Yard Waste Collection

Regular yard waste collection has resumed. Residents may set out their yard waste without making a collection appointment. 

Yard waste 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, and Christmas trees. Food scraps and compostable paper are also acceptable. During the summer months, yard waste is collected on customers’ regular curbside collection days.
 


Yard Waste

Set Out Instructions

Set out yard waste in a:

  • Brown paper yard waste bag not to exceed 40 pounds with yellow single-use sticker;
  • 35-gallon rigid solid waste containers with either single-use yard waste stickers looped on the handles or the City’s 2022 annual yard waste decal displayed; or
  • City-owned 65 gallon yard waste tipper cart

Yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected. Brush and limbs may also be bundled with City of Dubuque brush ties that have a single-use sticker attached.
 

Fees

  • City-issued Yard Waste Tipper Cart (65 gallon) - $11/month. Call 563-589-4250.
  • 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. Or visit City Hall.
  • 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, and at City Hall.

Merry Mulch Program

Merry Mulch takes place during the winter months. 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.

Leaf Rake-Out Appointments 

The City offers leaf rake-out collections by appointment in October-November of each year. Details are released in the weeks leading up to the start of collection.