Curbside FAQ's

Find Your Answers Here!

When did curbside recycling begin?

Tuesday, July 1, 2008 • Bins were delivered in June. If you did not receive one, please contact the Recycling Center at 712-328-4985.

If I am only allowed one Poly-cart for trash, what do I do with the other Poly-carts that I have? Can I get a refund?

No, refunds will not be issued to residents who own more than one Poly-cart. Residents who own multiple Poly-carts purchased the item only, not the trash service. One Poly-cart may be used for trash and others may be used for yard waste.

What happens if we put out more trash than we are allowed? Will the City's Solid Waste Collection Contractor collect these items?

No, neither the City nor the waste hauler is required to pick-up more trash than the designated one Poly-cart or three 32-gallon containers per week unless you purchase extra bag tags. By adding curbside recycling, nearly 50% of a household's trash should be able to be recycled; therefore, trash should be reduced. If households still have more trash than allowed, they can buy extra bag stickers from local outlets. These are $2.50 each, and all the stores that currently have the drop-off bins will sell these. They will also be available the following locations:

• City Treasurer's Office 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Recycling Center, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Fareway, 310 Mckenzie Ave.

• Hy-Vee, 1745 Madison Ave.

• Hy-Vee, 1706 North 16th Street

• No Frills, 1817 Broadway

• No Frills, 1801 Valley View

• Super Saver, 1141 North Broadway

Picture Perfect

Ideally, this is what your garabage should look like. Trash in three 32-gallon cans or one Poly-cart, yard waste and recyclables should be spaced apart for easy access. Each extra bag of trash beyond the 95 gallons must have an Extra Bag Tag placed on it.

Do I have to put my garbage in a can?

No, it's not required, but it is definitely preferred and recommended. Placing garbage in cans prevents animals from scavenging through it and making a mess.

What about backdoor pick-up? Do I need to re-apply for that or sign up again?

No, residents who currently get backdoor pick-up will continue to receive that service without re-applying. If you do not currently have that service and want to begin it, however, you will need to contact sanitation billing for further information. There is no additional charge.

What if I have more recyclables than fit in my bins?

Besides your blue recycling bins, you may also use brown paper bags or cardboard boxes to sort your materials for recycling. If you use cardboard boxes and want to keep them, please clearly mark them with the word "SAVE". Please do not use plastic bags.

Will all recyclables be picked up each week?

No, they will not. In order for the Council Bluffs Recycling Center to process materials efficiently, as well as keeping the cost of curbside collection minimized; paper and glass will be picked up one week and plastic and metal the next. The new Solid Waste Guide has a calendar on the back with designated weeks. A calendar is also accessible here.

Access your recycling calendar here!

Why am I limited to 2 appliance and 2 bulky waste pickups per household per year?

Actually, that's always been the rule; it's just never been enforced. As of July 1, phone call requests will be tracked for these pickups. After each household has reached their maximum of 2 each per year, residents can use extra bag tags for additional appliance and bulky waste pickups. Two tags are the equivalent of one extra curbside appliance pickup, and 4 tags are the equivalent of one extra curbside bulky waste pickup. Appointments are still necessary. You can contact Red River at 256-2288.