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Wausau, WI Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum pickup frequency
Once per week
Recycling frequency
Every two weeks, same day
Earliest start time
5:45 a.m.
Nonresidential service
City provides none; owner must hire hauler
General penalty range
$10.00 to $1,000.00 per violation

Summary

Wausau collects residential solid waste at least once a week on a schedule set by the City-authorized collector, with recycling picked up every other week on the same day. Collection can't start before 5:45 a.m., and the City provides no service to nonresidential property.

(a)Residential units. Residential solid waste shall be collected not less than once per week from all residential units according to a schedule set by the collector and approved by the City. ... Recyclables shall be collected at least once every two weeks on the same day scheduled for collection of residential solid waste. Collection shall not commence before 5:45 a.m.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

010. 020(b) makes clear the City provides no collection service to commercial or other nonresidential property, and owners must arrange and pay for their own collection and disposal in compliance with City ordinances and health regulations. 24. The current schedule and collector authorization stem from Ord. No. 61-6011, § 1, adopted March 24, 2026, which replaced the City's prior solid-waste chapter dating to a series of ordinances from 1994 through 2015.

Violations & Fines

Section 6.44.020(a)'s weekly-schedule requirement is not among the sections singled out for enhanced penalties in § 6.44.140(c)(1), so a violation falls under the chapter's general penalty in § 6.44.140(c)(2): a forfeiture of not less than $10.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each offense, in addition to any citation the City issues for a related nuisance under Chapter 9.24.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Wausau pick up residential trash?
At least once a week. Wausau Municipal Code § 6.44.020(a) requires the City's authorized collector to service every residential unit not less than once per week, on a schedule the collector sets and the City approves.
How often is recycling collected in Wausau?
Every other week. Section 6.44.020(a) schedules recyclables for pickup at least once every two weeks, on the same day as that week's residential solid waste collection.
What time can trash trucks start running in Wausau?
Not before 5:45 a.m. Section 6.44.020(a) expressly bars collection from commencing earlier than that hour.
Does the City collect trash from businesses in Wausau?
No. Section 6.44.020(b) states the City is not responsible for collection at nonresidential property; business and commercial property owners must arrange and pay for their own solid waste and recycling collection.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wausau

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsHoliday Pickup ScheduleLight RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Wausau rules

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