Sheboygan DPW cuts hours at Recycling Center, eliminates neighborhood service
Sheboygan's Public Works Director Travis Peterson doesn't answer questions
SHEBOYGAN — First neighborhood clean-up days were eliminated and now, hours are being reduced at the city’s Resident Recycling Center.
The City of Sheboygan Department of Public Works (DPW) has imposed new hours at the drop-off site at 2026 New Jersey Avenue, effective on Monday, August 4th. The center will open at 8 AM everyday except Sunday when it is closed. It will close at 3 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It will remain open until 6 PM on Wednesdays and 4 PM on Saturdays.
The pervious operating hours were more simple with the Resident Recycling Center being open between 8 AM and 6 PM weekdays and 8 AM and 4 PM on Saturdays.
DPW Director Travis Peterson could not be reached for comment on why the hours have been reduced. He is among other top city officials who have chosen to ignore questions from citizens and reporters regarding city operations. Since opening in 1992, the drop-off site has had many transformations due to budgetary or regulatory concerns. Operating hours have largely remained the same though the years.
No more neighborhood dumpsters
Since being appointed the city’s Public Works Director last summer, Peterson has eliminated neighborhood clean-up days. In 2019, DPW launched the Neighborhood Large Item Disposal Program. Former Mayor Mike Vandersteen believed that it was a meaningful and successful program because it gave the residents an outlet to dispose of large items.
In 2024, there were 15 Dumpster Days held by neighborhood associations. While cost is not the primary factor as to why this service was eliminated this year, Peterson said in March that his department has the responsibility to provide services in the most cost-effective manner as possible. The cost for providing the neighborhood dumpster service in 2024 was nearly $9,000. The city’s new Large Item Collection events this year at the Municipal Service Building is estimated to cost $15,700.
READ MORE: City of Sheboygan to hold free disposal events
Residents have complained about long wait-times along with traffic impacts along New Jersey Avenue. Three more Large Item Collection events are planned for August 16th, September 20th and October 18th at 2026 New Jersey Avenue.
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