KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha announced two fall programs Monday, including the return of its curbside compostables collection and the opening of nominations for the fourth-quarter Kenosha Hometown Heroes award.
The city’s 2026 fall curbside compostables collection program will begin Monday, Oct. 12, and continue through Friday, Dec. 4. Residents participating in the program must place compostable materials in city-approved biodegradable bags. Approved brands include Bag To Nature, BioBag and Ecoguard. Compostables placed in other types of bags will not be collected.
Bags should be placed at the curb in a separate pile no earlier than 6:30 p.m. on the day before collection and no later than 6 a.m. on collection day. Each bag must weigh no more than 40 pounds.
The collected material is processed into high-grade compost, which is made available free to city residents when supplies are available. According to the city, requiring biodegradable bags has reduced collection and processing costs while improving the quality of the finished compost.
To help residents with the cost of the required bags, the city is again offering coupons for $2 off each box of approved biodegradable compostable bags. Coupons are available from the Department of Public Works and City Clerk at 625 52nd St., the Kenosha Water Utility at 4401 Green Bay Road, and through the city’s website.
One coupon is required for each box purchased, with a limit of four coupons per visit. Coupons are valid only at participating Kenosha-area retailers and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Approved bags are available at Prairie Side Ace Hardware, JC Licht Ace Hardware, Menards, Steinbrink’s Piggly Wiggly, Lois Family Piggly Wiggly and Woodman’s Kenosha.
Residents with questions about the compostables program can contact the Kenosha Department of Public Works at 262-653-4050.
Hometown Heroes Nominations Open
The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Commission is also accepting nominations for its fourth-quarter 2026 award, which recognizes current or former members of the United States Armed Forces with significant ties to the City of Kenosha.
To qualify, a nominee must have been born in Kenosha, currently live in the city, or have previously lived in Kenosha for at least 10 years.
The commission considers a nominee’s military service, including decorations and awards, military specialty schools, length of service and tours of duty. Commissioners also consider community service through veterans organizations, volunteer work and civic groups, along with other accomplishments or instances of going above and beyond the call of duty.
One Hometown Hero is selected each quarter. The recipient receives a certificate from Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala, and each quarterly winner is considered for the city’s Hometown Hero of the Year recognition.
A person may submit one nomination per quarter. Nomination forms are available through the city’s website or by calling 262-653-4000. Fourth-quarter nominations must be submitted by Nov. 27, 2026.
