Garbage Collection

The City of Urbandale collects residential garbage using fully-automated collection vehicles. This program allows the City to provide more efficient service and reduce overall collection costs.

In order for the program to work effectively, the City needs the cooperation of every household.  Please follow the guidelines below to ensure that your garbage collection goes smoothly. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Public Works Division at 278-3950.
 

• Please use a City-supplied, standardized garbage container. If you do not have one of these containers, please email or call 278-3950. 
• Please place all of your garbage (excluding yard waste and recycling) within the garbage container. Garbage that is not inside the container can not be collected. 
• Please place your garbage container at the curb, with the wheels away from the street, by 6:30 a.m. on your collection day. In order for the collection vehicle to grasp the container effectively, it must be within 4 feet of the curb and at least 4 feet from any obstacles (e.g., mailboxes, signs, trees, utility structures).
• Also please close the lid on the container, and make sure it is not near any parked cars.

 Acceptable Materials

Most non-hazardous materials may be discarded in the blue garbage container.  This includes household garbage and trash.

The following materials should not be discarded in the blue container:

•    hazardous materials, including paints, stains, and thinners;
•    propane canisters;
•    yard waste;
•    construction debris;
•    automobile tires and batteries; and
•    ammunition or explosives. 

Hazardous material can be disposed of at the MWA's Regional Collection Center or at special mobile unit locations.  To learn more about hazardous waste disposal options, click here. 

Collection Schedules

Normal garbage collection takes place Monday through Thursday.  There is no collection on the following holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day Monday, July 4^th, Labor Day Monday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Collection normally scheduled for these days will occur on the following weekday, collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.