Garbage and Recycling

Hello Tomah! Meet Your Totes

The City of Tomah has transitioned to a TWO TOTE automated system for garbage and recycling. The tote with the yellow lid is for garbage only. The tote with a black lid is for recycling only and must be separated from normal garbage.

Basic Information

• The tote with the YELLOW LID is only for garbage!!
• The tote with the BLACK LID is only for recycling!!
• Garbage and recycling are on separate days.
• Garbage is every week.
• Recycling is every other week.
• There are three zones: ZONE 1, ZONE 2 and ZONE 3. Please refer to the Garbage/Recycling Zones attachment below to determine your zone.
• Additional totes are available for purchase. Please refer to the "How to purchase an additional tote" below. 

Tips On How to Place Totes Out: 

• Place tote out by 7:00 a.m.
• Place tote 3 feet away from any object - ex.- cars, mailbox etc.
• Do not place tote under tree branches.
• Lid must be completely shut.
• Arrows should point towards the road.
• Place tote at end of driveway, if possible, or in boulevard area, within 1 foot from curb line.
• Clearing snow after each snowfall will make it easier to move your tote to its collection point. Tote should sit flat and not placed on a snow bank.
• Do not place totes in street.
• Recycling should not be bagged; items need to be placed loosely in tote.

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to place, deposit, or cause to be deposited, for collection by the City or the City's contractor, any waste or refuse not generated within the limits of the City of Tomah.

Additional Totes

Additional garbage tote(s) can be purchased for $70 + tax + prorated tipping fee*.

Every year following, the City of Tomah will send an annual tipping fee invoice - *$5/week = $260. This bill needs to be paid in full within 30 days of receipt. Failure to make payment will result in the City of Tomah removing tote from property.

Additional recycling tote(s) can be purchased for $70 + tax.

Totes can be sold back to the City of Tomah at a depreciated price. 

Excess garbage & recycling, which does not fit into your tote, may be taken to Modern Disposal. Please call them to find cost and fees that may apply. Modern Disposal is located at 800 Townline Rd., Tomah. They can be reached at 608-372-7897.