Dubuque, IA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

City Code section 13-6A-2 makes solid waste collection mandatory for Class I premises, which section 13-6-1 defines as single-family dwellings, multi-family buildings of up to six units, and dwelling units in commercial premises. Class II premises (trailer courts, schools, churches, nursing homes, and larger multi-family buildings) and Class III premises (business and commercial property) are not required to subscribe but may apply to the City Manager for service. Section 13-6A-7 sets the collection frequency at no more than once weekly, with all pickups happening between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., on routes and days the City Manager schedules under the article.

The schedule skips official city holidays unless the City Manager decides otherwise, and a Saturday can be substituted for a route that would normally run on the holiday. The City Manager can also change or amend the published schedule at any time. Section 13-6A-3 requires every customer to use a city-issued cart, with a base 35-gallon tipper cart included in the monthly rate and 48-, 64-, or 96-gallon carts available for an added fee under section 13-6A-10, which sets the base fee at $18.11 per dwelling unit per month.

Refuse must go into tied bags inside the cart, and anything larger than 3 feet by 2 feet or heavier than 40 pounds has to be scheduled separately as a bulky item pickup rather than left at the curb.