HomeMy WebLinkAboutResidential Refuse - Solid WasteResidential Refuse/Solid Waste Storage Requirements
RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNER/USER FOR COMPLIANCE
It is the responsibility of the owner of a dwelling to comply with all provisions of the Code of
Ordinances concerning garbage, trash, and refuse in addition to the following:
1. Provide sufficient and adequate containers for the storage of solid waste.
2. Maintain solid waste containers in good repair.
3. Maintain the area surrounding solid waste containers in a clean, neat, and sanitary condition.
4. Place all solid waste in an approved solid waste container.
CONTAINER SPECIFICATIONS
Private Collection Service: (5 or more living units in one building)
Refuse handled by a private contractor must be stored in an approved containers or a "dumpster."
Municipal Collection Service: (1 to 4 living units) Refuse served by the City of Iowa City shall be stored in containers
(can or plastic bag) not more than 35 gallons nor less than 20 gallons in capacity. Containers shall be leakproof and
waterproof. Cans shall be fitted with a fly-tight lid and shall be properly covered at all times except when depositing
waste or removing the contents. Cans shall have handles. The weight of any individual container and contents shall
not exceed 50 pounds. Two cans or bags will be collected each week per living unit, paid for by your monthly fee.
Each additional bag requires a $1 sticker. Stickers are available at the Civic Center or at most Iowa City grocery
stores.
Note: For those residents living in neighborhoods where new “refuse carts” have been delivered, that one cart is
equivalent to the two 35-gallon containers allowed for the monthly minimum garbage charge. There is no weight limit;
however, please refrain from packing garbage too tightly. Each additional bag requires a $1 sticker. Stickers are
available at the Civic Center or at most Iowa City grocery stores.
TIMES FOR COLLECTION
Private Collection Service:
Refuse hauled by a private contractor must have a frequency of service which prevents "overflow."
Municipal Collection Service:
Solid waste containers and other solid waste permitted to be placed at the curb for refuse served by the City of Iowa
City shall be placed at the curb of the street upon which the dwelling fronts for collection. Placement shall not occur
before 3 PM on the day before the regularly scheduled collection day. Containers shall be removed from the curb on
the same day collection is made.
2
STORAGE OF SOLID WASTE CONTAINERS
Private Collection Service:
Solid waste containers shall be stored upon private property. The storage site for solid waste containers shall be well
drained and fully accessible to collection equipment. Solid waste containers shall not be placed in the area between
the dwelling and the street right-of-way. All containers located within 50 feet of a street right-of-way must be
screened from view from the right-of-way. Storage may not be located in a required parking space. Containers may
not be stored inside a residential building.
Municipal Collection Service:
Containers should be stored to the side, back, or rear of the dwelling. Containers shall not be placed between the
dwelling and the street right-of-way. Containers may not be stored inside a residential building.
MAINTENANCE OF CONTAINERS AND AREA
The occupant of every dwelling unit shall place all solid waste to be collected in proper solid waste containers. The
owner shall maintain such solid waste containers and the surrounding area in a clean, neat and sanitary condition at
all times.
BULKY WASTES, APPLIANCES, AND TIRES
Private Collection Services:
For the collection of any bulky item, including appliances and tires, arrangements should be made with the private
hauler.
Municipal Collection Service:
Bulky waste is any item that will not fit in a 35-gallon can or bag. The City will collect these bulky items on an
appointment-only basis. Each stop will cost $10 for the first item and $5 for each additional item. The fee for the
collection of appliances is $20. Tire collection fees: $3 per rimless tire; $6 per rimmed tire. To arrange for collection,
call 356-5180.
ANTI-LITTER CLEANUP
Private Collection Service:
Dumpsters and dumpster storage areas which are not maintained to Code may be subject to a $250 fine through the
City's Housing Inspection Services. Property owners will be notified and given an opportunity to clean-up the site
prior to any fine being levied.
Municipal Collection Service:
A $100 minimum clean-up fee will be charged for refuse placed at the curb that is not properly containerized for
collection or for bulky items not removed within a 48-hour period of time. Occupants will be notified and given an
opportunity to clean-up the site prior to any fine being levied, unless the site is considered unreasonable or a
dangerous threat to health. In such a case, no notice could be given before the site is cleared and the $100 minimum
clean-up fee assessed. Fees are assessed directly to the property owner, not the occupant, whether or not the
occupant is the account holder.
Owners may be subject to a $250 fine through the City's Housing Inspection Services for containers and storage
areas not maintained to Code.
Housing Inspection Services 356-5130
Solid Waste Division 356-5180
11/2002
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