Frequently Asked Questions

Public Works

How do I reach DPW after hours?

If you have an emergency after hours, please call the non-emergency Police Department at 262-242-3500. Dispatch is in contact with the Department of Public Works, and can direct the response as required.

I think my mailbox may have been damaged by City plows. What is the City policy on repair of my mailbox?

The City of Mequon shall not be liable for damage to mailboxes and support structures as a result of objects, snow, sleet, ice, water or other precipitation thrown by City plow. If mailbox and/or support structures are physically struck by City owned and operated plow, the City of Mequon may at its option replace the damaged mailbox and/or support with a standard USPS approved steel mailbox and/or 4"x4" wood post and support. See USPS Mailbox Guidelines.

The maximum amount of compensation in lieu of replacement is $50.00.

Call the Highway Division at (262) 236-2913 or Email to report mailbox damage.  Please leave us your name, address, telephone number, and a brief description of damage.

The City has adopted a new mailbox replacement Ordinance with installation and safety guidelines. 

Will the City pick up my Christmas tree/Wreaths/Garland after the holidays?

The City actively picks up Christmas trees in the month of January.

The City will not pick up wreaths, garland or any decorations with wires in them. Regular garbage companies should be able to pick those up. Any questions please verify with them if they do.

I noticed a street light was burned out. Who do I call?

The City of Mequon owns and maintains a select number of street lights, generally located in the Mequon Business Park and in the Town Center area of Cedarburg Road.  If the street light outage is outside of those general boundaries, please check the We Energies website.  It has a simple navigation tool that can be used to identify an outage, which is typically addressed within 3 days. 
For the We Energies website for reporting an outage click here:

If the street light is not on the We Energies map: At night, call the Police Department at (262)242-3500. During the day, call the Highway Division at (262) 236-2913. Please give as good a description of the location as possible.

There is a dead animal/deer on our street. Will the City pick it up?

In most cases, the City can pick up dead animals. However, this only is done during regular business hours.

If the animal is a car killed deer, staff will report it to the contracted company for pick up. 

Some State and County roads, which the City does not own, have their own policies on picking up dead animals. We will report the locations to them.

Call the Highway Division to report the location - (262) 236-2913.

The roadside ditch is always wet. Can something be done to fix it?

Call the Highway Division. There may be a resolution to the problem, but not always. Discuss it with us. Some problems may be referred to the Engineering Department for study.

How does my garbage/recycle goods get picked up?

Residents are required to contract privately with a licensed hauler for refuse and recycle pickup. The licensed haulers are:

  • Compost Crusader LLC (262)394-6075
  • Curby's Compost Service (414) 445-4345
  • Eagle Disposal Inc (262) 895-4800 
  • GFL Environmental Inc (262) 679-0860
  • Ozaukee Disposal (262) 377-4640
  • State Disposal Services LLC (414) 489-1970
  • Waste Management (262) 251-4000
Does the City pick up brush and tree limbs from my home?

As of January 1, 2004 the City will no longer provide roadside brush pickup due to budget considerations.  Please check your local yellow pages for a list of providers under "Landscape Services" or "Tree Services".  The City cannot recommend a provider.

What must I do with grass clippings, leaves and similar yard waste?

The State does not allow these items in landfills; therefore your refuse hauler cannot take them. You can either have a private landscape contractor handle your needs or the City has a recycling site on Bonniwell Road (between Green Bay Road and Cedarburg Road), where you can take the material yourself. A $25.00 annual permit is needed and can be purchased in the Finance Department at City Hall. Please see the current Brush and Yard Waste Disposal Center Brochure for specific dates the site is open. 

I heard the City gives away wood chips and mulch. Where and how do I get some?

Wood chips and mulch, when available, can be picked up by any City homeowner at our brush-recycling site. See location under "grass clippings/yard waste." All you need is a driver's license to prove residency. 

Can I dispose of my own brush/tree limbs?

Yes, at the Bonniwell brush-recycling site.

Does the City have a hazardous waste program and what does it cover?

From the  Ozaukee County website.

Veolia ES Technical Solutions provides Wisconsin residents with a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop off point in Port Washington

**** OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ONLY on Mondays between 8am-5pm.
Please see the attached Veolia document and flyer.

I want a new driveway entrance. How do I arrange for a new driveway culvert?

The City must install a culvert if needed. Call the Highway Division at (262) 236-2913 for prices and procedure.

I am going to have my driveway paved (asphalt or concrete). What does my contractor or I need to know about what to do to match into the City road?

Call the Highway Division at (262) 236-2913. We will meet your contractor ahead of time to discuss any rules for them to follow.

Who can answer a question about the gravel shoulder, potholes and/or road surface in my neighborhood?

Call the Highway Division at (262) 236-2913.

What are the City rules regarding snow emergencies?

There is no parking on City streets at any time of the year. This is especially important during snow emergencies. The Police Department can have your vehicle towed if it is in the way.

Who do I call about winter snow removal for City streets?

Call the Highway Division at (262) 236-2913

I noticed a traffic signal was burned out or not working. Who can repair it?

Call either the Police Department or the Highway Division at (262) 236-2913. We will determine jurisdiction and take care of the problem.

A street sign is missing or damaged. Who can get it fixed or replaced?

Call the Highway Division at (262) 236-2913. We will determine jurisdiction and take care of the problem.

I want to put in an electric dog fence. Any problem?

Please check with us. All installers should know not to get too close to the street.  Public utilities and the City can dig anywhere, anytime, and are not responsible for repairing your dog fence if it is installed too close to the existing road.

What is the City's noxious weeds program and where can I get information on it?

Call the Weed Commissioner at (262) 512-1297 for a copy of the current weed regulations or to file a written complaint.

I have a used appliance to dispose of. Where and how?

Information on the new disposal regulations for electronic recycling is available from the Wisconsin DNR.  Call your licensed garbage/recycling hauler to pick up other appliances for an additional fee.

I have a private well at my house. Should my water be checked for bacteria and how?

Annual checks for bacteria are recommended by the DNR. Most well drillers and well pump repair firms can take a sample of your well water and have it analyzed in a few days for a reasonable price. See the DNR website

Go to "Drinking Water & Groundwater" program for more information.

My home is on a neighborhood public water system and I don't have my own well. How do I know if my water is safe and what do I do if I have a problem?

All privately owned public water systems in subdivisions are tested and monitored by the DNR. To view all the tests/results on your system, go to the DNR website

Go to "Public Systems." Your own subdivision association has a representative who has the responsibility for your system.

Where can I dispose of used motor oil or filters?

Used Motor Oil or Filters location is 10800 Industrial Drive, at the City of Mequon Public Works Site. There is a smaller storage building out front where used motor oil and filters can be deposited, there is a green sign on the building that states "Oil Recycling".

I have some old tires to dispose of. Where and how?

Your licensed garbage/recycling hauler will pick up for an additional fee.