Questions, Highway Division 262 782 5029. Emergencies, Waukesha County Communications Center 262 446 5070.
I live on a cul de sac, why do drivers only make one pass?
Crews often make one or two early passes for access, then return later for cleanup and widening.
Whose responsibility is it to shovel out a fire hydrant or mailbox?
Adjacent property owners are encouraged to clear hydrants for safety and keep mailboxes accessible for delivery.
What to do if snow and ice is blocking my storm inlet?
If you can do it safely from your property, clear the inlet. Do not enter the roadway. If you cannot safely clear it, call 262 782 5029.

Safety and Police FAQ

Open full FAQ page
I have information about a crime?
The City directs residents to submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers, rewards may be available when information leads to an arrest.
Overnight Parking
Overnight street parking is prohibited between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless you have express permission from the Police Department.
Does a person need a bicycle license?
A bicycle license is required by City ordinance. Residents can obtain a license through the City of Brookfield Police Department. The listed fee is 6 dollars.
Should I lock my vehicle?
Lock vehicles, use garages when possible, and remove or hide valuables when parked overnight.

This is a quick hub for Brookfield contacts, local calendars, and public resources that can impact project timing, parking, neighborhood access, and coordination.

City contacts and department help

  • For general City questions and the right department contact, start with the City department directory

  • Brookfield City Hall general line, 262-782-9650

City events, meetings, and calendar planning

  • Use the City Calendar to check community events, meeting dates, and schedule conflicts that can affect traffic, parking, and access

  • If you want ongoing updates, Brookfield also offers iCalendar feeds and email or text subscriptions through Notify Me

Agendas, minutes, and upcoming decisions

  • Use the Agenda Center to view official agendas, minutes, and meeting packets

  • This is useful when a project depends on a City decision, public hearing timing, or public works planning

Parks, recreation, and community programming

  • Brookfield Parks, Recreation and Forestry posts seasonal programs, classes, and activities

  • This helps when planning around high traffic areas, peak program nights, and local events that can affect parking

Library services and events

  • The Brookfield Public Library calendar is a reliable source for community events, workshops, kids programs, and seasonal activities

  • Library main line, 262-782-4140

Public safety, non emergency help

  • For non-emergency police assistance, use the Brookfield Police non emergency number, 262-787-3700

  • For emergencies, always call 911

Community and

Local Information

Brookfield, Wisconsin

Calendars and key contacts, in one place.

City calendars
Tap a calendar below to expand and view upcoming items.

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