Trash and recycling in Ottumwa

How it works

The City of Ottumwa picks up trash and recycling once a week in each area. Your day depends on where you live. Check your exact day on the city’s official page (link below) or by calling City Hall.

Basic rules

1. Set your bins out the night before or early on your pickup day.
2. Use the city-issued cart and don’t overfill it — the lid must close.
3. Recycling: usually cardboard, paper, cans and certain plastics, clean and dry. No plastic bags, no food.
4. On holidays, pickup may shift by a day. Check the city website.

Large items (furniture, mattresses, appliances)

Large items are not part of regular pickup. The city has rules for “bulk items”: there may be special days or you may need to request the service. Confirm first on the official page or by phone.

Contact

• City Hall: 641-683-0600
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Rules and days change. Before putting out anything large or unusual, confirm on the city’s official page.