Garbage Services
Recycling, Refuse, and Yard Waste
The City of Galesburg contracts with Waste Management, Inc. for solid waste service. If you experience problems or have questions, please phone Waste Management at 309/343-0256 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or you may call City Hall at 309/345-3619 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Refuse collection is a part of the water and sewer service. When you open a water account, refuse service will begin at the same time.
Holidays Observed
When a holiday occurs during the week, there will be no waste service on that day. That day’s pick-up will take place the following day with the remainder of the week being one day behind. Holidays affected by this policy are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Please view the following 2024 Holiday Collection Schedule for specifics.
| Holiday | Date |
| New Year's Day | Monday, January 1, 2024 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 27, 2024 |
| Independence Day | Thursday, July 4, 2024 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 2, 2024 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 28, 2024 |
| Christmas Day | Wednesday, December 25, 2024 |
Curbside Services
Household refuse, yard waste and recycling services are provided at curbside on your pick-up day. Contact WM or the Community Development Department at City Hall to determine your pick-up day.
- Refuse is picked up weekly all year long.
- Recycling is picked up every other week all year long.
- Yard waste is picked up weekly except during the winter months of December, January, and February, when it is picked up once a month.
Refuse is collected weekly at the curb on your regular refuse pick up day. WM will provide each residence with one 96-gallon cart for refuse as the primary container for solid waste storage and collection. If needed, residents may place up to two additional refuse containers at the curb. Each container must be 33-gallon capacity or less, and each weigh less than 50 lbs. Loose bags will not be accepted. If residents are interested in renting an additional cart, contact WM for rental fee information.
Every Other Week Recycling Pick-Up
Comingled items must be recycled in each household’s wheeled cart or bin. Set the recycling cart/bin at the curb on refuse pick-up day. The recycling carts are emptied every other week. View the every-other week recycling calendar on the city’s website
Service Guidelines
- Place your cart at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular refuse pick-up day or after 4 p.m. the night before your refuse pick up. Remove empty carts from the curb by midnight on your refuse pick-up day and store them in the rear or side yard. Place your carts at least 3 feet apart and 3 feet away from any obstacles (trees, cars, mailboxes, etc.) to allow the automatic arm to lift and empty the carts. Place wheels of cart toward house.
- Cardboard boxes are not an acceptable refuse container. They do not hold up when wet. Refuse placed in a cardboard box will not be picked up. Cardboard boxes need to be broken down for pick up either as refuse or as a recyclable. Intact boxes will not be collected.
- Recycle bins and wheeled carts are the property of WM and must be left at the property when moving. If a repair or replacement is needed, please contact WM.
Weekly Bulk Item Collection
Residents have the option to have oversized items collected weekly, at the curb, at no cost. Bulk item collection will take place on Tuesdays. A Bulky/Oversized pick up must be scheduled 48 hours in advance by calling 309-343-0256. Each residence is limited to ONE bulky/oversized item or appliance per month. If you have more than 1 item during a month, an "Oversized Sticker" costing $20 (effective January 1, 2023) may be purchased at City Hall or Hy-Vee.