Trash and Recycling Collection in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Cape Girardeau is a city in southeastern Missouri with a population of around 40,000 residents. Like most cities, Cape Girardeau offers municipal trash and recycling collection services to households and businesses within city limits. This article provides an overview of trash and recycling pickup schedules, accepted materials, holiday impacts, and key details for Cape Girardeau’s waste collection services.

Trash Collection

• Trash collection in Cape Girardeau is handled by the city’s Public Works department.
• Trash is collected once per week on a set route schedule determined by location.
• Standard trash carts are provided by the city in 96 gallon sizes. Extra carts can be requested for $2.50 per month.
• Carts must be placed at the curb by 7AM on collection day. Carts should be removed from the curb by the evening.
• Accepted waste includes typical household garbage like food scraps, plastics, paper, glass, and other general refuse.
• Up to 4 extra bags of trash are allowed beside carts during holiday weeks between December 27 and January 6.
• Some hazardous waste like chemicals, batteries, and tires cannot be disposed of with regular trash. The city partners with the Jackson Recycling Center for these materials.

Recycling Collection

• Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as regular trash.
• A 96 gallon cart is provided to households for mixed recyclables.
• Accepted recyclables include clean paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and jugs, glass jars and bottles, and cartons.
• Items should be clean, dry, and loose in bins – not bagged.
• Hazardous and non-accepted waste should not be mixed into recycling bins.

Holiday Schedule

Trash and recycling collection are impacted by these observed holidays in Cape Girardeau:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• President’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

View the full holiday schedule for adjusted collection days.

Christmas Tree Disposal

After Christmas, live trees can be disposed of through:

• Curbside pickup by scheduling a Wednesday special pickup for $5.75 per tree.
• Free drop off at a designated site in Arena Park from December 26 through January.
• The city’s Transfer Station for a small fee based on weight.

Yard Waste Collection

• Yard waste like leaves, branches, and grass clippings are collected on regular trash day.
• Use paper yard waste bags or personal cans up to 40 gallons for loose waste.
• Bundle branches shorter than 4 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter.
• Palm fronds should be stacked in a pile facing the same direction.

Bulk Waste Collection

• Bulk items like furniture are collected on regular trash day.
• Items should be placed within 3 feet of the curb and be easy for 2 people to pick up.
• Call to schedule pickups of large volumes of waste like move-outs. Fees may apply.
• Break down cardboard boxes and place in recycling bins.

Additional Services

Beyond regular collection, the city offers:

• Wednesday special pickups scheduled in advance for an extra fee.
• A Transfer Station for drop-off waste disposal and recycling.
• Free recycling bins available for delivery upon request.

Contact Information

For questions on trash collection, contact:

City of Cape Girardeau Public Works
573-339-6351
Public Works Website