Yard Waste and Composting Information

Yard Waste

Leaves, grass clippings, garden debris and small brush may be collected curbside in bags with the Ottumwa/Wapello logo printed on them ONLY. These paper bags can be purchased for $1.00 each at major local grocery stores, at the courtesy counters.

Brush and tree limbs must be cut into 36" lengths, bundled and tied into weights of less than 50 lb. Limbs can not exceed 3" in diameter. Properly prepared brush and tree limbs can be collected from the household free of charge.

Yard waste is collected on Tuesdays of each week. If Monday or Tuesday is a holiday, collection will be on Thursday. To ensure curbside collection, place yard waste at the curb by 5:00 AM on Tuesday. Yard waste may NOT be disposed of with general trash in the landfill.

Individuals choosing to haul yard waste to the landfill may do so free of charge. The Landfill accepts all types of yard waste, however, limbs and brush should be separated from grass clippings and leaves. The Recycling Center ONLY accepts grass clipping and leaves. Businesses, including lawn mowing and landscaping services, must take all yard waste to the Landfill for composting. Yard waste must be separated from other waste and removed from plastic bags before disposing in the composting area. Remember, all loads going to the Landfill MUST be covered, or a $10 fee will be charged for residential vehicles and a $24-$50 fee will be charged for commercial vehicles.

Home Composting

If you, or someone you know, has a need for rich fertile soil for the garden, lawn or house plants, you may choose to do your own home composting. For more information on home composing , call 683-0694.