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Oconomowoc staff and council discuss trash contract options, bulk pickup and yard‑waste service with John’s Disposal
Summary
City staff reviewed the existing contract with John’s Disposal, discussed a no‑cost twice‑monthly appointment bulk pickup option, acceptance of televisions, ongoing yard‑waste collection frequency and potential longer contracts to lock prices. Council asked staff to trial service changes and return with details.
City of Oconomowoc staff reviewed the city’s current garbage and recycling contract and possible service changes on Oct. 7, and council members raised options to reduce curbside clutter and improve customer service.
Why it matters: Solid‑waste collection is a recurring household cost and a visible city service. Aging equipment, operator safety for bulky items, and the need for scheduled pickups affect resident satisfaction and the city’s budgeting for collection services.
Jason (city staff) told the committee the city has a multi‑year relationship with John’s Disposal dating to 2015 and has extended the contract in mid‑2025; the current extension runs through June 2026. He summarized the company’s operational challenges collecting large bulky items with side‑loader trucks and the safety/efficiency tradeoffs the hauler faces.
John’s Disposal has proposed an option allowing residents to call in advance for a bulk pickup twice a month at no extra cost; the company would schedule a truck that can collect multiple bulk items safely and could take older televisions. Jason characterized that proposal as a service‑change (no increase in city cost) that would require residents to call ahead so the hauler can send the appropriate vehicle.
On yard waste, John’s Disposal currently provides about 20 collections a year using brown paper bags; staff said that system is among the more convenient models they’ve seen but that the hauler asked for flexibility during higher‑demand periods to add extra runs.
Council members asked practical questions: how much notice to request a call‑in pickup (Jason said a day’s notice is workable but same‑day pickups could be difficult), whether large home‑remodel projects could be abused by unlimited removal, and whether a local drop‑off site for bulky materials would be helpful. John’s Disposal representatives had planned to attend but did not appear; staff said the company had offered the twice‑monthly call‑in solution and would continue to work with the city.
Staff recommended exploring a trial of the call‑in bulk pickup program starting in early 2026 and continuing discussions about a longer contract (potentially 5–10 years) to secure pricing and service stability. The committee did not adopt a formal change on Oct. 7; staff were directed to seek details for a trial (scheduling, notice window, allowable items and communications to residents) and return to the council with an implementation plan.
Supporting details: Jason said that the city’s current contract sets bulky pickup at “one bulk item per week” without prior scheduling; the proposed call‑in option would permit multiple items when a special truck is scheduled. Staff also noted the hauler’s willingness to collect older televisions (tube TVs) after an operational review and to consider adjustments to recycling frequency and yard‑waste pickups if the council directs further study.
Next steps: Staff will work with John’s Disposal to scope a trial call‑in service, create public guidance about acceptable items and notice periods, and report back with costs and operational details before the contract end in June 2026.
