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1. When is large item collection available?

Beginning January 1, 2021 the charge will be $10 per stop for 10 or less items. Over 10 items it will be $20 per stop.
 
Large item pickup is available and scheduled on your refuse collection day for residents with an active Cedar Falls refuse account. To schedule a pick-up, call the Public Works Department at (319) 273-8629 between 7 am–4 pm, Monday–Friday. The large items must be placed curbside after 8:00 pm the night before your scheduled collection. This service is limited to large items only and is not intended to be a service for garbage.
 

2. What are the automated cart sizes and the monthly rates associated with each size?

The 32 gallon cart rate is $9.46 per month; the 68 gallon cart rate is $17.86 per month and the 95 gallon cart rate is $27.84 per month. Please call (319)273-8629 if you would like to exchange your refuse cart. You can exchange the refuse cart for free once a year. If more than once a year their will be a $20 exchange fee. Carts will not be exchanged if they are dirty, smell bad, etc. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to care for their refuse container. Homeowners can wash their containers and bag their garbage to help alleviate the smell in their carts.

3. What are the hours that the automated carts may be placed out for pickup?

The carts, by ordinance, may be placed for pickup no earlier than 6:00 pm on the day prior to your refuse pickup day. The cart must be removed by 8:00 pm on your scheduled pickup day.

4. Is there a penalty for having my cart out too early or leaving it out later than 8:00 pm?

The time limits, for leaving the carts out, are established by City Code. Letters are sent out to those citizens who do not comply with the code. Non-compliance with this code is a municipal infraction and a fine may be assessed. The letters from the Director of Public Works are used for the purpose of informing citizens of their non-compliance. Continued disregard of the code will incur a fine.

5. How may a Christmas tree be disposed of by a citizen?

Clean trees do not have ornaments, tinsel, flocking, or attached tree stands. These are considered yard waste and may be brought to the transfer station on Mondays for a $.75 disposal fee. Or you may cut the tree into 4 feet lengths and attach a Cedar Falls Christmas tree tag to the tree. Cost of the tree tag is $1.25. Place the tree at curbside and call (319) 273-8629 for a Monday pickup. All plastic bags must be removed.

6. What should I do with my automated garbage can on days that it has snowed and plows may be coming by?

The automated cans should be placed at the usual collection location, however, be sure the can is not set out into the street.

7. How do I dispose of medical sharps?

Diabetic needles, syringes, and other medical sharps are very hazardous to garbage and recycling haulers as well as landfill workers.

Some healthcare providers offer sharps containers for individuals to take home and return when filled. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacy for more information on disposing of medical sharps. Most do NOT accept medical sharps from businesses. 

Local providers:

• MercyOne Waterloo Pharmacy (2710 St. Francis Drive – Suite 101, Waterloo): Needles and sharps are accepted from patients and must be in a sealed sharps container. Call 319-272-5700 for details.
• UnityPoint Health – Home Medical Equipment Services Department (3733 University Avenue, Waterloo): Needles and sharps are accepted from patients and must be in a sealed sharps container. Call 319-235-5285 for instructions and off-site drop-off location details prior to disposal.

To dispose of medical sharps in the landfill, place needles in hard plastic containers such as laundry detergent bottles (do not use milk jugs).