Council Bluffs, IA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Weekly cart limit
- 96-gallon poly cart shared with trash
- Unlimited windows
- 6 weeks spring (Apr 15-May 31), 6 weeks fall (Oct 15-Nov 30)
- Extra material
- Requires a paid bag tag (CBMC 2.08.040 fee)
- Bundle limit
- 4 ft long, 2 ft diameter, 60 lbs, branches under 3 in
- Loose yard waste
- Must be bagged if not carted
Summary
Council Bluffs residents get regular weekly yard waste pickup and two unlimited six-week windows, spring and fall, when any amount of yard waste can go to the curb. Beyond that, or outside those windows, extra bags need a paid bag tag and loose material must be bagged or bundled by the rules in CBMC Chapter 4.12.
Bag tag: A one-time use sticker purchased for the collection of trash and yard waste above the 96-gallon weekly limit, fee as set forth in CBMC 2.08.040. Such sticker shall be placed on the bag in a conspicuous area readily viewable to collectors. Bu ... ndle: ... Trees, shrubs and brush trimmings securely tied together forming an easily handled package not exceeding four feet in length, two feet in diameter or sixty (60) pounds in weight, with no individual branch over 3" diameter. ... Residential customers may place separated residential yard waste for regular weekly collection by the city or city's contract agent. For six weeks in the spring and six weeks in the fall, an unlimited amount of yard waste may be placed for collection on any collection day. Such dates are generally defined as the periods of April 15 - May 31 and October 15 - November 30, but may change at the direction of the city. ... Yard waste. ... All loose grass, leaves and other small particles not placed into carts shall be bagged in accordance with this chapter. All trees, shrubs, brush trimmings or other yard waste must be bundled in accordance with this chapter.
Full Breakdown
Under CBMC 4.12.060, residential customers may place separated yard waste for regular weekly collection by the city or its contract agent. For six weeks in spring, generally April 15 through May 31, and six weeks in fall, generally October 15 through November 30, an unlimited amount of yard waste may be placed for collection on any collection day; the city can adjust those dates. Outside those windows, yard waste shares the same 96-gallon weekly cart limit as household trash, and extra material requires a bag tag under CBMC 4.12.010, a one-time-use sticker priced in the fee schedule at CBMC 2.08.040 that must be placed in a conspicuous spot on the bag.
CBMC 4.12.061 requires that loose grass, leaves and other small particles not placed in a cart be bagged, while trees, shrubs and brush trimmings must be bundled. A 'bundle' under CBMC 4.12.010 is limited to four feet in length, two feet in diameter or sixty pounds, with no branch over three inches in diameter. Customers may only set out yard waste they actually generated on their own premises.
Violations & Fines
Failing to place yard waste for collection in the required bags, bundles or carts, at the required curbside location, or during the required collection window is a misdemeanor under CBMC 4.12.060, and the material need not be collected until it is properly prepared. Chapter-wide violations are enforced under the penalty provisions of CBMC 8.02.020, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, or pursued as a municipal infraction under CBMC 1.95 at the city attorney's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can Council Bluffs residents put out unlimited yard waste?
Do I need a bag tag for extra yard waste in Council Bluffs?
How must I bundle brush for Council Bluffs pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Council Bluffs
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