Household Garbage and Recycling

Household and Curbside Recycling Collection Change

Due to the fire at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) which handles our recycling materials, Johns Disposal, our recycling and garbage hauler, is making some emergency changes to the collection times. Due to operational changes needed to accommodate hauling our recycling materials to a different MRF, collection times will change to begin as early as 6:00 a.m. for the automated collection. Up-the-Drive (UTD) collection will remain at 7:00 a.m. Please have both your garbage and recycling containers out for collection the night before your service day to accommodate these changes.  

Where to Dispose of Batteries
Do NOT place batteries or electronics in your curbside recycling carts, as they may cause a fire if damaged by equipment in recycling trucks or facilities. Only car and boat batteries are accepted at the City of Pewaukee Recycling Center.

Small alkaline batteries, such as AA, AAA, and D, may be placed in a clear plastic bag and put in your trash container. Other types/sizes of batteries have materials, including mercury, lithium, cadmium, lead and acids, that have the potential to be hazardous waste and should be treated as such. If these batteries are burned or landfilled, the heavy metals in them can be released into the environment. 

To find a drop-off location in your area for rechargeable or other batteries, visit Call2Recycle.org or call 1-877-2-RECYCLE. Many retailers participate in this non-profit program to recycle rechargeable batteries and have collection boxes in their stores.

Disposal of Fresh (LIVE) Holiday Trees & Decorations 
To avoid spreading potentially infested fresh holiday decorations (fresh boughs/evergreen), Johns Disposal requests that you first bag and seal them and then place them in your trash container for pick up.  

Disposal of fresh Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Recycling Center, provided ALL decorations, lights, tinsel, etc. have been completely removed.

General Information on Garbage and Recycling Pick-up for the City of Pewaukee
John’s Disposal Website (Pewaukee page)
Informational Flyer to City Residents
John's Disposal Garbage Collection Schedule 2025
FAQs
Special Hardship Policy
Special Hardship Form

Waukesha County Recycling Information
Curbside Recycling
Disposal Options
Household Hazardous Waste

Waukesha County - Small Propane Cylinder Information
News Release
Safety Awareness
Small Propane Cylinder Disposal Sites