OCT. 5, 2026

The City of Dubuque offers residents multiple leaf and yard debris disposal options through the Public Works Department. While the City encourages mulching, mowing, and backyard composting as economical and environmentally beneficial leaf disposal methods, these additional options are also available.k

Leaf Rake-Out Collections

The Public Works Department offers scheduled leaf rake-out collections. Collection appointments must be scheduled in advance by submitting a request at cityofdubuque.org/YardWaste or calling 563.589.4250. Rake-out collections will be offered beginning Monday, Oct. 12, through Friday, Nov. 20. Appointments must be made before raking leaves into a collection area. Acceptable items in the leaf rake-out include loose leaves, pine needles, and pinecones. Leaf piles should be free of any grass, branches, brush, plants, and rocks.

Rake-out collection leaf 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 leaf rake-out. Vehicles must not be parked within 10 feet of the leaf pile. Collection piles should also be clear of fire hydrants, utility boxes, storm sewer catch basins, and other utility items.

Residents will be charged a minimum of $21.60 for each 40-bag equivalent of leaves collected. This fee will be added to the resident’s utility bill.

Regular Yard Debris Collection

As part of the City’s yard debris collection service, leaves and other yard debris may be placed in:  

• paper yard debris bags which display a single-use City of Dubuque yard debris sticker,
• a rigid solid waste container marked with a 2026 City of Dubuque annual yard debris decal or single-use yard debris sticker looped on the handle,
• or City-issued organics tipper carts.

Leaves placed in bags or containers must not exceed 35 gallons in capacity or 40 pounds in weight. Plastic bags containing yard debris will not be collected.

Paper yard debris bags, single-use yard debris stickers, and brush ties are available in 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. Brush ties cost $1.75 each. For more information, visit cityofdubuque.org/YardWaste

Residents are reminded that burning leaves and raking or blowing leaves into the street are prohibited and subject to fines.

For more information, please contact the City of Dubuque Public Works Department at 563.589.4250 or visit cityofdubuque.org/PublicWorks