Shorewood to offer village recycling carts to four-unit buildings to comply with state administrative code

The Public Works Committee recommended the village contact owners of six four-unit buildings and offer the same biweekly recycling service provided to other residential properties so Shorewood complies with a Department of Natural Resources administrative-code clarification that defines residential properties as four units or fewer.

Presenter Lianne Bujlik told trustees the DNR’s updated draft ordinance requires municipalities to treat four-unit properties as eligible for recycling grants and service. "You must do 4 units or less to be in compliance with the administrative code and eligible for your recycling grant," she said.

DPW staff said they will offer a cart to each residential unit and that owners must follow current rules for alley storage — carts must be stored outside the alley and placed at the alley line for collection. Staff cautioned that some properties lack space in their side yards or alleys to store four carts; those owners may elect to remain with private providers or pursue site changes.

Trustees pressed for budget clarity and asked whether units could later opt out. Staff said owners may decline initially and tenants’ complaints could trigger follow-up and enforcement under the administrative code; the transcript did not provide a definitive monthly budget figure for adding the six properties.

The full code revision will return to the village board, likely in March, after staff contact property owners and follow administrative procedures.