Top 10 Things to Know About Your New Garbage and Recycling Carts

Categories: Garbage & Recycling

You've probably heard about the exciting changes that are coming to Sheboygan this year, including the service upgrade to automated garbage and recycling. Here's an easy guide to rolling smoothly through the transition.

1. WHAT CAN I PUT IN MY GARBAGE CART?
All previously acceptable regular garbage and waste can be placed in the new carts. All items should be bagged as usual and then placed within the cart. Yard waste and recyclable material must not be placed in the garbage cart. For example, yard waste like branches, grass clipping, and mulch are not to be placed in the carts per state law. These items should be taken down to the City of Sheboygan's Residential Recycling Center. Also, any items that are too large to fit in the carts will not be picked up on collection days. However, any large items that can be broken down and placed into the proper cart will be collected.

2. WHAT CAN I RECYCLE?
Please recycle aluminum cans, assorted plastic bottles/containers, glass, mixed paper, and cardboard. Make sure all recycling is clean, dry, and loose in the cart. For a complete list of items, or to search for a specific item, visit our “How Do I Get Rid Of….?” page.

3. SHOULD I BAG MY RECYCLABLES?
Do not bag your recyclables! All recyclables must be placed loose in your recycling cart.

4. HOW OFTEN WILL MY GARBAGE AND RECYCLING GET PICKED UP?
Recyclable materials are picked up every other week, while garbage is picked up weekly. Keep track of your schedule to avoid missing collection and overfilling your carts!

5. WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO HAVE MY CARTS SET OUT FOR PICKUP?
On your regularly scheduled collection day, be sure your carts are set out by 7:30 a.m. at the latest to avoid a missed pick up. You can place your carts outside any time after 5:00 p.m. the night before. Since the carts are secure from animals and the environment, it's safer and more efficient than ever to bring your garbage and recycling out for collection the night before pickup!

6. WHERE DO I PUT MY CART?
Before your scheduled garbage and recycling pickup time, place your carts parallel to the roadway or alley with the cart's numbered side facing the street. Make sure to place the carts four feet apart from each other and four feet away from other objects such as mailboxes, trees, and parked vehicles.

When empty or while awaiting your pickup day, store the carts in a safe area such as in or around the side of garages or fences near your pickup area. Do not leave the carts in the pickup area outside of your scheduled collection times. This will help keep alleyways clear and safe for vehicles to pass through during the rest of the week.

7. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO DURING WINTER MONTHS?
Just like you currently do, be sure to shovel a four-foot-wide area for each of your carts when it snows. It is important to note that no pickups will be made from atop of or from behind snowbanks, and collection times will not vary by season.

8. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS A HOLIDAY OR A SNOW EMERGENCY?
Holidays or snow emergencies will move collection back by one day with any Friday pickups being collected on Saturday. DPW's website and the collection calendar included in your cart packet will provide all the vital information about your collection days.

9. WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO MOVE THE CARTS ON MY OWN?
Garbage collection is a collective effort for every citizen and City employee. If you are physically unable to move your carts on your own, enlist the help of a neighbor or family member. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sheboygan's Department of Public Works (DPW) for more information.

10. WHAT WILL THIS NEW PROGRAM COST ME?
The City's new automated garbage and recyclable collection program will be implemented with a minimal $4.00 a month rate increase to fund the recycling operations. The $5.00 per month fee for garbage pickup will not increase. You will find these costs itemized quarterly on your utility (water) bill.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the upcoming program or its costs, you can contact DPW (here). Our goal is to keep costs as low as possible while providing a cleaner, safer, and more efficient service to our residents. Make sure to follow us on social media to stay connected with what’s happening in the DPW! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Nextdoor.

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