Yard waste will be collected at the street curb on your sanitation collection day during the months of April (weather permitting) through November.


What can I do with leaves?

1. Compost at home. To receive information on composting at home, contact the Cerro Gordo County Extension Office at (641) 423-0844; Lime Creek Nature Center at (641) 423-5309; or the Landfill of North Iowa at (641) 357-5452.
2. Drop off at the bags and lose yard waste (grass and leaves) at the Landfill of North Iowa compost site at 15942 Killdeer Avenue in Cerro Gordo County. There is a drop-off charge of $18.50/load.
3. Place at the curbside on sanitation collection day in 30 gallon biodegradable paper bags during the yard waste collection season. There is a 50 pound limit on bags. The bags are weather and animal resistant and are available at grocery and retail stores in the community.

What can I do with grass clippings?

1. Leave them on your yard - they DO NOT cause thatch. They reduce the amount of fertilizer needed.
2. Use as mulch.
3. Place at curbside on garbage collection day in 30 gallon biodegradable paper bags during the yard waste collection season. Bags are available at grocery and retail stores. There is a 50 pound limit on bags.

What can I do with branches?

Do not place branches of any size in the biodegradable paper bags. Branches do not decompose and must be separated from leaves and grass.


For branches smaller than 4 inches in diameter:

1. Chip for mulch.
2. Tie in bundles.
   • Bundles can not be larger than 18 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length.
   • Do not use wire.
   • Place at street curb on sanitation collection day.
3. Take to the Landfill of North Iowa - branches and limbs up to 12" in diameter may be dropped off at the Landfill of North Iowa for $37.00/ton, $18.50 minimum and must be securely tarped.

For branches larger than 4 inches in diameter:

1. Chip for mulch.
2. Branches and limbs up to 12" in diameter may be dropped off at the Landfill of North Iowa for $37.00/ton, $18.50 minimum and must be securely tarped. For branches or stumps larger than 12" in diameter, please call the Landfill at 877-LANDFIL for assistance.

Did you know?

• Iowa law bans yard waste from the Landfill of North Iowa.
• Yard waste must be separated from garbage.
• Burning is discouraged because it causes air pollution. City ordinance does not allow open burning of yard waste. Please refer to the City Ordinance for more information.
• City Sanitation Staff will collect yard waste in 30 gallon biodegradable paper bags.
• Yard waste will be collected at the street curb on your sanitation collection day during the months of April (weather permitting) through November. THERE WILL NOT BE YARD WASTE COLLECTION ON THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO THANKSGIVING.
• Compost is available for residential use at the Landfill of North Iowa free of charge and residents are responsible for loading compost.