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Board approves municipal-code updates to align recycling rules with Wisconsin DNR
Summary
Marshfield's Board of Public Works approved updates to chapter 12 of the municipal code to reflect Wisconsin DNR administrative-code revisions (effective July 1, 2025) and directed staff to draft an ordinance for common council consideration; changes add definitions, identify unacceptable wastes and update collection rules with an April 30, 2026 compliance deadline.
The Marshfield Board of Public Works approved proposed updates to chapter 12 of the municipal code to align the city's solid-waste and recycling rules with revisions to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administrative code and directed staff to draft an ordinance for the Common Council.
Tim Reese, who presented the changes, said the DNR revised its administrative code effective July 1, 2025 and that the city must complete required ordinance updates by April 30, 2026. Reese told the board the packet includes the existing code, a redlined version and a clean version and that the city has completed initial educational and minimal-collection changes. The more substantial updates include adopting definitions that reflect the current use of carts rather than cans, adding a section identifying unacceptable waste, and updating Section 12-63 on preparation and collection of recyclable materials.
Board members raised implementation and outreach concerns. One member asked whether the city could alert property owners about correct cart use and lid closure to reduce overloaded or missed pickups. Another member flagged scheduling: because of the council meeting calendar, a single reading followed by a final reading close to the April 30 compliance deadline could leave little time for revisions and might require a special council session. When asked about apparent inconsistencies in lists of unacceptable items, staff clarified that some items (for example, lead-acid batteries) are recyclable but not in curbside carts and that Section 12-64 provides disposal guidance for batteries, appliances, oil and yard waste.
An unidentified participant told the board, "There isn't a citizen in Marshfield going to read this whole thing," urging clearer public communication. Reese said the city largely kept the DNR-provided recycling terminology because it ties to grant processes and that revised language will be submitted to the DNR for final approval.
The board moved, seconded and approved the proposed changes and directed staff to draft the required ordinance for council consideration.
