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Garbage and Recycling Collection Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Automated Collection?
A. Residents purchase their heavy duty garbage and /or recycling carts from the City. Residents
then place their cart(s) at the curb on their scheduled collection day. Garbage is collected every
week and recyclables are collected every other week. The automated vehicle is equipped with a
lifting mechanism that has a reach of 12 feet. The lift arm will grab the cart, empty the contents,
and return the cart back to the resident’s terrace or driveway apron. The operator controls the
operation from the driver’s seat. Within 12 hours after collection, the resident returns the cart back
to the proper point of storage on their property.
Q. What is Single Stream Recycling?
A. Single Stream Recycling refers to a system in which all paper fibers and plastic and glass
containers are mixed together in a collection truck, instead of being sorted into separate
commodities (non-shredded paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, etc.) Single Stream Recycling
eliminates the need for residents to separate recyclables.
Q. What is the estimated size of the carts?
A. 96 gallon: Length = 35.25 inches, Width = 29.75 inches, Height = 43.25 inches
64 gallon: Length = 31.75 inches, Width = 24.25 inches, Height = 41.75 inches
Q. Can I purchase my own carts at a local store?
A. NO. The carts must be compatible with the automated collection equipment. The
standardization of the carts allows for easy identification of garbage and recyclables for both
residents and collection crews. Carts are assigned to a specific address and have a serial number
hot stamped on the front that will aid in identifying a lost or stolen cart. Carts can be p urchased at
the Collections Counter at City Hall.
Q. Where should I place my carts on collection day?
A. Place your carts on your driveway apron or terrace so that they are three (3) feet away from
obstacles such as other carts, parked cars, mail boxes, utility poles, trees and other obstructions. If
the terrace is too narrow to place the cart without obstructing the sidewalk, place your cart on the
house edge of the sidewalk or driveway apron. Always place your carts so that the white
identification numbers are facing the street. This places the lid opening in the proper position for
emptying the carts. Winter placement of your carts is best on your driveway apron after you have
cleared it of snow. Carts can also be placed on a cleared area on the street side of your terrace.
DO NOT place your carts on top of a snow bank or on the sidewalk. Improperly placed carts will
not be collected.
Q. What if I have more garbage or recycling than will fit in the cart?
A. If a resident has an occasional need for extra garbage disposal, try one of the following
options:
• Check with a neighbor to see if they have extra room for your waste materials in their cart(s)
• Hold the excess waste materials for disposal on the next collection week
• Take waste for disposal to the Winnebago County Solid Waste/Recycling Transfer Station
(Landfill) (920) 232-1800, www.winnebagocountysolidwaste.com. Disposal fees may apply.
• Purchase an additional cart. Additional garbage or recycling carts may be purchased at
the Collections Counter at City Hall. Each additional garbage cart will be charged an
annual collection fee of $180.00. There are no restrictions on the number of recycling carts
collected per living unit.
• Items that do not fit into the cart may be scheduled as a Special Paid Pick up at the
Collections Counter at City Hall, 215 Church Avenue. Once scheduled, the item should be
placed at least 3 feet away from your carts on the terrace or driveway apron, no later than
5 am on your scheduled collection day.
Q. What is the cost to pick up large items that do not fit into my garbage cart?
A. Items that do not fit into the cart may be scheduled as a Special Paid Pick up at the Collection
Center at City Hall, 215 Church Avenue. Once scheduled, the item should be placed at least 3
feet away from your cart(s) on the terrace or driveway apron, no later than 5 am on your
scheduled collection day. The prepaid cost per item is as follows:
o $13—Metal items, such as storm doors, lawn mowers, grills, weight benches (weights
can be placed in the garbage cart)
o $15—Large items such as couches, toilets, dressers, carpeting (rolled and tied, no
larger than 4 feet in length and weighing less than 50 pounds), mattresses, box
springs
o $23—Appliances, such as microwaves, stoves, washers, dryers, dehumidifiers,
humidifiers, air conditioners, treadmills, refrigerators and freezers. Remove the doors
from the refrigerators and freezers.
Q. I have items advertised for free or for sale, can I leave them on the terrace or driveway apron
for pick up?
A. NO. The terrace and driveway apron cannot be used as a pick up location. Items out “for
sale” or for “free” should be placed on the house side of the sidewalk, either on the grass or on the
driveway. Any items on the terrace or driveway apron are presumed out for collection by the
Sanitation Division. If the items are not scheduled as a Special Paid Pick up, Sanitation personnel
will tag the item with a Violation Notice. The item must be removed by 5 am of the following work
day or the City will collect the item and a Violation Invoice will be issued for the cost of collection
(minimum $25 plus an administrative charge).
Q. What if I have a cart, but I want a different size?
A. At this time, there is no upgrade or exchange program. A different size garbage or recycling
cart may be purchased at the Collections Counter at City Hall as inventory permits. Only one
garbage cart will be collected per living unit, unless the $180.00 annual collection fee has been
paid. Additional recycling carts may also be purchased through the City. There is no restriction as
to the number of recycling carts collected per living unit. All carts remain the property of the
property owner. If desired, the City will take back the unwanted cart, but no credit or refund will
be given.
Q. What if I want an additional cart?
A. If a resident has a permanent need for weekly garbage disposal that is larger than the cart
they are currently using, an additional cart can be purchased through the City (at the Collections
Counter at City Hall). An annual collection fee of $180.00 per additional cart will be assessed.
Additional recycling carts may also be purchased through the City. Another option, residents can
take their extra garbage or recyclables to the Winnebago County Transfer Site located at 100
West County Road Y, (920) 232-1800.
Q. When can I set out my carts?
A. Carts must be set out for collection by 5:00 am on the scheduled collection day. Late set outs
will not be collected until your next scheduled collection. City ordinance states that solid waste
shall not be placed out for collection before 4 pm of the day preceding a regularly scheduled
collection day. Carts shall be returned to the proper point of storage on private property within
twelve (12) hours after collection.
Q. How does the Automated Collection Program address individuals who are physically unable to
move their carts to the curb?
A. The City of Oshkosh has an Exemption Service (ES) program to assist residents with disabilities.
Residents who are physically unable to place their carts at the curb, and have no one in their
household or employ that can help, may qualify for the City’s ES program at no additional cost.
Residents shall submit an annual application, verified by their doctor, stating they have a disability
that restricts them from moving their carts to the curb. Applications for the ES program are
available by calling the Sanitation Division at (920) 232-5383 or by visiting the Sanitation webpage,
www.oshkoshwi.gov/Sanitation
Q. Where can I store my carts?
A. Ideally, your carts should be stored in your garage. The storage area you choose should be
kept clean at all times. Please see the Garbage & Recycling Cart Storage Requirements on the
Sanitation webpage for proper storage diagrams.
• Carts cannot be stored on any side of a building that faces a public right-of-way except
alleys.
• Carts cannot be stored on, under, or alongside of a front porch, stoop, landing,
accessible ramp, or deck fronting on the public right-of-way.
• Carts cannot be stored within 15 feet of the public right-of-way except during collection
time periods.
Q. What can I put in the black garbage cart?
A. All regular household waste (no recyclable items). Shredded paper, Styrofoam packing
material, dried latex paint cans and hard plastic children’s toys must be placed inside the city
provided black garbage cart. The lid must be closed, and nothing may be placed on top of the
cart lid when it is set out for collection. Extra bags that have been scheduled as a Special Paid
Pick up must be placed on the ground at least 3 feet away from the cart. Do not exceed the 300
pound weight limit of the cart or the 50 pound weight limit for extra bags.
Q. What CANNOT be placed in the black garbage cart?
A. Examples include: Recyclables, grass and yard waste, appliances, electronics, tires, engine oil,
hazardous materials/chemicals, oil-based paint, batteries, antifreeze, dirt, rocks, concrete, and
asphalt shingles.
Q. Should I bag my recyclables before placing them in the blue recycling cart?
A. NO. Place all recyclables in the cart loosely.
Q. What can I put in the blue recycling cart?
A. In general, non-shredded paper, plastic (no bags or wrap), glass, and aluminum and metal
cans may be placed in the recycling cart. Recyclable food containers should be emptied and
rinsed before being placed in the recycling cart. Cardboard should be flattened and cut to fit in
the recycling cart (2 feet by 2 feet). The lid must be closed, and nothing may be placed on top of
the cart lid when it is set out for collection.
Q. What can NOT be placed in the blue recycling cart?
A. Plastic bags or wrap, shredded paper, garbage, clothing, yard waste, appliances, electronics,
hazardous materials or chemicals, paint, tires, batteries, antifreeze, engine oil, are all examples of
materials that are not allowed in the recycling cart. Please see the flyer for Electronics and other
items not picked up curbside on the Sanitation webpage for more information.
Q. Do I have to set my cart(s) out even if I don’t have much in it?
A. NO. Residents have the freedom to decide if their garbage or recycling cart has enough
material to be collected on designated collection days.
Q. What if my carts are missing?
A. Call the Sanitation Division office at (920) 232-5383. The Sanitation Division has a master list of
the carts that were delivered to each address. This list includes the serial number that is hot
stamped on the front. The serial number can assist you in tracking down your missing cart. If the
carts(s) are not recovered, you may file a police report. The replacement cost of new carts is the
responsibility of the property owner.
Q. Who maintains the carts?
A. The property owner/resident maintains the carts. The carts are built for the purpose of storing
garbage or recyclables and should be nearly maintenance free with normal wear and tear.
Q. If I move can I take my cart(s) with me to a new location?
A. YES. If you are the property owner, they are yours to keep and maintain. You can also leave
the carts for the new owner. It is unlikely that the carts could be used in other communities. If you
do move your carts to a new address within the city, please call the Sanitation Division office, (920)
232-5383, so that the cart numbers can be transferred to the new address in our files. Reminder, if
you rent, the carts belong to the property owner. Contact your landlord before moving the carts.
Q. Will I need to participate in the Automated Collection Program if I rent?
A. YES. The City collects from dwellings containing four (4) living units or less. The property owner
will choose the size and number of carts needed for the property. However, one (1) recycling cart
is required at each living unit. It is the responsibility of the landlord to coordinate and
communicate collection procedures with tenants.
Q. Is there a way to be notified of Sanitation updates and schedule changes?
A. YES. You may sign up for Sanitation division updates sent directly to your inbox. Send a blank
email to: specialcollections-subscribe-request@listserver.oshkoshwi.gov
Updated 1/20/2025