Overview

Automated trash and recycling collection has been a great success for the City of Janesville's Public Works Department since its implementation in April of 2013.  Several benefits of the program are outlined below:

• The total quantity of recyclable materials collected increased by 44 percent in the program's first year, resulting in less waste in the sanitary landfill.
• The total operating costs for trash and recycling collection have been reduced.
• Lost-time injuries and worker's compensation claims have been significantly reduced for collection operators.
• Collection efficiencies have improved.
• This project allowed the City a chance to provide additional education to residents and businesses on the importance of recycling, as well as the items that should be recycled.
• The use of GPS on collection vehicles has improved the City's ability to address collection issues and "missed" stops with more efficiency.

2014 Excellence in Wisconsin Recycling Award for Projects and Initiatives

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) presented the 2014 Excellence in Wisconsin Recycling Award for Projects and Initiatives to the City of Janesville in October of 2014 for the implementation of the automated sanitation collection program. 

In the award application letter, the City Manager, Mark Freitag, composed:

 "I firmly believe that it is crucial for City leaders to make decisions that will create a more sustainable future for our citizens.  We have the ability to promote and foster efforts to minimize our environmental impact and develop a culture that reduces waste and promotes reuse and recycling.  The City of Janesville remains committed to maximizing recycling efforts throughout the community in order to protect our environment, conserve energy, and promote an overall reduction in waste.  Our conversion to an automated collection system has been a great step towards achieving these City principles."

The City of Janesville thanks its residents for their continued support of our efforts to improve our community!  Our success is dependent on our residents' commitment to our goals.

Where do I place my carts on collection days? 

All carts must be placed either in the curb line or immediately adjacent to the curb line. If on-street parking is allowed on your side of the street, you may place your cart in the street with the wheels against the curb. This is the preferred location. If placing carts in the street will obstruct traffic, they should instead be placed at the end of your driveway or on the terrace within one foot the curb. In all cases, make sure the arrows on your cart’s lid point toward the street and your cart is at least three feet from any fixed objects such as mailboxes, trees, street lights or parked vehicles. Please leave a two to three foot gap between carts placed next to each other.

The picture below depicts where you should place your cart on collection days. Please keep about three feet between your carts.

Please make sure your cart isn't blocked by a parked car, is tilted or too close to a tree or mailbox.

Can I put bags or my regular trash cans next to the carts?

No. The carts are specifically designed to be used with an automated collection system. You must use the carts supplied by the City. All trash and recyclables must be placed inside the designated carts. The lids on the carts must be substantially closed. If trash and recyclables are not inside their correct cart, the items cannot be collected. 

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