Dubuque Kicks Off Curbside Organics Collection

Residents can now conveniently dispose of yard waste and food scraps on regular pickup days.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:21pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones depicting a residential street with curbside organics bins and bags, conceptually illustrating the convenience and environmental benefits of the new organics collection program.Dubuque's new curbside organics collection program makes it easier for residents to compost their yard waste and food scraps, supporting the city's sustainability goals.Dubuque Today

The City of Dubuque is resuming its weekly curbside organics collection on April 6th, 2026, making it easier for residents to get rid of yard debris and food scraps without extra trips to the landfill. Residents can use rigid containers, city-issued organics tipper carts, or brown paper yard debris bags with a yellow sticker to set out their organics. The city also offers free compost for residents to pick up at designated locations.

Why it matters

The new organics collection program provides a convenient way for Dubuque residents to properly dispose of yard waste and food scraps, reducing the amount of organic material going to landfills. This supports the city's sustainability goals and helps residents easily participate in composting, which can then be reused in gardens and landscaping.

The details

Organics will be picked up on regular curbside collection days, and no appointment is needed. Residents can use 35-gallon rigid containers with a yellow single-use yard debris sticker, the city's 2026 annual yard debris decal, or city-issued organics tipper carts in 13-gallon or 64-gallon sizes. Brush and limbs can be bundled with city ties and a yellow sticker, while yard debris can go in brown paper bags with a sticker. Yellow stickers are available at City Hall and local stores. Residents can get a city-issued organics cart or 2026 annual yard debris decal from City Hall, online, or by calling 563-589-4144.

  • The curbside organics collection resumes on Monday, April 6th, 2026.

The players

City of Dubuque

The local government of Dubuque, Iowa, which is implementing the new curbside organics collection program.

Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA)

The agency that operates the landfill and compost pickup locations in Dubuque.

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What’s next

Residents should ensure they have the proper containers and stickers ready for the first organics collection on April 6th.

The takeaway

Dubuque's new curbside organics collection program makes it easier for residents to compost their yard waste and food scraps, supporting the city's sustainability goals and providing free compost for residents to use in their gardens and landscaping.