Garbage/Yard Waste/Recycling

Garbage Service (Residential)

Residential solid waste pickup is curbside on the following schedule:

  • Monday:  south of 18th Street and east of Hill Avenue.
  • Tuesday:  north of 18th Street and east of Hill Avenue.
  • Wednesday:  north of 18th Street and west of Hill Avenue.
  • Thursday:  south of 18th Street and west of Hill Avenue.

Residents must use the blue containers provided by the City and placed out by 7:00 a.m. on the day of pickup.  Containers must be placed on or near the curb or in the driveway adjacent to the street and away from any obstructions in front, behind or to the sides so the automated truck may access the containers.  Containers cannot be overfilled – if they are overfilled the garbage will end up in the yard or in the street.  If the lid can’t be closed, and it appears that garbage will fall as it is picked up the driver of the truck will not empty the container.  

Recycling (Residential)

Residential and Commercial recycling is handled by Waste Management.

Residential customers are divided into two groups.  GOLD = residents who live north of 20th street and also those residents who live on the west side of Highway 71 (Indian Hills, Center Lake areas, for example).  GREEN = residents who live south of 20th street and east of Highway 71.  Pickup days are every other Wednesday per the calendar that was provided to residents by Waste Management.  After November 1, if residents have a need for a 96 gallon container instead of the 64 gallon container that was provided by Waste Management, you may call Waste Management to arrange a free substitution.

Commercial recycling is arranged by commercial operations directly with Waste Management, and many options are available.

Waste Management customer service may be reached at:  888-960-0008.

Yard waste

Curbside yard waste pickup is on Mondays from spring through fall with starting date and ending date to be announced each year.  Grass clippings, leaves and brush must be placed in 30 gallon brown paper bags and not exceed 40 lbs. Bags may be purchased at Bomgaars, Ace Hardware, Walmart, Fareway and HyVee.

Branches up to 1” in diameter may be bundled with twine or jute – bundles not to exceed 12” in diameter and 4’ in length.  Diameters greater than 1” and 5” of less shall be bundled together in bundles not to exceed 12” in diameter and 4’ in length.

The Spirit Lake Green Waste site is located approximately ½ miles east of Orleans.  It is available for personal use only by Spirit Lake and Orleans residential water customers from spring through fall.  No commercial use is permitted whether by commercial operations or commercial mowers or lawn services. See the Announcements section for rules and dates/hours of operation each year.