Clearing snow around carts

When it snows, City crews need to be able to safely access your carts.

You must shovel around your carts within 24 hours after it snows 2 inches or more. It is best to clear your carts right after it stops snowing, but always before your next pickup day.

In order for crews to empty your carts, we need you to:

• Shovel a path at least 3 feet wide from all your carts to the alley or curb.
• Clear through snow left by plows.
• Make sure carts can be moved freely.  

Do not store carts at your collection point if you do not want your carts serviced and do not want to shovel them out.

Do not put carts in the right-of-way

You must place carts at the alley or curb line. They should never go past the line where your property ends and the alley or street begins.

Do not shovel snow into the alley

This makes collection more difficult for our crews. It also makes the alley harder for you and your neighbors to drive down. Plus, it's against the law.

See City Ordinance 427.150

If you do not shovel out your carts

We may skip your collection

If the crew cannot wheel your carts to the truck, they may not empty them.

We may shovel out your carts for you and charge a fee

If we have to shovel for you, we'll charge a $30 fee for each cart.

We may do this if:

• Your garbage, recycling or organics carts are stuck in snow or ice on your collection day, and
• It hasn't snowed or stormed within 24 hours.

See the cart shoveling fee