Yard Waste Collection

Regular season yard waste collection has resumed.

Yard Waste Stickers and Decals

Yard Waste stickers are not available for purchase at City Hall because City Hall is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Yard Waste stickers are still available for purchase at area discount and hardware stores. 

The 2021 Annual Yard Waste decals can be purchased by contacting the Utility Billing Department by filling out an online request or by phone at 563-589-4144 and the decal will be sent by mail. 

Yard Waste

Overview

Yard waste, or more appropriately called yard debris, includes grass clippings, leaves, pinecones, pine needles, fallen fruit, nuts, brush, garden plants and culls, tree trimmings, bark, sod, flowers, potted plants (not pots), pumpkins, straw bales, corn stalks, Christmas trees. Food scraps and compostable paper are also acceptable.  Yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected. Generic paper yard waste bags, single use yellow yard waste stickers for bags and cans, and brush ties are available in most grocery, hardware, and discount stores throughout the city. 

Set Out Instructions

Set out yard waste and/or food scraps in a rigid, solid waste container (up to 35 gallons and not exceeding 40 lbs.) with a single-use yellow yard waste sticker or an annual yard waste decal. Yard waste can also be set out in:

  • Brown paper yard waste bag not to exceed 40 pounds with yellow single-use sticker;
  • Bundles not to exceed 40 pounds with City brush tie or yellow single-use sticker; or
  • City-owned 65 gallon yard waste tipper cart
  • Yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected.

Fees

  • City-issued Yard Waste Tipper Cart (65 gallon) - $11/month
  • Annual Yard Waste Decal - $35.  Call 563.589.4144 or submit a request to the Utility Billing Department and a decal will be mailed to you.
  • Single-use yellow stickers for cans, bags, or bundles - $1.30 each (or sold on sheets of five for $6.50.) Sold at most discount and hardware stores in Dubuque.

Leaf Rake-Out Appointments 

The City offers leaf rake-out collections by appointment each year in October and November. These collections must be scheduled in advance by calling 563-589-4250 or submitting an online request and appointments must be made before raking leaves into the gutter area. Acceptable items in the leaf rake-out include loose leaves, pine needles, and pine cones. Grass, brush, plants, and rocks are not accepted. 

Leaf piles should be placed in the street at the curb no sooner than the day before the scheduled appointment. Crews cannot enter private property or alleys to collect a leaf rake-out. Vehicles must not be parked on the street within 10 feet of the leaf pile. Utilities such as fire hydrants, utility boxes, or storm sewer catch basins should not be covered. A $20 minimum charge is added to the property owner's utility bill for a 40-bag equivalent rake-out pickup.

Winter Yard Waste Collection

From December through March, yard waste is collected on Thursdays and by appointment only. Customers must call (563) 589-4250 or submit an online service request no later than 3 p.m. the previous day (Wednesday). A yard waste sticker or annual decal is required.

Merry Mulch Program

The Merry Mulch Program runs each year in early January. Christmas trees (maximum of eight feet high), yard waste bags, bundles and containers (up to 35 gallons), as well as Green Carts with food scraps will be picked up on regular collection days for two weeks. The tree must have either one City brush tie or one yellow yard waste sticker attached and visible from the street or alley.  No collection appointment is necessary.