City of Dubuque offers leaf disposal options through Nov. 20

REAL DUBUQUE NEWS (RDN) The City of Dubuque is offering residents several ways to dispose of leaves and yard debris this fall through the Public Works Department. Scheduled leaf rake-out collections are available through Nov. 20. Residents must book an appointment in advance by submitting a request at cityofdubuque.org/YardWaste or calling 563.589.4250, and appointments must be made before raking leaves into a collection area. Rake-out piles may contain loose leaves, pine needles and pinecones only, and must be free of grass, branches, brush, plants and rocks. Piles should be placed in the street at the curb no sooner than the day before the scheduled appointment. Crews cannot enter private property or alleys to collect a rake-out, vehicles must not be parked within 10 feet of the pile, and piles must be clear of fire hydrants, utility boxes, storm sewer catch basins and other utility items. Residents are charged a minimum of $21.60 for each 40-bag equivalent of leaves collected, added to their utility bill. Leaves and other yard debris are also accepted through the City's regular yard debris collection service in paper yard debris bags displaying a single-use City yard debris sticker, a rigid solid waste container marked with a 2026 City annual yard debris decal or a single-use yard debris sticker looped on the handle, or City-issued organics tipper carts. Bags or containers must not exceed 35 gallons in capacity or 40 pounds in weight, and plastic bags containing yard debris will not be collected. Paper yard debris bags, single-use yard debris stickers and brush ties are available at most grocery, hardware and discount stores throughout the city. Single-use yard debris stickers are available at area retailers on sheets of five for $8.75, and brush ties cost $1.75 each. The City encourages mulching, mowing and backyard composting as economical and environmentally beneficial leaf disposal methods.