Cedar Rapids cuts right-of-way trash removals in half with new notice system

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) — The city of Cedar Rapids says a change in how it notifies residents about right-of-way trash has cut the number of city removal stops by about half compared to last year.

The city received more than 1,500 reports through its non-emergency complaint system, My C-R, last fiscal year. The number of reports filed this year is nearly unchanged. But the city says fewer complaints are ending with crews hauling items away.

Door tags replace mailed notices

The city began posting door tags directly on homes where trash has been left in the right-of-way. The tags replace notices that were previously mailed and did not always reach renters.

“We’re trying to mitigate what the city is removing so the residents aren’t getting the fees attached to that removal,” said Patricia Hall, the city’s solid waste and recycling manager.

The tag gives residents a chance to schedule a pickup before the city removes the items and charges a fee. Hall said last year, crews made more than 200 stops to remove items such as couches, mattresses, and tables. This year, she said that number is cut in half.

Cedar Rapids resident Amanda Thompson, who has lived in the city for a decade, said it’s been an issue in neighborhood right-of-ways.

“They will just dump all of their garbage, and homeowners are responsible for having to clean that up,” Thompson said.

If a mess reported through My C-R is not cleared, the property owner can be fined and charged for the city’s cost of removal. Hall said the process typically takes 10 days from the time a My C-R complaint is filed until it is resolved.

Residents can submit concerns to the city using this link.