Rubbish Containers & Pickup Days

New garbage containers and pickup days

The City has conducted a pilot program using garbage trucks with articulating arms and new containers to pick up garbage. The project was a success with considerable time being saved and lower manpower costs over the 6 month trial period.  The residents in the new program were extremely pleased with the simplicity and ease of the new system.  The new carts are similar to the existing recycling carts.  They are easy to load, move and the lids do not fly off.The Common Council has approved expanding the program to the entire City starting July 1, 2004. With the cooperation of city residents the City will be able to save money and improve the efficiency of the service provided to residents.   The new ordinance(.pdf) has information on the new carts system, placement of carts, what you can put in the carts and costs of additional carts. A single cart is being delivered in June to each residence at no cost to the property owner.  There will be several changes for the residents from the current system.  Please look in the bottom of your new container for additional information.

1. Note: your garbage pickup day may be changed. Check this map to verify your day.
2. The new containers need to be placed at the curb or on the shoulder at least 5’ away from your mailbox and no closer than 15’ to a parked vehicle to allow room for the new garbage trucks to manipulate and empty them. 
3. Please use the new containers, the City will not pick up bags and other garbage next to the new containers.  Everything needs to be placed inside of the container.
4. You will not be able to use your recycling container for garbage as the City will not be emptying garbage out of them.  They are for recyclable materials only!
5. The new trucks will not be able to empty garbage from your old containers. You can use the old containers for other things, give them away or dispose of them at the City recycling center.
6. If the container delivered to your house is too large, the City does have smaller containers available for exchange.  Call the Streets Department @ 414-768-6552.  However see note 3 above.
7. If you need additional containers they can be purchased at the Street Department at a nominal cost.  Contact the Street Department @ 414-768-6552 for pricing and availability.
8. The City changed its ordinance on placing garbage in clear plastic bags some time ago, however we recommend that you place your garbage in bags (no special color or size required) prior to putting it in your new container to help keep it reasonably clean.
9. As before the City does not take yard waste, hazardous materials or other prohibited waste in garbage containers.