Dubuque, IA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Section 13-6A-8 governs where and when solid waste containers go out in Dubuque. For alley collection, containers go in one location per dwelling, in clear view, at the property line abutting the alley on the designated day; for street collection, they go in one location per dwelling within the street right-of-way on the owner's side of the curb, placed so they do not block vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Subsection C sets the timing window: no one may put a container out more than 24 hours before the scheduled collection day, and containers cannot stay at the street for more than 24 hours after collection.

All waste must be at the designated location by 6:00 a.m. on the collection day. Subsection G requires containers to sit in plain view within two feet of the curb or alley line, and subsection I adds that each container needs a two-foot radius of clearance around it with the lid opening toward the street or alley so crews can service it without moving anything. Waste that misses these rules will not be collected; under subsection D the owner must remove it within 24 hours of the missed collection day and store it so it does not create a health, safety, or fire hazard, and containers left past the 24-hour window can be removed at the owner's expense under subsection E.

The City Manager can grant exceptions for elderly or disabled residents through the Public Works Department under subsection F, and any change to a normal set-out location needs city approval under subsection H.