How to Use Your Garbage and Recycling Carts

The launch of the City of Sheboygan’s new automated garbage and recycling collection program is quickly approaching, and the Department of Public Works is here to help you make a smooth transition. The new garbage and recycling carts are being delivered throughout April, and the program’s launch is targeted for May 4, 2020. To help make this transition smooth, we want to ensure every resident is equipped with the information they need to properly use their carts.

You can also watch our quick instructional video to learn more!

Where should I place my carts?
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 should I set out my carts?
On your regularly scheduled collection day, be sure your carts are set out by 7:00 a.m. at the latest to avoid a missed pick up. 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. You can place your carts outside any time after 5:00 p.m. the night before.

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. 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.

What can I put in my carts?
All previously acceptable regular trash and waste can be placed in the new carts. All trash should be bagged as normal and then placed within the garbage cart. All recyclables should be placed loosely in each cart. You should not bag your recyclables! 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 carts will be collected. Additionally, be sure to always break down your cardboard boxes.

You can easily learn more about what you can and cannot recycle with our recycling search tool.

How often will collection occur?
Recyclable materials are picked up every other week, whereas garbage is picked up weekly. Keep track of your schedule to avoid missing collection and overfilling your carts. You can find your collection schedule dropped off with your carts. Or, you can always find your garbage and recycling collection schedules on our website.

We want to thank you for helping us make Sheboygan safer, cleaner, and greener through the support of the automated garbage and recycling program! If you have any questions about the new program, please contact us or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.