“This program has been extremely successful,” said Public Works Director Brett Daniel. “We still have junk going into the landfills, but we’ve been able to help residents correctly dispose of many appliances and other items that might have been dumped incorrectly otherwise.”

Daniel estimated that several hundred appliances have been picked up during the Junk Days on Demand program and been successfully recycled.

The program, which began in 2020, is designed to help residents dispose of larger items that don’t fit into regular garbage bins such as furniture, including sectionals, couches, chairs, recliners, and tables; mattresses; carpet; dismantled swing sets; minimal building materials, which must be bundled and weigh under 50 pounds per bundle, bicycles; scooters; large toys; and even scrap metal.

There is a two mattress limit per pickup, and carpet must be under four-feet and must be rolled and secured. Scrap metal must be separated from all other items.

The city will also accept passenger car tires for a $5 fee, televisions and electronics for a $15 fee, and appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, and dishwashers also for a $15 fee. The fee must be paid in advance. The item to be picked up must be marked with a sticker that is available at the Municipal Building’s billing window.

“For these approved large items to be picked up, residents just need to text the word ‘JUNK’ to 515-408-9888 and complete the prompts,” said Daniel. “Once a pickup is scheduled, residents must have items on the curb no later than 5 a.m. on their designated pickup day.”

Daniel reminded residents that Junk Days on Demand is for large items that won’t fit into garbage bins It is also not for loose items or knick knacks that would be in garbage bags or should just be thrown in the trash anyway.

“We are not accepting yard waste, garbage bags, loose items that fit in the garbage cart, recyclable materials like cardboard, hazardous materials like sharp objects, paint, motor oil, vehicle batteries, sheds, garages, and excessive building materials, or concrete or brick,” said Daniel.

For items not accepted during Junk Days on Demand, residents are encouraged to contact the North Central Iowa Regional Solid Waste Agency at 515-576-5866.

“We hope that people will use Junk Days on Demand and maximize it,” said Daniel. “You can use it as many times as needed. We love providing this service to residents.”

To schedule a Junk Days on Demand pickup, text the word “JUNK” to 515-408-9888.

Junk Days on Demand collections will start Monday.