Cedar Rapids, IA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Placement
- Within 3 feet of curb/alley
- Spacing
- 6 feet from other containers
- Bundle limit
- 3 ft long, 2 ft diameter, 40 lbs
- Container
- City-issued green YARDY cart
Summary
Cedar Rapids requires yard waste in green YARDY carts placed within 3 feet of the curb, spaced 6 feet from other containers; bundled brush must be under 3 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 40 pounds, tied with biodegradable twine.
(f)Yard waste containers shall be grouped and placed within 3 feet of the curb or alley line and separated by a minimum of 6 feet from all other collection containers or materials to allow for automated collection.(g)Bundled yard waste such as branches, brush, and small limbs of no more than 3 feet in length and 2 feet in diameter and no more than 40 pounds in weight shall be placed with yard waste containers. Bundled yard waste shall be bound with rope or twine constructed of hemp, cotton or other biodegradable material.(h)Material not intended for collection shall not be kept on or near the curb or alley line. The city shall not be responsible for any material so placed which is collected for disposal.(i)In mobile or manufactured home parks, solid waste, yard waste and recycling containers shall be placed at points designated by the Director or his/her designee.(j)The Solid Waste Recycling Department may make exceptions for the storage and set out of solid waste, yard waste and recycling containers for elderly or physically challenged persons upon application to the Solid Waste Recycling Department. (51-05)
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
The Solid Waste Recycling Department requires yard waste containers (YARDY carts) to be grouped and set within 3 feet of the curb or alley line, separated by at least 6 feet from other collection containers so trucks can service them automatically. Loose branches, brush, and limbs must be bundled to no more than 3 feet long, 2 feet in diameter, and 40 pounds, tied with hemp, cotton, or other biodegradable twine. Cardboard boxes and plastic bags are barred as yard waste containers under the same chapter.
Violations & Fines
Improperly set-out yard waste is treated as a nuisance under Section 24.14: the city can remove it and bill the property owner, with unpaid charges assessed against the property after 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cardboard box for yard waste?
How should I bundle tree branches?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cedar Rapids
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