South Milwaukee Privatizes Garbage Pickup, Adds New Fee

Alderman worries new garbage fee could impact upcoming library referendum

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:06am

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The South Milwaukee Common Council voted 5-2 to have Johns Disposal take over the city's garbage collection starting June 30. The new agreement will cost residents $164.40 per year per household, with a 2.95% annual increase starting in 2028. Alderman Tim Backes, one of two votes against the proposal, is concerned the new garbage fee could negatively impact an upcoming referendum to increase funding for the city's library.

Why it matters

South Milwaukee's decision to privatize garbage collection and add a new fee for residents comes just weeks before a referendum vote on increasing funding for the city's library. Some officials worry the additional cost burden on residents could make them less likely to support the library referendum.

The details

Under the new agreement, Johns Disposal will take over South Milwaukee's garbage collection and increase recycling pickup to weekly. The city will sell three of its garbage trucks to Johns and residents will pay an annual $164.40 fee, subject to a 2.95% increase starting in 2028. Residents will also continue paying an $81 annual recycling fee. The change is being driven by the city's desire to qualify for a $400,000 annual state innovation grant.

  • On March 17, the South Milwaukee Common Council voted 5-2 to approve the garbage privatization deal.
  • The new agreement with Johns Disposal will go into effect on June 30, 2026.
  • On April 7, 2026, South Milwaukee residents will vote on a referendum to increase funding for the city's library.

The players

Jay Shambeau

South Milwaukee's interim City Administrator, who said the garbage privatization deal is a way for the city to qualify for a state innovation grant.

Tim Backes

A South Milwaukee alderman who voted against the garbage privatization proposal, citing concerns that the new fee could negatively impact the upcoming library referendum.

Michal Olechowski

The other South Milwaukee alderman who voted against the garbage privatization proposal.

Dan Ratajski

South Milwaukee's street superintendent, who told the council the garbage privatization would free up city workers to focus on other priorities.

Johns Disposal

The private company that will take over South Milwaukee's garbage collection and recycling services.

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What they’re saying

“Ultimately it's a problem that's going to have to be resolved in Madison, as the state's outdated and damaging revenue sharing model continues to hurt cities like ours.”

— Tim Backes, South Milwaukee Alderman

“I have major concerns that the chances of that referendum passing were dealt a severe blow with this vote. I am still hopeful for and will continue to advocate for [the referendum's] passage, but it's difficult for me to begrudge people a 'no' now with this additional fee being added.”

— Tim Backes, South Milwaukee Alderman

What’s next

The South Milwaukee library referendum will be on the ballot for voters on April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

South Milwaukee's decision to privatize garbage collection and add a new fee for residents has raised concerns that the additional cost burden could make voters less likely to support an upcoming referendum to increase funding for the city's library, which currently offers the least hours of any library in Milwaukee County.