The Racine Department of Public Works (DPW) is a collection of divisions that provide a direct service to the residents of the City of Racine including solid waste, recycling, street maintenance, snow and ice control, spring and fall leaf collection, and traffic operations. Additionally, DPW maintains infrastructure consisting of asphalt and concrete pavement, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer. Most recently, DPW constructed a new transfer station and drop off center at 6300 21st Street for residents' use.
Recycling is collected every other week using the Blue Cart. Additional recycling carts are available for purchase.
Look up your collection date using our online tool.
Set Out Instructions
Carts must be at the collection point (alley line or curb line) by 7 AM on designated pickup dates.
Carts must be returned to the storage area by 10 PM. (Winter pickups for garbage and recycling routes may be postponed due to winter weather. In this situation, leave the cart(s) at the collection point until emptied.)
Recyclables may be loose within the cart.
Residents may place excess recyclables that will not fit inside the cart in additional clear blue 42 gallon bags outside their FULL recycling cart.
Residents are allowed to place broken down cardboard, either boxed, bundled, or tied not to exceed 4’ in length or width, and 3’ in height, outside their FULL recycling cart.
Businesses MUST have all Recyclable materials inside a cart. Materials outside the carts will not be collected. To obtain additional carts, please call Customer Service at 262-636-9171 between 8 AM and 4 PM on work days. Some residents may be eligible for special collection if they are unable to physically move their carts. To apply for a special collection, have your physician fill out the Special Collections form, and return it to the solid waste division to the address on the form.
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