Proper Cart Placement

Carts along the curb

Residents receiving city-sponsored collections are provided with either 65 gallon or 95 gallon disposal receptacles. Proper cart placement is the first step in insuring your cart is collected. Refuse and recycle carts must be curbside by 7 a.m. on your collection day and should not be set out earlier than noon of the previous day. Carts should be placed at the end of your driveway or on the terrace. Please do not place your cart in the street or gutter area or on a sidewalk or bike path. During the winter months, please do not place your carts on top of snow banks.

Please allow four feet between your cart and other objects (mailboxes, other carts, etc.), and 10 feet from parked cars on the street. Lids need to close on the cart to be picked up, overflowing carts can result in the material spilling into the street and may not be collected. Call 608-837-3050 with any questions.

If you wish to receive additional refuse or recycle carts, please call Pellitteri at 608-257-4285.

If you find one of these tags on your cart or notice them around your neighborhood, here are some things to know about them:

  • If you are tagged, this does not mean your cart will not be emptied.
  • They are put on carts to serve as a reminder that it is a violation of City Ordinance 8.20.150.1 to put carts in the street or block the gutter.
  • Proper cart placement is especially critical during the winter months. Keeping the street and gutters free from carts helps us plow close to the curb, helps eliminate cart damage, helps water run through the gutters as snow melts, etc. It also helps during warmer months for street sweeping.
  • If you place your carts at the end of the driveway, make sure they are far enough back so they are not blocking the curb line and gutter. The cart collection trucks can reach 4 - 5 feet behind the face of the curb.
  • In the winter you may need to shovel a portion of your terrace to appropriately place your carts.
  • Repeat violations of a city ordinance can result in citations.
Orange Cart Tag

Refuse & Recycle Cart Storage

Refuse and recycle carts must be stored after collections occur. If a residence has three or more collection carts, you are required to store your collection carts inside or have them fully screened outside as to not be visible from adjoining properties. If you have three or more collection carts, but only have two outside, no screening is required. Screening can be in the form of landscaping or an enclosure. If you are required to screen your carts, and have questions about what is required, please contact the City's Public Works Department at 608-837-3050.

If a residence only has two collection carts, there are no mandatory requirements regarding where or how carts are stored. City Council encourages community members to consider making room in your garage to store collection carts, or to locate them in a more discrete place on the side of your home. The council has recognized that the size of the carts may make inside storage difficult for some residential homes. If only one cart is able to be stored inside, this effort can have a positive impact on how our neighbors maintain their property. Residents are encouraged to not store collection carts in the front of their home.