Garbage Cart Information

Purchase a City-Issued Garbage Cart

Visit the Purchasing Portal to buy a garbage cart. We offer the official 96-gallon garbage cart, and you may have up to two garbage carts per household. (You may also have up to two City recycling carts per household, as well).


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Ordinance Change - Why We're Standardizing All Carts

An ordinance change was passed on November 16, 2021, to standardize the garbage carts to be used by households for garbage collection services provided by the City.  The ordinance will be in effect as of June 1, 2022. Under this ordinance change, residential properties will be required to have an approved garbage container cart purchased from the Department of Public Works. 

On November 16, 2021, the Common Council approved the City’s 2022 proposed budget which included an initiative on garbage and recycling for the City. Mayor Dan Devine’s Budget Message identified these five (5) Quality of Life Initiatives for 2022: 

                1. Reckless Driving Deterrence Campaign 

                2. Enforcement and Nuisance Control Activities 

                3. Neighborhood Lighting Program 

                4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Activities 

                5. Pilot Program for Garbage/Recycling Collection 

Under the second initiative, Enforcement and Nuisance Control Activities, one of the goals is to standardize the variety of garbage carts used by households for garbage collection services. An ordinance change was passed on November 16, 2021, to standardize the garbage carts to be used by households. The ordinance will be in effect as of June 1, 2022.  

Under this ordinance change, residential properties would be required to have an approved garbage cart purchased from the Department of Public Works. The Department of Public Works shall offer to all customers eligible for garbage collection by the Department an official 96-gallon cart for purchase starting January 1, 2022. The purchase price for these carts between January 1, 2022, and May 31, 2022, will be 50% of the actual cost per cart. Regular pricing for these carts, as identified, will be full price on or after June 1, 2022.

Regular pricing for these carts, as identified, will be full price on or after June 1, 2022. 

FAQ

1. Why is the City doing this? 

The City is standardizing all carts to provide a streamlined and more efficient garbage collection much like what was done when standardized recycling carts were issued in 2017. The carts will help deter wildlife and boost curb appeal. 

 2. What if I recently bought a garbage cart at full price?  

The City has offered garbage cart sales in previous years. This sale is being offered now as Mayor Devine is seeking quick compliance of this initiative. The City does not make revenue from these purchases and no residential taxes are being increased to fund this initiative. 

3. Why does my current cart need to be replaced?

A standardized cart will make collection faster and more efficient and reduce bodily stress and injury to our Public Works crews. 

4. Where will the new cart be delivered? 

New carts will be delivered in front of residents’ homes. Even if your garbage is normally collected in the alley, you can expect to receive your new cart curbside. 

5. What do I do with my old cart? 

Residents are encouraged to repurpose their old garbage carts whenever possible. Possible uses include storage for yard and garden equipment, compost, rainwater collection, storage for pet supplies, storage for sports equipment, and storage for firewood. Residents can also have their garbage carts recycled at the City Dump located at 6300 W. McGeoch Ave.  If you purchase the cart online, there is an option on the form to have Public Works remove your old cart(s) for free when they deliver the new cart.

6. Do I need to use garbage bags? 

Yes. This helps prevent litter, helps to not attract wildlife, and helps keep our neighborhoods clean. This also helps the cart have a long service life. 

7. Will Public Works take any garbage not in the container? 

Public Works crews may take up to 1 cubic yard of garbage that is bagged outside of the cart. 

8. I have the old-style cart or the new style cart.  Do I need to purchase a new one?

If you do not have a CITY ISSUED cart you will be REQUIRED to purchase one per ordinance. This sale is an opportunity for anyone to purchase an additional cart but also to inform those who do not have one that they need to get one. If those properties do not comply then the cart will be delivered and the property owner will be billed full price. 

9. What happens if a property owner doesn't conform to this?

If those properties do not comply then the cart will be delivered and the property owner will be billed full price.