This spring, Grinnell is introducing automated trash collection and the first cart is free to customers. Recently, a postcard was mailed to current city curbside trash customers requesting they choose the size of cart that will meet the needs of their household or business. Businesses or apartment dwellers that use a dumpster will not see a change to their trash pick-up and were not sent a postcard. In addition, customers in the central business district will not see a change to their trash pick-up and were not sent a postcard.  

The carts are available in three sizes: 35-gallon, 65-gallon, and 95-gallon. Deadline for selection was Feb. 22, 2019. Customers that did not make a selection will receive a 65-gallon cart. 

The city is eliminating curbside collection of recycling and implementing a drop-off recycling program as part of this new collection program. If a customer does not plan to bring their recyclables to the recycling drop-off center, they needed to consider that additional material when selecting a cart size. Trash needs to fit in the cart with the lid completely closed. The small, 35-gallon, cart holds three 13-gallon trash bags, the standard, 65-gallon, cart holds six 13-gallon trash bags, and the large, 95-gallon, cart holds ten 13-gallon trash bags. 

Questions can be directed to the public service office at 641-236-2632, city hall at 641-236-2600, or by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions page.