Garbage and Recycling

RECYCLING CHARGE

In an effort to close the yearly budget deficit gap, the Common Council adopted Ordinance #01-26 on January 13, 2026. This ordinance created a special charge on the property tax bill, pursuant to Wis Stats. §66.0627(2), to be collected annually by the City.
The 2027 annual charge is $74.40 per residential unit, including multi-family dwellings of four or less residential units ($6.20 per month times 12 months).
The special charge only applies to residential properties including multi-family dwellings of four or less residential units. It does not apply to vacant lots, commercial units, or multi-family dwellings containing five or more residential units; these properties are responsible for arranging and paying for their own garbage and recycling services.
To see the anticipated charge for your parcel, please click the “Recycling Charge Look Up” link to the right.
If you believe there is an error on with the anticipated charge to your parcel, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 920-361-5400.

Garbage and Recycling Pick Up Information

The City of Berlin contracts with Waste Management for residential trash and recycling services for the entire city. Each residence is allotted two carts, one 95-gallon for trash and one 65-gallon for recycling. Volumes are restricted to what can fit inside the carts with the lids closed.

Pick up is on Thursdays for all homes in the city. If there is an observed holiday, service will be delayed 1 day throughout the reminder of the week. See the Waste Management Calendar for details.

Carts must be curbside by 7:00 a.m. This is a fully automated service so carts must be placed on the terrace area behind the curb at least three feet apart, as noted on the cans, the lids facing the street, and handles towards the dwelling.

Report a Missing, Broken or Damaged Cart
Visit https://www.wm.com/us/en/support and select “Container Help and Info” then “Missing or Damaged”

Moving?
If you are moving into a home in Berlin and want to receive residential trash and recycling services, first check if the home is currently receiving services. As long as the home is receiving pickup, services will remain. You can contact Waste Management Customer Service at 1-888-960-0008 to update the residential contact information for your address.

If the home is a new build and has not yet received garbage or recycling carts, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 920-361-5400 to get carts delivered to the new address. After you receive your carts, contact Waste Management Customer Service at 1-888-960-0008 to update the residential contact information for your new address.

If you are moving out of a home in Berlin there is no need to discontinue residential trash and recycling services. The City of Berlin contracts with Waste Management and the home should remain on the pickup route.

Curbside garbage and recycling pick-up questions, contact:

Waste Management
1-888-960-0008 Customer Service