Updated: John’s Disposal awarded contract in Wisconsin

Whitewater, Wisconsin-based John’s Disposal Service Inc. has been awarded a residential refuse and recycling collection and disposal contract for the city of Waukesha, Wisconsin. This decision comes as the city’s current contract with WM is set to expire March 28, 2025.

In preparation for the contract expiration, the city initiated a request for proposal process to identify a suitable contractor. 

“Through an objective evaluation of the proposals submitted to the city, it was determined that the proposal from John’s Disposal was the most advantageous based on a combination of qualifications and price," says Dustin Nolan, recycling and solid waste coordinator for the city of Waukesha.

The initial contract term is six years, beginning March 31, 2025, and concluding March 28, 2031.

“The city has been satisfied with the quality of work Waste Management has been doing, and this decision was not because of any problems with the current service," Nolan adds. "It is often underestimated, but picking up the garbage and recycling is a challenging job. It is hard work. We are very appreciative of the efforts by the drivers from Waste Management. They have helped contribute to the good quality of life we enjoy here in Waukesha.”

The city of Waukesha has approximately 20,000 households eligible for city contracted refuse and recycling services and will be John's Disposal's largest account to date, the waste hauler reports.

“Our team is extremely excited to add the city of Waukesha into our family of communities that we serve,” John’s Disposal General Manager Dan Jongetjes says. “We recognize that it will be our largest account, but based on our success in New Berlin, [Wisconsin], we’re confident we’ll be able to serve the city very well with the team that we have in place.

“The city couldn’t be in a better location for John’s [because] it is in the heart of our service area,” he adds.

John’s Disposal has served the city of New Berlin, Wisconsin, since January 2022.

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Under the new contract, residents will receive new waste and recycling carts, with options to select different sizes. The city of Waukesha says additional details on the process will be provided in the future, and collection schedules largely will remain unchanged, though there may be minor adjustments. Proper notice will be given to any properties with schedule changes, the city says.

Bulky item and appliance pickup services will no longer be included automatically with weekly pickups. Instead, John’s Disposal will offer on-demand pickup at the resident’s expense.

Jongetjes says John’s Disposal will do its best to keep collection days the same but that exact pickup times may change.

The city of Waukesha will provide ongoing information about the waste and recycling transition through its website.

This article was updated Aug. 14 to add comments from John's Disposal and the city of Waukesha.