Certain communities use an automated garbage and recycling collection system in which a mechanical arm picks up specially designed containers from each resident. With an automated, or volume-based system, residents pay for what they throw out just as they only pay for how much water or electricity they use. Using an automated collection system also encourages waste reduction and recycling while helping communities have a cleaner appearance.
Cart Placement Guidelines
Curb It! Recycle and Roll is an automated collection program designed to make it easier for you to recycle. When participating in automated collection programs there are a few cart placement guidelines to follow. Your help is appreciated in making it easier for carts to be collected.
- Your cart should be within 18 inches of the curb with the short metal bar facing the street.
- To avoid damage to public and private property, place the cart at least three feet away from mailboxes, lamp posts and other permanent structures.
- Place your cart on as level of a surface as possible but away from low-hanging tree branches.
- Yard waste bags, garbage carts, Curb It! carts and other large items should be spaced three feet apart.
- Close lids prior to pick-up – lids must be closed on your Curb It! carts in order for the recyclables to be collected.
Large Items (except Urbandale)
Items not fitting in their designated carts can not be obtained through automated collection. In order for your items to be picked up, a trash sticker must be attached to each 33-gallon bag or box that is placed outside of the container. Each bag or box placed outside of the container cannot weigh more than 35 pounds. To find out where to purchase the trash bag stickers, call Artistic Waste Services at 515-262-4040.
Large items that do not fit into a 33-gallon bag or box (including furniture) must have a Large Item sticker attached to each item. Large Item stickers can be purchased at local Hy-Vee and Dahl's stores.
For information on appliance pickup, please see your specific community page or our Where Does It Go? guide.