Council committee debates alternatives for yard-waste collection as department seeks levy reductions

The Department of Public Works presented several alternatives for Wauwatosa’s yard-waste collection program as part of the department’s effort to meet department levy-reduction targets ahead of the upcoming budget cycle.

Operations Superintendent Jason Blasiola and Business Manager Kristen Kilstock described current service levels and costs: the city’s curbside yard-waste program runs 26 weeks (April–October) and averages about 13 curbside collections per household per year; the crews collected nearly 1,500 tons at the curb last year and the drop-off center received roughly 1,700 tons. Current rules include a 50-pound weight limit per container and a 10-bag or bundled-branch limit for curbside collection. Staff said they use rear-load “packer” trucks (model years cited as 2005–2007) and that operating and repair costs for yard-waste collection this past year amounted to about $27,000 for fuel and repairs; crews drive roughly 213 miles per week on collection routes.

Staff presented five alternatives and estimated savings and tradeoffs: - No change: retain the current 26-week, curbside program (most convenient for residents; no immediate levy reduction from service change). - Reduced season (Option 1): move curbside pickup to May–August (about nine collections rather than 13) and open the drop-off center for free; staff estimated reduced driving of about 1,700 miles annually, a fuel reduction of roughly 600 gallons and a program cost reduction of approximately $56,000 per year, while noting truck replacement remains unfunded. - Spring-and-fall pickups (Option 2): one curbside pickup in spring and one in fall; staff estimated larger mileage and fuel reductions (figures presented in the staff packet) and smaller annual program savings, but said tonnage uncertainty could complicate routing for a single-day collection model. - Hybrid subscription model (Option 3): free spring curbside pickup for all residents, then optional subscription-based curbside collection the rest of the season (estimated subscription fee between $50 and $100 depending on participation). Staff estimated subscription fees could help finance replacement trucks and reduce general-fund costs; staff modeled an example with roughly 5,000 subscribers and estimated possible program and capital savings spread across subscription revenue. - Eliminate curbside collection (Option 4): maintain drop-off center only; staff estimated the largest direct program savings but noted equity concerns for residents unable to transport yard waste and potential operational impacts on the drop-off center.

Council members and public commenters raised concerns about equity and convenience, the needs of elderly residents, and the difficulty of performing seasonal cleanups with a single-day collection plan. Resident Luann Washburn said she is converting turf to native plantings and relies on frequent yard-waste pickup; she said a single spring or fall collection would be “almost impossible” for some residents.

Committee members discussed trucks’ capital needs; staff said the rear-load trucks are aging and replacement has not been budgeted because prior capital allocations prioritized automated garbage trucks. Staff asked for guidance on options to pursue further; committee members expressed interest in reduced-season options and requested more detailed cost modeling, a possible monthly schedule alternative, and additional data on household participation and route efficiencies. No formal action was taken; staff will return with refined estimates.