Who collects my garbage?
In Ames there are only private garbage haulers. These haulers
are able to pick up garbage anywhere in the city; there are no
assigned territories. To find a carrier, check the yellow pages or
ask a neighbor for a recommendation.
Will the City
pick up any of my trash?
No. The City of Ames does not pick up any garbage.
Can I haul it myself?
Yes. Take it to the Resource Recovery Plant at 110 Center
Avenue, and pay for disposal there.
Where is the landfill?
We don't have one in Story County. Garbage goes to the Resource
Recovery Plant, where it is processed into ferrous metal, refuse
derived fuel (RDF), and rejects. Through an agreement with the Boone
County Landfill, we take our rejected material to them. Therefore,
it is not necessary for us to maintain our own separate landfill.
What
do we do with Construction and Demolition Waste?
The City of Ames does not maintain a construction and demolition
site; however, you may dispose of these items at the Ames-Story
Environmental Landfill located at 2101 Watt St. They accept
shingles, concrete, boards, and material from buildings that have
been demolished. Call 232-5864 for more information.
How
can I get rid of furniture and appliances?
Hauler Services. Most haulers will pick up furniture or
appliances at your home for a fee if you call ahead and make
arrangements. You may also haul these items to the Resource Recovery
Plant (RRP). There is a fee for this service payable at the time of
disposal. Click here for a list of fees.
What about Recycling?
Some haulers pick up glass, cardboard, and milk jugs in separate
containers when collecting your regular garbage. Check with your
hauler and ask about schedules and fees. You may take glass to the
RRP free of charge, or drop it into bins at Cub Foods, HyVee West,
Fareway, Ames Area Redemption, or Fareway in Nevada. Other materials that were
traditionally recycled, such as tin cans and plastic milk jugs, can
be placed with your normal trash for collection. The RRP separates
the tin cans and uses the milk jugs as an excellent source of fuel.
Call RRP for other recycling opportunities.
What
other services are offered at the RRP?
*Garbage disposal for commercial and residential customers.
*Recycling bins for container glass (any color) at no charge.
*Recycling of auto and truck batteries at no charge.
*Waste oil recycling, 5 gallons or less no charge, $.25 per gallon
after 5 gallons.
*Free days for garbage disposal; one in the Spring and one in the
Fall.
*Household Hazardous Waste disposal by appointment on Wednesday
afternoons, at no charge.
*Appliance disposal for $20 each. Appliance may include but is not limited to stove,
refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, water heater, humidifier,
dehumidifier, washer, dryer.
*Financial assistance for the operation of the Yard Waste Site, 407
Freel Drive, so commercial customers and private citizens may
dispose of leaves, grass, and brush. We fund five free days at the
Yard Waste Site: one in the Spring for leaves and brush and four in
the Fall for leaves and grass.