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 515-278-3950:

  • Please use a city-supplied, standardized garbage container. If you do not have one of these containers, please email or call 515-278-3950.
  • 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 18 inches 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.

Cart Placements

Correct Cart Placement

Correct Placement of Single Cart
Correct Placement of 2 Carts

Incorrect Cart Placement

Incorrect Placement of a Single Cart
Incorrect Placement of 2 Carts

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:

  • Ammunition or explosives
  • Automobile tires and batteries
  • Construction debris
  • Hazardous materials, including paints, stains, and thinners
  • Propane canisters
  • Yard waste

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

Alerts

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Contact Us

  1. Engineering

    engpw@urbandale.org

    Physical Address
    3600 86th Street
    Urbandale, IA 50322

    Phone: 515-278-3950

    Directory

  2. Public Works

    Physical Address
    9401 Hickman Road
    Urbandale, IA 50322

    Phone: 515-278-3950

    Directory

  1. Trash, Curb It! and Compost It! Collection Route Map (PDF)