MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine has temporarily suspended leaf collection today (Wednesday, Nov. 26) as Department of Public Works crews convert trucks for snow removal ahead of the season’s first winter storm. Leaf collection is expected to resume next week and will continue as weather allows.
Current forecasts call for 4–8 inches of snow from Friday into Saturday, though totals may change depending on the storm’s track. Crews began applying brine to streets Wednesday and are preparing plows and equipment for the event.
While a Snow Emergency has not been declared, City officials continue to monitor conditions and adjust snow-removal plans as needed.
“This is the first winter storm of the season, and we urge anyone who must travel to use extreme caution,” said Brian Stineman, Public Works Director. “We also encourage residents to use off-street parking whenever possible, as it helps us clear streets more quickly.”
Solid Waste Manager David Popp noted that the predicted snowfall may require closing the Compost Site on Saturday and Sunday.
“The Compost Facility will be open Friday, and we will announce any closure decision Saturday morning,” Popp said.
BAG YOUR OWN LEAVES AND SET CURBSIDE ON REFUSE COLLECTION DAY
With the potential for the Compost Facility to be closed due to weather, residents are reminded that they have the option to gather their leaves in paper yard waste bags, attach a City sticker to the bag (see below), and set the bags curbside on their regular refuse collection day for pickup by the Solid Waste Division. Curbside collection is available throughout the year except on holidays.
GUIDELINES FOR CURBSIDE COLLECTION
- Grass clippings, leaves, and garden waste will be picked up at the curb on the residents’ regular refuse collection day. Grass clippings, leaves, and garden waste must be placed in 20- or 30-gallon paper compostable bags and closed with a City of Muscatine yard waste sticker.
- Yard waste only - no trash, recycling, building materials or animal waste.
- Do not overfill bags (50 pound maximum) and keep them dry.
- Stickers are for City of Muscatine residential yard waste collection only.
- Place bags out to the curb after 4 p.m. the day before but before 5 a.m. the day of collection.
- City of Muscatine Yard Waste Stickers can be purchased at these locations:
- Muscatine Transfer Station
- City Hall
- Public Works
- Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Main Street
- Fareway
- Yard Waste in any paper bag along with tree limbs and other trimmings can be taken to the Compost Facility during normal hours operation.
- Residents of Muscatine and Fruitland can drop off yard waste free of change with proof of residency. A small fee is charged for non-residents.