How to Dispose of Leaves in Dubuque

The City of Dubuque would like to remind residents of their options for leaf and yard debris disposal: The City encourages mulching, mowing, and backyard composting as economical and beneficial leaf management options, but offers several other options for yard debris management.

As part of the City’s April-November collection service, leaves and other yard waste may be placed in paper yard waste bags that display a single-use yard waste sticker, a rigid solid waste container with either a single-use yard waste sticker looped on the handle or a City 2016 annual yard waste decal, or, in City yard debris tipper carts.  Brush and limbs can be bundled with a City of Dubuque brush tie or twine and an attached single-use yard waste sticker.  Bags and containers 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 $6.50.  Brush ties cost $1.30 each.

Seasonal, regular-route yard waste collection ends Saturday, Nov. 26.  From December through March, Thursday collections of yard waste and food scraps may be scheduled by calling (563) 589-4250 or submitting a request at www.cityofdubuque.org/yardwaste.

The Public Works Department also offers, by appointment only, leaf rake-out collections in which large, curbside leaf piles are vacuumed into a collection vehicle. Collection appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling (563) 589-4250 or submitting a request at www.cityofdubuque.org/yardwaste.  Rake-out collections will be offered from Monday, Oct. 17, through Wednesday, Nov. 23, this year. Appointments must be made before raking into a gutter area. Acceptable items in the leaf rake-out include loose leaves, pine needles, and pine cones. Grass, brush, plants, and rocks are not accepted.

The department would also like to remind all residents that burning leaves and raking or blowing leaves into the street are prohibited and subject to fines.

For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at (563) 589-4250 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/publicworks.