Navigating Trash and Recycling Collection in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

With over 130,000 residents, Cedar Rapids offers comprehensive trash and recycling services to keep the community clean. This article provides an overview of collection schedules, guidelines, and resources for Cedar Rapids households.

Service Provider and Overview

• Trash, recycling, and yard waste collection is handled by the City of Cedar Rapids Solid Waste & Recycling division.

• Service is provided weekly on a set schedule depending on neighborhood.

• All three waste streams – trash, recycling, and yard waste – are collected on the same day.

• Collection occurs between 7AM – 3:30PM on scheduled days. Carts must be out by 7AM.

• Carts should be removed from curbside by 7PM after collection.

2023 Collection Schedule

The collection schedule divides the city into 5 sections and assigns each section a collection day:

• Monday: Northwest
• Tuesday: Northeast
• Wednesday: Southwest
• Thursday: Southeast
• Friday: Downtown

You can find your section on the collection map or use the address lookup tool to get your schedule.

Holiday Schedule

Some holidays impact the collection schedule:

• Memorial Day, Labor Day – No collection, 1 day delay all week
• Thanksgiving – 1 day delay Thurs/Fri customers
• Christmas, New Year’s – 1 day delay if on weekday

No delay for MLK Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Veterans Day.

Check the holiday schedule for updates.

Collection Policies and Guidelines

Cedar Rapids has several policies and guidelines for curbside collection:

• Carts provided by city must be used – extra trash requires stickers
• Weight limits: 220 lbs recycling, 40 lbs extra trash bags
• Keep 3 feet clearance around carts for automated arms
• No plastic bags or styrofoam in recycling
• Bundle or containerize extra recycling beside cart

See the collection requirements page for full details.

Contact Information

Solid Waste & Recycling Division

• Phone: (319) 286-5897
• Email: [email protected]
• Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30AM – 3:30PM

Contact for general questions, to report missed collections, schedule bulky waste pickup, or request cart repairs/replacements.

Utility Billing

• Phone: (319) 286-5802
• Email: [email protected]

Contact for account and billing questions.

Tips for Collection Day

• Check your schedule – set a reminder if needed.

• Carts go at street level, not on snow banks or curbs.

• Place carts in a row, parallel to street if space allows.

• Cart lids must close and weight limits followed.

• Leave 3 feet clearance around carts.

• Retrieve carts by 7PM after collection.

Key Takeaways

• Trash, recycling, yard waste collected weekly

• City provides carts for garbage, recycling, yard waste

• Collection day depends on Cedar Rapids section

• Some holidays impact schedule

• Review city guidelines for cart use

• Contact Solid Waste & Recycling with any issues

• Use online tools to find your schedule

Following these guidelines will help ensure smooth waste collection in Cedar Rapids. Check the city website for the most up-to-date schedules and information.