What can I recycle?
Click here for our guide to recycling. General recyclable materials include: household plastic bottles and containers, cardboard boxes, newspaper, papers, glass, tin and aluminum.
What size dumpster do I need?
A size of dumpster is determined by the type of project. The dumpster sizes can be found by clicking here.
What if a holiday falls on my pickup day?
Holiday schedules are published in the local newspapers, local radio stations, on our website and on our Facebook page. Call if you have questions.
How much can I put in the garbage tote?
Do not overfill your container―it is not acceptable for the tote’s lid to be raised. This restriction enables us to accommodate everyone’s trash and recycling. Large quantities should be held for later pickups. You can also call ahead and make arrangements if you have additional trash. (See next section.)
What if I have too much garbage?
Please call before the scheduled pickup to alert us about extra garbage that is unable to fit in your tote. For a minimal per-bag charge, we can occasionally accommodate extra trash. Extra fees will be added to your next bill. If you consistently have too much waste, consider a dumpster or roll-off container.
Where do I take my recycling?
Recycling can be dropped off at several locations. In Pella, recycling can be dropped off at 815 West 10th Street, just south of Wal-Mart.
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When do I put out my recycling bin and garbage tote?
In the Pella and Oskaloosa city limits, recycling is collected on the same day as your regular, weekly garbage collection, but by a separate truck. If you live outside the city limits, check your schedule or call 888-428-2610. Routes start early, so you should have your tote out by the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the day of collection for your location. Consider putting your bin and tote out the night before.
Where do I place the recycling bin and garbage tote?
Please place the recycling bin near the street, within 2 feet of the curb and at least 4 feet from your tote. The truck’s lifting mechanism needs to wrap around the tote to grab it.
How do I sort my recycling?
With single-stream recycling, you can place ALL of these items in one bin or bag except glass. Set the newspapers and mixed paper on the bottom so that the heavier items will keep the papers from blowing away. Corrugated, unwaxed cardboard, no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, should be flattened and placed under your recycling bin. This helps to keep it from blowing away. Smaller boxes, such as cereal boxes, should be flattened and placed in the recycling bin.
What types of items can I put in the tote?
Regular household trash that is not recyclable or hazardous can be placed in your tote. No appliances and no large amounts of metal.
What is considered hazardous waste?
Household hazardous waste, such as paint and motor oil, poses a significant threat to the environment. Unfortunately, they can’t be placed in your weekly collection container. Local, state, and federal regulations require that all hazardous waste be properly disposed of. Consult your city or town for collection sites and dates in your area, or call your local landfill:
- Mahaska County Landfill – 641.673.9266
- SCISWA – 641.828.8545
- Newton Landfill – 641.792.3866
What if I put out my garbage tote too late?
If you can’t wait for next week, call to find out the charge for an extra pickup.
What is the number on my tote for?
The number identifies your specific tote. It’s a good idea to record your tote number in case it gets lost or damaged. There could a charge depending on the circumstances, but not for normal wear and tear.
Do you provide bulk item disposal and yard waste disposal?
Yes. Call 888.428.2610 for more details.