Several Options are Available for Handling Yardwaste
Curbside Leaf Collection
Drop off Site at Des Moines County Regional Landfill
There is no charge for disposal of GRASS, LEAVES AND OTHER NON-WOODY PLANT MATTER at the Des Moines County Regional Landfill. The material must be loose or in paper yardwaste bags; plastic bags must be emptied. Finished compost is available to the public for free.
Burlington residents who are customers of the City’s Solid Waste Department may take WOOD WASTE (twigs, brush, limbs and branches less than 8” in diameter) to the DMCR Landfill free of charge. Show proof of residency and a current statement of account information from the Burlington Municipal Water Company indicating trash fees are paid to the City for “free” disposal. Otherwise, the disposal fee is $24/ton -- just over a penny a pound. Woodchip mulch is available to the public for free.
The drop-off facility is paved and vehicle-friendly. Loads must be secured to avoid a $10 surcharge – in most cases this will require a tarp.
The DMCR Landfill is located on Washington Road northwest of West Burlington, 1.3 miles from Hwy 34. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8-4 and Saturday, 8-noon.
Backyard Composting
Home composting, and the method used to compost is a matter of personal preference. Information on backyard composting is available at the Des Moines County Extension Office, Area Recyclers, Burlington Public Library and on the Internet. A demonstration area is on display at the Area Recyclers for public education.
Leaf Burning
Leaf burning is permitted only from APRIL 1 - APRIL 21 & NOVEMBER 1-NOVEMBER 30 on WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS between the hours of 10 A.M.- 5 P.M. It is ILLEGAL to burn leaves on public streets, sidewalks or alleyways. Burning in the boulevard or on private property must comply with rules governing open burning, a follows:
1. A person familiar with open burning regulations shall constantly attend burning material with appropriate fire extinguishing equipment readily available.
2. No fire may be kindled when wind velocity exceeds 15 miles per hour.
3. Open burning shall not be conducted within 50’ of any structure or other combustible material. Conditions that could cause the fire to spread to within 50’ of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Exception: Clearance may be reduced to not less than 25’ when the pile size is 3’ or less in diameter and 2’ or less in height.
4. Discontinuance - The Fire Chief or designee is authorized to require that open fires be immediately discontinued.
5. Brush fires on agricultural land within City limits require at least ¼ mile distance between neighbors and a permit must be obtained from the Fire Department.
Street Sweeping by the Public Works Department
Leaves that gather NATURALLY in the street will be swept up by the Public Works Department. However, it is ILLEGAL to
rake, blow or deposit leaves on streets, sidewalks or alleyways.
Eligibility for “Free Disposal” of Limbs & Branches by Burlington Residents at DMCR Landfill
The citizen is to present a statement from the Burlington Municipal Water Company with Account Information that shows the line item “TRASH” as proof they are a customer receiving Solid Waste service. The date the citizen appears at the landfill must be within the “SERVICE PERIOD” indicated on the statement presented. If the customer doesn’t have a current statement, they must obtain one from the Water Company. In this case, personnel at the Water Company office at 500 N 3rd will print a statement of account information similar to the statement that is mailed to customers. (NOTE: A “receipt” and “print screen view” from the Water Company will not suffice because those items do not indicate whether or not “TRASH” service is paid for.
Wood Waste
Please don’t confuse the term “wood waste” with demolition material (which includes logs, stumps and root balls). The term “wood waste” when used in Solid Waste publications refers to twigs, branches and limbs no larger than 8” in diameter.