City of Dubuque Offers Leaf Disposal Options

While the City encourages mulching, mowing, and backyard composting as economical and environmentally beneficial leaf disposal methods, other options are also available.

Leaf Rake-Out Collections

The Public Works Department offers scheduled leaf rake-out collections. Collection appointments must be scheduled in advance by submitting a request at www.cityofdubuque.org/yardwaste or calling 563.589.4250. Rake-out collections will be offered beginning Monday, Oct. 14, and going through Wednesday, Nov. 27. Appointments must be made before raking leaves into a collection area. Acceptable items in the leaf rake-out include loose leaves, pine needles, and pinecones. Grass, brush, plants, and rocks are not accepted.

Rake-out collection 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 within 10 feet of the leaf pile. Collection piles should also be clear of fire hydrants, utility boxes, storm sewer catch basins, and other utility items. Residents will be charged a minimum of $20 for every 40-bag equivalent of leaves collected. This fee will be added to the resident's utility bill.

Regular Yard Waste Collection

As part of the City's yard waste collection service, leaves and other yard waste may be placed in:

• paper yard waste bags that display a single-use City of Dubuque yard waste sticker,
• a rigid solid waste container marked with a City of Dubuque 2024 annual yard waste decal or single-use yard waste sticker looped on the handle,
• or City-issued yard debris tipper carts.

Bags, containers, and bundles may not exceed 35 gallons in capacity or 40 pounds in weight. Plastic bags containing yard waste will not be collected. Paper yard waste bags, single-use yard waste stickers, and brush ties are available in most grocery, hardware, and discount stores throughout the city. Single-use yard waste stickers are available at area retailers on sheets of five for $7.50. Brush ties cost $1.50 each. For more information, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/yardwaste

Residents are reminded that burning leaves and raking or blowing your leaves into the street is prohibited and subject to fines.

For more information, please contact the City of Dubuque Public Works Department at 563.589.4250 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/publicworks