Overfull Refuse Carts

To help provide efficient service to our community, the City of Cedar Falls will start charging for overloaded garbage cans and return collections for refuse carts not out at their scheduled time of service beginning January 1, 2025. All violations will include photographic evidence and be recorded via the onboard camera system integrated into the City's solid waste tracking software.

Overloaded carts are identified by the lid being open greater than 45 degrees and unable to close. In accordance with the City ordinance, the fee for overloaded carts is $15.00 per occurrence.

Carts that are not out at time of service, carts inaccessible due to being too close to an object such as a car or telephone pole, carts that are placed behind the sidewalk or too high on a snowbank or behind a snowbank for the automated truck to service will incur a $15.00 fee per occurrence.

This measure is being taken because Cedar Falls is a pay-as-you-throw community. Residents are charged for municipal solid waste based on the amount they throw away. The program is designed to be easy to understand and fair for the public. It is intended to encourage residents to generate less waste through recycling and pre-consumer choices.

If needed, residents are allowed one extra bag a week that can be placed on top of their refuse cart. The bag must have an extra bag tag attached to it which needs to be visible to the driver. Tags can be purchased for $1.25 at the City Transfer Station (1524 State Street), Hy-Vee, Ace Hardware, and Fareway on South Main Street.

Questions related to refuse collection services can be directed to the Public Works Department by calling 319-273-8629. The public can also sign up for email alerts regarding City refuse collection at bit.ly/cfnotify.