Pets - Deceased or Carcasses

The following options are available for disposing of pet or animal carcass. Please call facilities in advance:

• The Marathon County Solid Waste Department accepts pet remains or small animal carcasses for a fee of $10.
• For large animals or a large volume of material, please contact Organic Waste Connections 715-773-1976
• The Marathon County Humane Society 715-845-2810 takes deceased pets on a case by case basis only. The fee charged depends on the size and weight of the pet.
• Many veterinary facilities provide services related to deceased pets.
• Peaceful Pines 715-693-0202 in Mosinee is another alternative.

Agricultural Plastics

What are "Ag Plastics"?

Agricultural plastics or "ag plastics" covers a wide variety of products and plastic types, including materials used in many common household plastic products.

• Low density polyethylene (LDPE) and low linear density polyethylene (LLDPE) film – These plastics are used to make silage and haylage bags, bunker silo covers, greenhouse covers, bale wrap, mulch film and other flexible products.
• High density polyethylene (HDPE)– A more rigid plastic used in pesticide containers and nursery pots.
• Polystyrene (PS) – Another rigid plastic used in nursery containers and flats.
• Polypropylene (PP) – Used in nursery pots, row covers and woven tarps.

These items are accepted for disposal in the landfill at standard disposal fees.

Recycling Ag Plastics in Marathon County

Farmers can now work with Revolution Plastics to receive a free on-farm dumpster for ag plastics recycling. Exclusions apply. Not all farms and/or dairies that sign up will qualify for a dumpster. Must meet minimum annual quantities. Shared dumpsters is a possibility. Submit your ag plastics information on Revolutions Webpage to find out if you meet the requirements.

Revolution Services:

Depending on your location and plastic use, Revolution Plastics will spot and empty a dumpster on your farm or dairy at no cost to you. The program is limited to the collection of the approved plastics below:

• Ag Plastics: Used irrigation tape and tubing, greenhouse, hoophouse, fumigation and other cover films
• Silage Plastics: Used bale wrap, ag/grain bags, most bunker covers and oxygen barrier film

Revolution Programs Flyer

Don't Burn Plastics

What's so bad about burning ag plastics? It’s unhealthy. Burning plastics releases toxic and potentially cancer causing chemicals into the air. It pollutes. Toxins released into the air during burning can fall on our soils and in our water. It’s unsafe. Burning garbage or brush can lead to wildfires, property damage and sometimes loss of life. The smoke and ash can irritate eyes and lungs, which is especially bad for people with asthma or heart disease.

It's illegal to burn any plastics in Wisconsin: Under no circumstances should agricultural plastics be burned, even on your property. Wisconsin rules are clear about this. Burning plastics and most other garbage - whether in the open or in burn barrels - is illegal in Wisconsin. Information about illegal burning.

Appliances

Appliance Recycling

We accept all kinds of appliances for recycling. Fees apply. Refer to the current rate sheet.

Why Should I Recycle My Appliance?

• Appliances are banned from disposal in WI's landfills, and must be recycled responsibly. The list of accepted appliances includes; stoves, ovens, dishwashers, microwave ovens, water heaters, furnaces, treadmills, or boilers.
• Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and water cooler are also accepted. These items contain freon which must be removed by a licensed and professional recycler. 

Is your appliance in working condition?

• Gently used appliances may be donated to Habitat for Humanity's Recycled Building Materials Facility. Learn more about how to donate.

Marathon County Solid Waste Department

715-446-3101
172900 State Highway 29, Ringle, WI

Yeager's Salvage Yard

1-877-436-8898 or 715-359-3606
8205 Camp Phillips Rd, Weston, WI

Asphalt & Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt

The Marathon County Solid Waste Department accepts clean asphalt for $45/ton

Other Recycling Options:

• Trucking Excavating & Grinding: Schofield, WI. Must call ahead 715-355-6841(Office) or 715-574-9964. Fees vary depending on condition. Also accepts Stumps and Large tree chunks.
• Mitch King & Sons Excavating: Hatley, WI. Must call ahead 715-446-3046(Office) or 715-571-0927. Depending on condition, fees may apply. Also accepts Stumps, Large tree chunks and Asphalt.

Asphalt Shingles

You can now recycle asphalt shingles at Marathon County Solid Waste Dept. Why Recycle Shingles? Research has found that adding 5% ground asphalt shingles to the hot-mix for paving and repairing roads improves its performance and makes it hold up better that a hot-mix without the ground up shingles.

Fees (subject to change):

• $45/ton

Allowed Only:

Clean, non-asbestos shingles (nails or tar paper attached are acceptable) that come from residential sources, or commercial sources that have residential-like asphalt shingles.

Not Allowed:

Commercial roofing that is not residential, such as no membrane roofs, etc. Garbage, scrap metal (tin or aluminum), cellophane strips, wood sub-roofing materials, and other items from the shingles that are getting recycled, must be removed or the current tonnage waste disposal fee will be charged for the entire load.

Recommendation:

Before arriving at the Marathon County Solid Waste Department, be sure all "allowable" shingles and other shingle recycling materials are separated from general waste and recyclables. At our shingle drop off area, we have dumpsters for any leftover garbage and recyclables. This area is monitored by staff and cameras. State Law Requires all loads be covered before transport.

Other Recycling Options:

Other Options for Asphalt Shingle Recycling in Marathon County:

•   Kafka Granite, must call ahead 715-201-2181. Asphalt only shingles (asbestos-free). Fees apply. Will only take the shingles with tar paper and nails (no aluminum or wood).

Batteries

Did You Know? You can recycle most batteries, and some are banned from landfills.

Do NOT put batteries in your recycling bin. They must be taken to a drop-off location for proper recycling. Only one battery type (standard alkaline) can be disposed of in a landfill safely.

See below to learn more about batteries. Read labels to know what battery type it is and learn how to tape your batteries to save money on recycling fees at Marathon County Solid Waste Department. See our list of collection locations below.

Our RATES & FEES Sheet was updated January 2026 with details about Battery Recycling options and fees.

Household / Alkaline Batteries:

Alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D-cell, 6V, 9V) are not hazardous and can be placed in regular garbage. However, they can be recycled to recover their materials at certain locations often times for a fee. If you prefer to landfill your batteries at our facility, Marathon County Solid Waste Department will accept them at no charge.

Other Consumer Batteries:

Some types may be considered hazardous materials and need to be recycled properly. The images on this page and the videos below will help you determine which type of battery you have and how to prepare the battery for safe recycling. View our Battery Recycling & Disposal flier for specific battery recycling.

Please call ahead for specific details and directions regarding your batteries.

Drop-off Locations:

• Marathon County Solid Waste Department - 172900 State Hwy 29, Ringle - 715-446-3101
• Reigel Ace Hardware - 1701 S Galvin Ave, Marshfield - 715-387-3411
• Hiller's True Value - 751 S Central Ave, Marshfield - 715-384-9101

Tape your batteries

Save money and keep our workers safe by taping the terminals on your batteries before recycling at a drop-off location. Taping battery terminals helps reduce fire hazards! A small charge may still remain in batteries at the end of their life. With the increase in use of rechargeable batteries, more hazards in handling, transporting, and recycling are occurring nationwide. Marathon County Solid Waste Department now requires batteries to be taped before being sent for recycling.

You can save some money by taping your batteries before dropping them off for recycling. See the video below for additional information. All batteries should be sorted by size and type, and stored in plastic bags. Additional fees may be charged for un-taped or un-sorted batteries.

Automotive (Vehicle) Lead-Acid Batteries:

Lead-acid batteries from cars, motorcycles, boats, trucks, and other motorized-type vehicles are banned from disposal in Wisconsin's landfills. They can e-recycled at a number of locations, including those listed below. Fees may apply.

Please call ahead for specific details and directions regarding your batteries.

Drop-off Locations:

• Marathon County Solid Waste Department - 172900 State Hwy 29, Ringle - 715-446-3101
• Batteries Plus Bulbs - 4511 Rib Mountain Dr, Wausau - 715-355-9201
• AutoZone - 5406 Business Hwy 51, Weston - 715-241-8611
• O'Reilly Auto Parts - 600 S 17th Ave, Wausau - 715-845-3873
• O'Reilly Auto Parts - 3103 Schofield Ave, Schofield - 715-359-7207

Know your batteries

See these resources below for short video clips on knowing which battery type you have and how to prepare it for recycling. Knowing which type of battery you have will help you determine how to safely dispose or recycle it at the end of its life.

More Resources

The WI Department of Natural Resources provides more information about proper battery handling and disposal on their website.

Boat, Camper, Car, or Mobile Home

Boats

Many parts on a boat are metal, including boat motors, and are banned from landfill disposal. These materials can be recycled as scrap metal. You must empty the motor's gas and oil to recycle them separately. To recycle the motor and other metal parts as scrap metal, you may bring it to our location for no charge (we do not pay for scrap). You may also call ahead to a Scrap Metal Dealer to see if they will accept it.

Fiberglass boats without the motor, gas, or oil are considered regular refuse/garbage, and are accepted for disposal in our landfill. As stated above metal components and fluids must be removed and handled separately before the boat is landfilled. You are always responsible for unloading your materials yourself at our facility.

Campers

Pop-up and/ or hard-sided campers are most efficiently managed (for disposal and/or recycling) at a salvage yard such as Yaeger's Salvage in Weston. Salvage yards are best able to properly handle any appliances (refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.) inside the camper, as well as recycling the attached tires. If you prefer to bring your camper to the Marathon County Solid Waste Department for disposal, you must remove appliances, metal, and tires for recycling (and pay the associated recycling fees) before landfilling it.

Cars / Automobiles

Contact a Salvage Yard or a Donation Program for vehicles that are no longer road-worthy.

Mobile Homes

The Marathon County Solid Waste Department will accept mobiles homes for disposal in our landfill, provided that:

• All appliances, thermostats, the furnace, and the air conditioner unit are removed and recycled properly.
• If it is still intact, please call us beforehand so we can be prepared to handle it. 715-446-3101x103
  • If already deconstructed (i.e. now all parts are in a dumpster), there is no need to call beforehand.
• Mobile home deconstruction companies that serve the Marathon County area include:
  • Villard Construction, Shawano - 715-526-6699
  • Faulk's Brothers, Waupaca - 715-258-8566
  • Red's Excavating, Green Bay - 920-431-2570

Bicycles & Treadmills

Bicycles

Bicycles are considered Scrap Metal. You may either call ahead to a Scrap Metal Dealer or bring them to our location to be recycled for no charge. We do not pay out for scrap metal.

Treadmills

Treadmills are considered miscellaneous and are regular landfill disposal.

Brush & Stumps

• Brush (6” diameter or less) and yard materials are accepted for $25/ton.
• Large stumps are NOT considered yard materials. These will be accepted as regular landfill waste and charged the regular disposal rate.

Other facility options are listed below.

Yard Materials Include:

• Grass clippings
• Garden plant materials
• Leaves
• Vines
• Twigs
• Shrubbery trimmings
• Branches
• Limbs

Other Options:

• Tito Trucking Excavating & Grinding: Schofield, WI. Must call ahead 715-355-6841(Office) or 715-574-9964. Fees vary depending on condition. Also MAY accept Stumps, Large tree chunks and Asphalt.
• Mitch King & Sons Excavating: Hatley, WI. Must call ahead 715-446-3046(Offiec) or 715-571-0927. Depending on condition, fees may apply. Also MAY accept Stumps, Large tree chunks and Asphalt.

Carpet, Construction, and Demolition Waste

Carpet, construction, and demolition waste (excludes shingles if they are going to be recycled) are considered regular refuse / garbage. Check the Marathon County Solid Waste Department RATES & FEES Sheet.

Have shingles to recycle? See the Asphalt & Asphalt Shingles section above.

Asbestos-containing material requires a minimum of 24-hours notice. 

Other Options:

If you have doors, flooring, cabinets, windows, or other new or gently used building materials that you no longer want to keep, you can donate them to Habitat for Humanity to be resold to community members. For more information visit their site linked below or call them at 715-848-5042.

Habitat for Humanity's Recycled Building Material (RBM) Facility: 1810 Schofield Ave, Weston WI 54476

Concrete

The Marathon County Solid Waste Department accepts clean concrete for recycling, prorated at $25/ton. To be considered clean, it must not have any tar, paint, or coating of any kind; however, rebar is acceptable.

Loads of 15 yards (standard dump truck load) or more must call ahead:
Dave at 715-551-5864 or Eric at 715-297-0429

Other Options:

• Tito Trucking Excavating & Grinding: Schofield, WI. Must call ahead 715-355-6841(Office) or 715-574-9964. Fees vary depending on condition. Also MAY accept Stumps, Large tree chunks and Asphalt.
• Mitch King & Sons Excavating: Hatley, WI. Must call ahead 715-446-3046(Offiec) or 715-571-0927. Depending on condition, fees may apply. Also MAY accept Stumps, Large tree chunks and Asphalt.

Electronics

The following items are banned from Wisconsin Landfills and can be brought to the Marathon County Solid Waste Department for recycling. Rates and Fees

• Computer monitors
• Computers and Laptops
• Keyboards
• Televisions - all kinds
• Camera and recorders with screens
• DVD and VCR players / recorders
• Printers, Scanners, Fax Machines
• Cell phones with screens

Other Options

Regional electronics recycling information provided by the Marathon County Solid Waste Department. Please call facilities in advance to confirm any fees and procedures.

Marathon County:

• Best Buy: 3800 Rib Mountain Dr, Wausau (Rib Mountain), 715-241-0711
• Good News Projects, Inc: On-going events and at 1106 5th Street, Wausau, 715-843-5985
• Wellers Salvage: Only accepting wires, ballasts, batteries, Christmas lights, and motors at 8978 Bobsiding Road, Galloway 715-677-6757

Clark County:

• Clean up America: 210 S. 1st Street Abbotsford, 715-613-7016

Langlade County:

• Good News Projects, Inc: One (1) event per yeart at Langlade County Fairgrounds, 715-843-5985

Portage County:

• Best Buy - Plover: 1145 Commons Circle, Plover, 715-344-0566
• Express Recycling: 2608 Water Street, Stevens Point, 715-342-9999
• Portage County Solid Waste Department: 600 Moore Road, Plover, 715-343-6297

Shawano County:

• City of Shawano: 1111 Rusch Road, Shawano, 715-534-5530 or 715-526-3512

Taylor County:

• Taylor County Recycling & Solid Waste Department: Events-locations and dates vary, 715-748-1485

Wood County:

• Opportunity Development Center-Marshfield: 2406 East 21st Street, 715-387-4682
• Opportunity Development Center-WI Rapids: 1191 Huntington Avenue, 888-544-6331 Ext 7122
• Staples: 2211 8th Street S, WI Rapids, 715-424-0340
• Zaxx Technology Experts-WI Rapids: 240 W. Grand Avenue, 715-424-5153

Resources:

For more information on Electronics Recycling and the E-cycle Law in Wisconsin, visit their website.

Fluorescent Bulbs

Fluorescent lamps / bulbs are accepted year-round at our site for recycling (M-F only). Do NOT put them in your curbsde recycling! Recycling fees for bulbs are:

• 4' and under tubes (incl. T8s) and CFLs - $2.00/each
• Over 4' tubes - $3.00/each
• HID's - $2.00/each
• Ballasts w/ PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyl), dated 1979 and earlier: $10/ballast. Ballasts post-1979 are accepted at no cost and disposed of as scrap metal recycling.
• Please separate all lamps from ballasts for disposal.
• We accept loads up to 50 bulbs. For larger loads please contact Logistics Recycling, Inc or another bulb recycler for special pick-up.

Incandescent and halogen bulbs / lamps do not require special handling, and can be placed in your regular garbage / trash.

Other Disposal Locations:

• Batteries + Bulbs: 4511 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau, 715-355-9201 Call ahead for fees and hours.

How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?

Fluorescent light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. When a fluorescent bulb breaks in your home, some of this mercury is released as mercury vapor. To minimize exposure to mercury vapor, EPA recommends that residents follow cleanup and disposal steps. A cleanup overview is described below; please visit EPA for more information.

The most important steps to reduce exposure to mercury vapor from a broken bulb are:

Before Cleanup:

• Have people and pets leave the room.
• Air out the room for 5 - 10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment.
• Shut off the central forced air heating / air conditioning (H&AC) system, if you have one.
• Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb.

During Cleanup:

• Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder.
• Place cleanup materials in a sealable container.

After Cleanup:

• Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of properly. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors.
• For several hours, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the H&AC system shut off.

Furniture, Mattresses, & Other Miscellaneous Items

Items considered as regular refuse / garbage

We encourage you to find new homes for these items if they are still in good condition. However, if this is not possible they are considered as regular refuse/garbage.

We accept them at our location for disposal. Refer to our Rates and fees sheet for current rates. Remember, all loads must be tarped and secure!

• Furniture (Couches, Tables, Chairs, Dressers, etc.)
• Mattress / Box Spring
• Hot tub - Chemicals must be removed
• Treated lumber / Railroad ties
• Piano & Musical organ
• Lamps (without the bulbs)
• Small kitchen appliances, such as:
• Electrical fry pans
• Crock pots
• Coffee pots
• Toasters
• Toaster ovens
• Clocks - battery - operated, small electrical ~Remove any batteries and handle them separately.
• Garden hoses & plastic garden pots
• Vacuum cleaners
• Vinyl siding
• Styrofoam (molded pieces for shipping items, packing peanuts, meat or food trays)
• VHS tapes, CD and DVD disks, CD cases
• Ceramic dishware, statues, vases, etc.

Hazardous Household Waste & Materials

Dispose of your hazardous household waste safely, in a manner that won't harm the environment. You must schedule an appointment before dropping off hazardous items. These materials must be handled by certified staff only.

Please schedule your time at least one day in advance. Appointments are only available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. (No Thursday appointments)

Book Online or call 715-446-3101 to schedule your appointment.

A typical appointment takes 15-30 minutes, but if you have a large amount of items to drop off (such as more than 20 individual items, or a large truck or trailer load-full), please schedule 2 sequential appointments giving yourself and our staff more time.

The following items are collected as part of the Marathon County Hazardous Household Waste Collection Program and are NO CHARGE for drop-off to all Marathon County residents.*

*This service is available to anyone from any county. There is no charge to Marathon County Residents, but residents from other counties must pay full disposal costs. Check locally for reimbursements from your county agents. For example, Lincoln County Solid Waste Department is offering up to $75 reimbursement for household hazardous waste disposal paid by their residents.

• Aerosol paint cans with paint in it (empties can be recycled as scrap metal at our location)
• Anti-freeze * (5 gallons or less, no appointment needed, but must check in at the scale office upon arrival.)
• Cleaning Solvents
• Creosote / Paving Tar
• Degreasers
• Drain Cleaners
• Dry Cleaning Fluids
• Floor/ furniture polish
• Fuel / Lighter fluids
• Fungicides
• Gasoline/gas mixtures
• Gun Cleaners
• Ether
• Herbicides
• Hobby materials/chemicals
• Insecticides
• Metal cleaners
• Mildew cleaners
• Nail polish removers
• Oil-based paint
• Oil-used motor* (5 gal. or less, no appointment needed, but must check in at the scale office upon arrival.)
• Oven cleaners
• Thinners
• Turpentine
• Varnish

NOTE: For antifreeze or motor oil, if you have less than 5 gallons, you do not need to make an appointment. Small amounts can be brought anytime during our open hours. Please check-in at the scale office upon arrival before disposing oil or antifreeze.

Items we DO NOT accept as Hazardous Household Waste

• Ammunition
• Biohazards (blood, medical waste, other potentially infectious materials - OPIMs)
• Explosives (gun powder, dynamite, ammunition)
• Latex (water-based) paint (not hazardous; learn how to properly dispose of Latex Paint in the Latex Paint Section
• Fire extinguishers (if empty, take to our site to recycle as scrap metal for free)
• Medical waste - Medications and Pharmaceuticals (Locate a Dropbox)
• Radioactive material
• Regular hygiene chemicals like shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste, etc.

Don't see your product on the list? Call the Scale Office at 715-446-3101 x 2

Holiday Waste Reduction Guide

Holidays are a busy time of year, but that doesn’t mean they have to be a wasteful time. With a little planning and mindfulness you'll have a wonderful holiday season that you can also feel good about.

Here are a few tips to help reduce waste and recycle right during the holiday!

Wrapping Gifts

Wrapping paper is sometimes recyclable, however, the shiny, shimmery wraps usually are not.

Best Practice: choose wrapping that looks and feels just like paper. When the excitement of gift opening is over, paper wrapping can either be tucked away and reused in the future, or go right in the recycle bin!

Remember: you don’t have to use wrapping paper. Try something different this year! Consider these:

• Old newspaper or junkmail
• Scarves, handkerchiefs, or bandannas
• Old posters and maps
• Pages from a child's coloring book
• Old sheet music
• Pages from travel magazine
• Wallpaper scraps
• Home-sewn cloth bags
• Fabric scraps (great for quilters!)
• A cardboard box (you can decorate it too)

Reduce your energy consumption

Bright lights don’t have to burn a hole in your electric bill!

• Light emitting diode (LED) lights will reduce energy consumption as much as 85% over incandescents!
• LEDs produce little heat and reduce risk of fire
• LEDs can last for as long as 20 seasons!

When you can't use them anymore always recycle your holiday lights!

• ReStore, Habitat for Humanity of Wausau, 1810 Schofield Ave, Weston, WI 54476, 715-848-5042
• Open Wednesday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm & Saturday: 9:00am - 2:00pm
• Accepts holiday lights year round.
• From November 15 - January 15 we have more than 40 drop off locations located throughout the community. Please visit the Holiday Light Recycling Page for Participating Locations

No Waste Gifts

Charitable giving: Local charities and non-profits often make significant community impact and the holiday season could be a great time to help them continue their work. Consider pooling resources to give to a select charity.

• Every charitable organization has different needs, whether financial or material.
• Check to see what is on their “wish list.”

Does someone on your holiday gift list have everything and want nothing? Consider making a donation in their name to this person’s favorite cause.

• Make a homemade coupon or award showing the donation provided on their behalf.

Waste-less Gifts

By giving the gift of an experience or something functional you can easily avoid the waste of packaging and shipping, and the unseen waste of manufacturing.

• State park pass
• Hunting/fishing license
• Compost bin & composting guide
• House plants or starter kits for summer gardens
• Window herb gardens
• Bird feeders, bird seed & guide book
• Reusable shopping bags

No-Budget Gift Ideas

Gift giving doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether your child wants to give a gift or you're looking to reduce spending yourself, keep in mind that some of the best gifts are those that cost little or no money and instead foster relationships and fun.

For Family Members:

• Hand crafted gift certificates for doing the dishes, shoveling snow, or helping with homework
• Having family game night
• Making a family scrap book
• Cooking a favorite meal together

For Friends & Neighbors

• Doing chores for a family with a new baby or for someone just home from the hospital
• Doing the shopping for an elderly neighbor
• Shoveling snow or help with a garden for someone who has difficulty getting around
• Read newspapers or magazines to a vision impaired friend or relative
• Just offer to sit and visit with someone who is alone

Reduce Food Waste

In the US we produce around 34 million tons of food waste each year. During the holiday season, that number triples. Here are some tips to reduce food waste at your holiday gathering:

• Be realistic. We always want our guest to have plenty to eat, but frequently just make too much.
• Plan your menu ahead of time. Make a list, stick to it and avoid impulse buys.
• Store leftovers safely: shred and freeze turkey so it’s ready for soup. Improper storage leads to spoilage and waste, so freezing is a good way to avoid that.
• Invite your guests to bring reusable containers to take home leftovers.
• Compost food scraps. Marathon County Solid Waste Department sells compost bins.
• Create new meals with leftovers: bones from a rib roast or a turkey drumstick will make good soup stock; dinner rolls and bread can be dried to make croutons.
• Donate excess food to food banks and shelters. Check to see what rules might apply first.
• When giving the gift of food, make an effort to understand that it will be enjoyed and not wasted.

Household Recycling Guide

Recycle Right Marathon County!

More important than ever is the effort we individually put in to recycle right! Join us at Marathon County Solid Waste in pledging to maintain better recycling habits. Use the flyer below to remember the basics of recycling and be that better recycler! In addition to curbside recycling, you may bring these items to the Solid Waste Department for recycling.

Recycling Fees as of Jan. 1, 2026:
MCSWD charges a small fee at our location for accepting mixed recyclables (the items often collected curbside). Below are the rates:

• Car / Truck Load = $25
• Truck Load = $50
• Trailer Load = $75

Yes! Recycle these curbside:

Keep it simple in your curbside bin - only basic 4 materials

• Paper:
  • Office paper and Junk mail
  • Paper bags
  • Catalogs and magazines
  • Phone books & paperback books
  • Newspapers
  • Envelopes with or without windows
  • Flatten paper egg cartons and containers, cardboard, rolls & tubes
• Glass: Rinsed jars and bottles
• Cans: Aluminum (do not crush), Steel (push partially attached lid into can)
• Plastic: Bottles and containers from your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room

You can always support recycling and minimize waste!

Look for and buy recycled content;
whether clothes, printer paper, greeting cards, paper tissue and towels, carpet, lumber, decking, fencing, or anything else, there are many recycled options out there to help you minimize resource impact and reduce your waste.

DO NOT put these into curbside recycling bins

• Aluminum foil or baking pans
• CD cases
• Ceramics or clay pots
• Drink pouches
• Expanded polystyrene foam (“Styrofoam,”#6): egg cartons, plates, hot beverage cups, formed packing pieces, packing peanuts
• Food - Review composting info
• Hard covered books - call IROW at 715-693-7123 for recycling options
• Light bulbs
• Milk Cartons
• Motor oil containers
• Plastic bags
• Plastic film or wrap: zip-loc bags, shrink wrap, toilet paper packaging, newspaper bags, packaging film
• Plastic straws, plates, or silverware
• Shredded Paper
• Soiled papers (tissues, towels, cardboard, etc.)

Two ways to recycle at your curb: Single and Dual

Single Stream:

Put rinsed containers (glass, metal, plastic) into the same bin with papers and flattened cardboard. Labels can stay on containers. Remove plastic caps from metal or glass, but plastic caps may remain on plastic containers.

Dual Stream:

Put rinsed containers into one bin (glass, metal, plastic), and paper and flattened cardboard in a separate bin.

For the method your hauler uses, call the info line at 715-344-8198. If you don’t have curbside recycling, you can bring your recyclables to the solid waste department free of charge. For more details, call the info line.

There is some recycling that is required by law, and some that is not required but should still be practiced where available; this is called “voluntary recycling.” While it may not be required by law, we are lucky to be able to recycle more items than ever before…let’s all jump at the chance to reduce waste and recycle more!

Wisconsin's Electronics Recycling Law

Wisconsin's Electronics Recycling Law bans the landfilling and incineration of: computers, laptops, printers, televisions, DVD players, computer peripherals, fax machines, VCRs, phones with video displays, and more. All of these items, plus others, are able to be recycled at MCSWD for a fee (ranging $20 to $50). For more information on where/how to recycle electronics see the electronics section

Latex Paint

Dried Latex Paint is NOT a hazardous material. Liquid latex paint CANNOT be put into your garbage. It must be completely dry and hard.

To harden paint, pour it into a box lined with a sturdy piece of plastic. To speed the process, add kitty litter, sawdust or a hardener purchased at a hardware store.

Once completely hardened, lift and twist the plastic and dry paint out of the box and then put it into another bag and toss into trash. All paint cans must be rinsed and wiped clean. Wipe and put the lids separately into your garbage. A paint can with a lid on it is perceived as still having liquid paint inside. Your waste hauler will not check to see if lidded cans are empty and might not take the trash away.

Once rinsed, metal latex paint cans that are not rusted can be recycled. Rinsed plastic, or rusty metal, latex paint cans may be put in the trash. Remember: Buy the minimum amount needed for projects. Use old latex paint for craft projects or see if friends or neighbors want the paint.

Most acrylic paint is also water based and can be handled in the same manner as latex paint. Once dried it can be disposed of in your garbage.

Oil based paints must be handled through our Household Hazardous Waste disposal program.

Lawn Mowers

Lawn Mowers (empty of gasoline and oil) are considered an appliance. You may contact a scrap metal dealer, or you can bring them to our location to be recycled for $30.

Mercury Thermometers & Thermostats

Mercury Reduction Program Thermometer Exchange

Marathon County’s Mercury Reduction Program will continue to exchange mercury thermometers for a digital thermometer. County residents may bring in their mercury fever thermometers and exchange them for a digital thermometer at no cost. This exchange is being co-sponsored by the Wausau Water Works, Waste Water Division, and the Rib Mountain Metropolitan Sewerage District. Digital thermometers are available at the following locations:

• Marathon County Health Department: 1000 Lake View Drive, Wausau, 715-261-1900
• Wausau Fire Department: 606 Thomas Street, Wausau, 715-261-7900
• Rothschild Municipal Center: 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild, 715-359-3660
• Rib Mountain Fire Department: 5901 Hummingbird Road, Wausau, 715-355-6763
• Schofield Municipal Center: 200 Park Street, Schofield, 715-359-5230
• Kronenwetter Municipal Center: 1582 Kronenwetter Drive, Mosinee, 715-693-4200

Call the exchange center nearest you for hours of operation. Please – Limit of One (1) thermometer per customer. Supplies are limited. Mercury thermometers have a silver line down the center. Red or blue lines indicate “safe” alcohol thermometers. If you have questions, please call the Marathon County Health Department at 715-261-1900. Thank you for participating.

Mercury Thermostats

Most thermostats are very long lasting, so they are rarely thrown out and make up a negligible portion of the trash going to our landfills. Thermostat disposal normally wouldn’t be considered a significant environmental problem at all; however, some types of thermostats have switches that contain mercury. Mercury is a natural material with extremely useful properties, but if improperly managed it can pose serious health risks and can be a potent environmental contaminant.

If your thermostat is not digital it most likely contains mercury. Thermostat drop-off is available at the following locations:

• Marathon County Solid Waste Department: 172900 State Hwy 29, Ringle, 715-446-3101
• Gustave A. Larson Co: 1301 Starling Ln, Wausau, 715-355-5414
• Design Air: 6600 Packer Drive, Wausau, 715-842-1687

It is always best to call a location before you go to assure collection and verify times they are open. Thermostats must be whole and not leaking.

Pallets

Pallets are accepted as regular refuse. See our Rates and Fees chart

Plastic Buckets with Paving Tar Residue

Plastic buckets with paving tar residue are considered regular refuse / garbage. Check the Marathon County Solid Waste Department Fees.

Safe Disposal of Medications

Please Do Not...

Please do not flush medications or any pharmaceuticals down any drain or dispose of them in any garbage. Unused and unwanted medication should be taken to a drop-box location for collection and proper disposal. Please empty pills from their original containers into a sealed bag. See below for more details on what we can and cannot accept in the drop box program. Please also take note of the Drug Repository Program, that allows you to donate unused and unexpired drugs to patients in need. For more information visit the Wisconsin Dpeartment of Health & Human Services site

Drop Box Locations:

• Athens Police Department: 203 Alfred Street, Athens, WI
• Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 11:30am, 12:30pm - 4:00pm
• Colby / Abbotsford Police Department: 12 W Spruce Steet, Abbotsford, WI. If traveling long distance, it is suggested you call 715-223-4933 first.
• Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm. No holiday drop-off.
• Edgar Police Department: 224 S 3rd Avenue, Edgar, WI
• Monday, & Wednesday: 8:15am - 7:00pm
• Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 8:15am - 4:45pm
• Kronenwetter Police Department: 1582 Kronenwetter Drive, Kronenwetter, WI
• Open 24/7, 365 days a year in the public entrance area.
• Marshfield Clinic Mosinee Pharmacy: 390 Orbiting Drive, Mosinee, WI715-693-9100
• Monday - Firday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Marshfield Clinic Wausau Pharmacy 2727 Plaza Drive, Wausau, WI 715-847-3302
• Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:30pm
• Marathon City - Vilalge of Marathon City Police Department: 311 Walnut Street, Marathon, WI
• Monday - Friday: 7:00am - 4:00pm, in lobby. No holiday drop-off.
• Marshfield Clinic Weston Remote Dispensing: 3400 Ministry Parkway (Medical Office A - Entrance 1), Weston, WI 715-393-1000
• Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
• Mosinee Police Department: 225 Main Street, Mosinee, WI
• Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Mountain Bay Metropolitan Police Department: 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild, WI
• Open 24/7, 365 days a year in the public entrance area.
• Spencer Police Department: 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI
• Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm in lobby. No holiday drop-off.
• Stratford Police Department: 265 North 3rd Avenue, Stratford, WI
• Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Wausau Police Department 515 Grand Avenue, Wausau, WI
• Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm. Drop slot in public lobby area. No holiday drop-off.
• Aspirus Wausau Hospital - Main Entrance: 333 Pine Ridge Boulevard, Wausau, WI 715-847-2121
• Available during Visitor Hours.
• Wausau Walgreens Pharmacy:105 Central Bridge Street, Wausau, WI 715-842-0744
• Only Pills. No Creams, Powders or Lotions
• Available during Normal Store Hours.
• Wausau CVS Pharmacy: 102 Central Bridge St, Wausau, WI, 715-842-0744
• Only Pills. No Creams, Powders or Lotions
• Available during Normal Store Hours.

Why use a medication drop-box?

PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT: Studies have found traces of pharmaceuticals in wastewater throughout the United States. Even after wastewater is treated and discharged, these medications persist in the environment. Preventing them from entering these ecosystems will maintain the integrity, diversity, and value of our natural resources.

INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY: According to the National Survey on Drug Abuse & Health, 70% of those 12 years & older who abuse non-medical painkillers are obtained through a friend or relative, both legally and illegally.

IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH:Throwing unused or unwanted medications in the trash, or leaving them out, can lead to dangerous unintended exposure to people or animals. Treat and store both prescription and over-the-counter drugs like any other poison.

Drop Box Rules:

YES to the following:

• Over-the-counter or prescription drugs
• Prescrition creams and lotions can be included. (Leave those in their original packaging.)
• Inhalhers

NO to the following:

• Radioactive chemo drugs or IV bags
• However, if you have unused cancer medication it may be eligible for the Cancer Drug Repository Program. Find a participating pharmacy near you.
• Needles or syringes
• However, more information on needles or syringes can be found in our Sharps section.
• Personal care products - Shampoo, Lotion
• However, these items should be used as much as possible. Properly dispose of its container.
• Vitamins
• However, you can dispose of them in your trash. Crush them up and mix with something undesirable (such as coffee grounds) to ensure that no small children or animals will find and consume them.
• Garbage or Trash

Marathon County Medication Drop-Box Program Brochure

Plastic Bags & Film

Recycle clean dry plastic bags & film packageing at store drop-off locations*

(Info courtesy of: www.plasticmakers.org)

NOTE: Plastic bags / wraps typically do not get recycled in curbside bins. They must be returned to participating drop-off locations such as retail stores for recycling. Thank you for your support of plastic film recycling. Recycling contributes to sustainability and provides valuable materials for American manufacturers, so we encourage you to continue recycling when and where possible.

Marathon County area information

You can now bring even more plastic items to many locations where plastic bags are recycled.

Put your other film packaging into a single bag and make sure bags are clean and dry. Do not include degradable bags, pre-washed salad bags, frozen food bags, or material that has been painted or glued, as other substances can contaminate the recycled material. When filled take to the nearest drop-off location below and place the filled bag into one of the collection bins at the front of the store. DO NOT place into your curbside bin. Vist America's Plastic Makers website for a full list of what is acceptable.

The following Marathon County locations may be accepting plastic grocery bags & other bags & film. Please call to verify:

• City of Mosinee: 225 Main Steet, Mosinee, 715-692-2203
• Hanke's Sentry Foods: 110 South Mission Street, Wittenberg, 715-253-2161
• Kramer's County Market: 206 North 4th Street, Abbotsford, 715-223-2378
• Pick-N-Save:
• Cedar Creek Mall: 10101 Market Street, Rothschild, 715-241-0191
• Weston: 2806 Schofield Avenue, Weston, 715-359-9123
• Wausau: 205 Central Bridge Street, 715-849-1323
• Piggly Wiggly: 530 West State Hwy 153, Mosinee, 715-693-6700
• Quality Foods IGA: 2900 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau, 715-848-2793
• Skogen's Festival Foods: 1613 North Central Avenue, Marshfield, 715-384-8866
• Target: 2707 Schofield Ave, Weston, 715-355-4494
• Walmart:
• Rib Mountain: 4300 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau, 715-359-2282
• Marshfield: 2001 North Central Avenue, Marshfield 715-486-9440

Propane Gas Cylinders / Tanks

Compressed gas (propane) cylinders, such as those for a camp stove or grill, are considered scrap metal. This includes MSR fuel canisters. All containers must be completely empty.

You may either call ahead to a Scrap Metal Dealer, or bring them out to the MCSWD to be recycled at No Charge. Do NOT place them in with your curbside recyclables!
Tanks that are not emptied can be received through the Household Hazardous Waste Program for a fee. Appointment Required.
Fees are as follows:

• 1 lb tank or less (propane) $2 each
• 20 lb tank (propane) $10 each
• 20 lb tank (oxygen, helium) $16.50 each

While there are numerous online instructions on how to refill 1-lb/DOT39 propane tanks, we strongly encourage you to NEVER do this. Watch the video below for details on the dangers of refilling these tanks.

Scrap Metal Recycling

We take scrap metal for no charge.

*Indicates an appliance with a $30 fee.
**Indicates an applaice with a $33 or $45 fee.

Items accepted include but are not limited to:

• Bed frames
• Bicycles
• Washing machines*
• Air Conditioners**
• Dishwashers*
• Camp stove propane tanks
• Refrigerators**
• Fire extinguishers (empty)
• Kitchen Pots and Pans
• Lawn mowers and Snow blowers (after all gas and oil are removed)*

See other scrap metal recyclers below. Alway call in advance to find out:

• What they accept.
• If they accept it for free or have charges.
• If they pay you for the metals.
• Any other requirements they may have.
• Hours, location, directions.

Other Scrap Metal Recycling Options:

• Alter Metal Recycling: 510 West Allman Street, Medford, 715-748-4314
• Alter Trading: 406 East Depot Street, Marshfield, 715-486-8515
• Marshfield Scrap Co: 2304 South Galvin Avenue, Marshfield, 715-389-1915
• Potaczek Scrap Co: 5960 Wisconsin 97, Athens, 715-257-7600
• Pranke Brothers Auto Wrecking: W15634 County Road D, Wittenberg, 715-793-4439
• Schulz's Recycling Inc:
• W6059 Heldt Street, Merrill, 715-536-7141
• 1000 McDonald Street, Wausau, 715-355-7667
• Wausau Steel Corporation - Metals Recycling: 2900 Sherman Steet, Wausau, 715-845-4286
• Weller's Slavage: 8978 Bobsiding Road, Wittenberg, 715-677-6757
• Yaeger Auto Salvage Inc: 8205 Camp Phillips Road, Weston, 715-359-3606

Sharps

See a list of accepting locations below and note their exact address. Please call facilities in advance to confirm fees (if any) and procedures. We also accept sharps at the Marathon County Solid Waste Department during our regular hours at no charge for Marathon County residents and with no appointment necessary.

Business Prices are as follows:

• Small Box: $15
• Medium Box: $35
• Large Box: $75

*Businesses include tattoo shops, medical clinics, assisted care facilities, and large cattle farms.

Put sharps (whether used or unused) in a commercial sharps disposal container, OR, a heavy plastic detergent bottle with a screw-on cap for tight sealing. No milk jugs or other thin plastic. Do not separate the needle from the syringe. Label the container with “biohazard” or “sharps” with a permanent black marker in big letters. For your convenience, view our sharps collection flier.

The following locations accept sharps for collection:

POLICE DEPARTMENTS

• Wausau Police Department - 515 Grand Avenue, Wausau, WI, 715-261-7800
• Edgar Police Department - 224 South 3rd Avenue, Edgar, WI, 715-352-2891
• Marathon Police Department - 311 Walnut Street, Marathon City, WI, 715-443-2470
• Spencer Police Department - 105 South Park Street, Spencer, WI, 715-659-5453

OTHER LOCATIONS IN MARATHON COUNTY:

• Aspirus Wausau Hospital - Main Entrance, 333 Pine Ridge Boulevard, Wausau, WI, 715-847-2121
• Available during visitor hours, no fees.
• Marshfield Clinic Wausau Center, 2727 Plaza Drive, Wausau, WI 715-847-3302
• Fee for non-pharmacy cutomers & specific sharps container required.
• Pick-N-Save Pharmacy:
• 10101 Market Street, Rothschild, WI, 715-241-0245
• Fee for non-pharmacy cutomers & specific sharps container required.
• 2806 Schofield Ave, Weston, WI, 715-359-3194
• Fee for non-pharmacy cutomers & specific sharps container required.
• Young's Drug Store
• 2106 Grand Avenue, Wausau, WI, 715-241-0245
• Fee for non-pharmacy customers. Put sharps in a commercial sharps disposal container or a heavy plastic detergent bottle with a screw-on cap for tight sealing and well labeled.
• 301 East Bridge Steet, Wausau, WI 715-845-5203
• Fee for non-pharmacy customers. Put sharps in a commercial sharps disposal container or a heavy plastic detergent bottle with a screw-on cap for tight sealing and well labeled.

Please note that collection program parameters vary by location and are subject to change. Always call for the most updated information regarding hours, fees, containers, customer policy, etc.

Have unused, unopened, and non-expired sharps?
Call the AIDS Resource Center at 715-355-6867 to see if they may be able to accept them. If they do not, remember that all sharps (used or unused) must be placed in an approved container before bringing them to a sharps collection drop-off site for safe disposal.

Tires

We accept all kinds of tires for recycling, with or without rims.

Fees:

• Auto, small truck, minivan, motorcycle, small trailer, golf cart: $15 each
• Semi-truck, dump truck: $40 each
• Tractor, farm implement: $50 each
• Bicycle, bicycle inner tubes: $5 each

Why should I recycle my tires?

• Automotive tires are banned from disposal in WI’s landfills, and must be recycled responsibly.
• *Recycling bicycle tires and/or bicycle inner tubes is optional, they are not banned from the landfills.
• Stored piles of tires, or those that have been illegally discarded in rural areas or along ditches, provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying animals.
• Open burning of tires both pollutes our air, and is illegal.

Toilets

Toilets and other porcelain items like sinks and bathtubs, are considered regular refuse / garbage. Check the Marathon County Solid Waste Department FEES.

Used Oil & Oil Filters

• Used motor oil may be brought to the Marathon County Solid Waste Department for recycling at no charge.
• Used oil filters can be recycled for a fee of $1.50 each. 
• Small amounts of household cooking oil may also be recycled at no charge. If you have more than 5 gallons, please call so we may discuss your other options.

As of January 1, 2011, Oil Filters and Absorbents are banned from Wisconsin landfills. See below the oil filter absorbents that are banned.

Used oil can be taken to the Marathon County Solid Waste Department for proper handling AT NO CHARGE. Your local auto shop may take it but always call ahead for procedures and fees (if any).

Used Oil:

To recycle motor oil, bring it in a tightly sealed container and deposit oil in Used Motor Oil tank. Save and reuse your container for your next haul of motor oil.
Other lubricants that also can be recycled in our Used Motor Oil tank include: transmission fluid, power-steering fluid, and hydraulic fluid.

Oil / Gas Mixtures

Oil/gasoline mixtures (like ones used in small engines) are accepted under the Household Hazardous Waste. Please make an appointment for this item.

Gasoline

Gasoline is accepted under the Household Hazardous Waste. Please make an appointment for this item.

The Oil Absorbent ban includes:

• Clay-type absorbents
• Synthetic absorbents
• Rags
• Paper toweling
• Wipes
• Oil-dry cloths
• Absorbent pillows, pads, or socks
• Sand, sawdust, paper or other absorbents

Disposal of up to one gallon of oil absorbent materials from a non-routine spill is exempt.

Empty Oil Containers:

Empty oil containers from refilling oil should be re-capped and thrown in your garbage, not your recycling. The oil residue on the inside of the container renders it non-recyclable.

For more information on oil and filters disposal, visit the WI Department of Natural Resources Website.

Used Oil Filters & Oil Absorbents ban:

The Oil Filter ban includes, but is not limited to, oil filters from these types of vehicles:
Cars, Trucks,  Vans, Buses, SUVs, Tractors, Off-road Equipment, Forklifts, Backhoes, End-loaders, ATVs / UTVs, and Snowmobiles

Recycling Drop-off Locations:

Always call in advance to make sure they are still taking these items, for information on when and where to bring filters and oil, how they want it contained, and if there is a fee.

Marathon County

• Marathon County Solid Waste Department: 172900 State Hwy 29 Ringle, WI 54471, 715-446-3101
• Used oil and oil filters (drained) are accepted. Used oil absorbents accepted. Fees apply for filters and absorbents. Deliver used items in 5-gal containers or less.
• Autozone:5406 Business Hwy 51 Weston, WI 54476, 715-446-3101
• Used oil is accepted.
• O’Reilly Auto Parts: 600 S. 17th Avenue Wausau, WI 54401, 715-845-3873
• Used oil & metal oil filters (drained). No fees.
• O’Reilly Auto Parts: 103 Schofield Avenue Schofield, WI 54476, 715-359-7207
• Used oil & metal oil filters (drained). No fees.
• Yeager’s Salvage Yard: 8205 Camp Phillips Road Weston, WI 54476, 715-359-3606
• Used oil and oil filters (drained) are accepted at no charge. No used oil absorbents accepted.
• **FARMERS ONLY** Rock Oil: C4522 Hwy 97 Stratford, WI 54484, 715-687-4198
• No fees. No 55-gal drums full of filters; deliver used filters in 5-gal containers or less. Call for more information.
• NOTE: May accept limited quantities from the public.

Langlade County

• O’Reilly Auto Parts: 221 State HWY 64 Antigo, WI 54409, 715-623-2149
• Used oil & metal oil filters (drained). No fees.

Lincoln County

• O’Reilly Auto Parts: 2414 E. Main Street Merrill, WI54452, 715-539-8020
• Used oil & metal oil filters (drained). No fees.

Portage County

• Portage County Solid Waste Transfer Facility: 650 Moore Road Plover, WI 54467, 715-343-6297. Fees Apply.
• O’Reilly Auto Parts: 3100 Church Street Stevens Point, WI 54481, 715-344-5992
• Used oil & metal oil filters (drained). No fees.

Taylor County

• O’Reilly Auto Parts: 853 North 8th Street, Medford, WI 54451, 715-748-6000
• Used oil & metal oil filters (drained). No fees.

Shawano County

• O’Reilly Auto Parts: 1301 East Green Bay Street, Shawano, WI 54166, 715-524-7275
• Used oil & metal oil filters (drained). No fees.

Wood County

• O’Reilly Auto Parts: 2446 8th Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494, 715-423-3939
• Used oil & metal oil filters (drained). No fees.

Miscellaneous:

• Any Walmart store with an auto service center may accept them. Please check with your local stores.

Vinyl Siding

As of July 2022, vinyl siding is no longer collected for recycling. It is now accepte as regular garbage / refuse for disposal in our landfill.