Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids, IA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Collection frequency: At least once weekly, § 24.03
Collection hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Solid waste rate (2025): $18.12/month per dwelling unit
Recycling rate (2025): $5.20/month per dwelling unit
Senior/disabled discount: 50% off, §§ 12.37, 12.39
Set-out window: 6 p.m. day before to 7 p.m. collection day

Summary

Cedar Rapids collects solid waste and yard waste from every household and business at least once a week, between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., under Section 24.03. Weekly collection is mandatory citywide under Section 24.13, and each household is billed a flat per-dwelling-unit rate of $18.12 a month for solid waste plus $5.20 a month for recycling, effective July 1, 2025.

Accumulated domestic solid waste shall be collected from all households and business establishments within the city at least once weekly in accordance with and subject to the provisions of this chapter. All collections shall be made between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Such weekly collection is mandatory. ... The rate for solid waste and yard waste collection and disposal for each dwelling unit (household) is established per dwelling unit (household). Such rate shall be $0.5958 per day or $18.12 per month for all billings beginning July 1, 2025, to include all collections for that billing period.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24).

Full Breakdown

13 backs that up by billing every dwelling unit for the service whether or not the resident opts out. 39 get both rates cut in half. 17, and unpaid solid waste charges follow the same delinquency and shutoff rules that apply to water bills. the day of collection, and the Solid Waste Recycling Department treats a container left out longer as a nuisance it can remove and bill for. 84, to be collected the same way as property taxes.

Violations & Fines

Missed set-out windows or containers left at the curb past 7:00 p.m. on collection day are treated as nuisances under Section 24.14 and Section 24.06; the Solid Waste Recycling Department can remove them and bill the property owner for the cleanup. Unpaid solid waste and recycling charges become delinquent 20 days after the invoice date, follow the same suspension-of-service rules as unpaid water bills, and can become a property lien collected like taxes if still unpaid 30 days after delinquency, per Section 24.17.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is trash collection mandatory in Cedar Rapids?

Yes. Section 24.03 calls weekly collection mandatory for every household and business in the city, and Section 24.13 bills every dwelling unit a flat monthly rate for the service regardless of how much waste that household sets out.

How much does Cedar Rapids charge for trash and recycling?

For billings starting July 1, 2025, solid waste and yard waste service costs $18.12 a month per dwelling unit and recycling service costs $5.20 a month per dwelling unit under Section 24.13, billed together with your water bill; elderly or disabled residents who qualify get both rates cut in half.

What time can I put my trash cart out in Cedar Rapids?

Not before 6:00 p.m. the evening before your collection day, and it has to be back off the curb by 7:00 p.m. the day of collection under Section 24.06; the Solid Waste Recycling Department can remove a cart left out longer and bill you for the pickup as a nuisance.

What happens if I don't pay my Cedar Rapids trash bill?

Charges become delinquent 20 days after the invoice date and follow the same suspension rules as unpaid water service. If the bill is still unpaid 30 days after that, Section 24.17 lets the city certify the debt to the Linn County Auditor and place a lien on the property, collected the same way as property taxes.

Sources & Official References

[1]Cedar Rapids Municipal Code Chapter 24 - Solid Waste and Recycling

Other rules in Cedar Rapids

Bulk Item DisposalSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Bin Placement RulesSome Restrictions Recycling RequirementsSome Restrictions Yard Waste CollectionSome Restrictions Illegal DumpingHeavy Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterHeavy Restrictions

All Cedar Rapids rules

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