On October 21, the Wauwatosa Financial Affairs voted 6-1 to move forward in 2027 with a modified free collection and subscription model for yard waste collection. This is not the final decision. The full Wauwatosa Common Council will have the opportunity to review and modify the program.
Here’s what that means:
Modified Free Collection Details:
- Every residence can participate in a free curbside collection once in May and once in mid to late Summer.
- Residents would be allowed to set out items like they do now, with the option of using a self-provided container or bags.
- These two collections are free, and there is no specific cart required.
Subscription Service Details
- For an annual fee of $50, residents can receive bi-weekly collection (on the opposite weeks of recycling). This would total eight collections per year.
- Subscribers would be required to use a 96-gallon yard waste cart, which would be provided and maintained by the City as part of the annual fee.
- Your yard waste material would be placed in the cart(s), plus the option to put out an additional five bags or bundles outside of the cart.
Drop Off Center for free
Wauwatosa residents could drop off yard waste material at the Drop Off Center for free. (This currently has a fee.)
What are the positive outcomes of the proposed yard waste collection changes?
- Yard waste disposal at Drop-off Center will now be free for residents
- Subscription is optional, so no additional cost to those who don’t want the service
- Subscribers would have yard waste carts that would be maintained by the City
- Subscription fees would perpetually pay for carts and the replacement of allocated costs of trucks, labor, and fuel
- Reduction in annual truck distance driven by approximately 3,750 miles
- Reduced likelihood for workplace injuries due to reduced number of collection cycles and increased cart utilization
These changes are projected to save Wauwatosa taxpayers approximately $272,703 per year, primarily through reduced staff time (funded by the storm utility or subscribers), avoided truck replacement costs, and lower diesel fuel expenses.
The Financial Affairs vote also means two things: yard waste collection will stay the same in 2026, and the City will use contingency funds to cover the cost of continuing those services for 2026, which is approximately $67,000.
Want to provide feedback?
Contact your elected officials by Tuesday, Nov. 18, when the budget is anticipated to be adopted. Public comment will be unavailable during the Tuesday, Nov. 18 Common Council meeting.
