Residents of Ottumwa have weekly curbside trash and recycling collection.    Every week, each household can dispose of one 65-gallon cart full of trash, an unlimited amount of recyclables, one bulky item or appliance per week and yard waste collection (April-November).

Our Recycling Center processes all of the materials that are collected through curbside recycling collection in Wapello and Davis Counties. They accept a number of materials for drop off and operate the area’s regional collection center for household hazardous wastes.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Products that are corrosive, toxic, flammable or reactive are considered hazardous by the EPA. Improper use, storage and/or handling of these products can result in dangerous outcomes. The Recycling Center accepts some household hazardous materials such as used motor oil and antifreeze. For other hazardous items that are also accepted at the Recycling Center please call. For disposal of other household hazardous materials or for more information on household hazardous materials, read the product label or contact the Recycling Center for a copy of the new Household Hazardous Materials Alternatives Handbook.

Yard Waste Disposal Options

Back in the early 1990s. the State of Iowa banned yard waste from landfills. It is illegal to put leaves, sticks, grass clippings or other yard wastes in your garbage. We have a seasonal (April 1st through November 30th) curbside collection service for baggable wastes like leaves and for brush and branches under three inches in diameter. You may also self haul yard wastes to the Landfill. The Recycling Center has a drop off area for leaves and grass clippings only.