Tag: residents

Time to review etiquette for refuse/recycling bin use

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 17, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Muscatine refuse truck drivers would like residents to know that there is a right way and a wrong way to place their bins curbside, and what can and cannot be placed in the bins for collection.

“We are seeing a lot of contaminants in the recycling container, refuse and recycling carts that are too full, and carts placed too close to poles, cars, mail boxes, and other carts,” David Popp, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Muscatine, said. We are also seeing carts that are facing the wrong way.”

Another problem is loose trash being placed into the refuse and recycling bins prior to collection.

“When the trucks dump the bins, loose trash will invariably be blown away from the trucks and back onto residents’ yards,” Popp said. “That would not happen if the trash was contained in plastic or paper bags when placed in the bins, and the carts were not overfilled.”

Refuse and recycling bins are to be placed curbside for City collection no later than 5 a.m. the day of collection nor no earlier than 4 p.m. the day before collection. The bins are to be placed with three-feet between them, and three-feet between the bins and any poles, cars, or mail boxes.

The placement rules are for the safety of the resident’s property.

“The trucks that we use for most residential collections have an arm that extends out to lift the bin up, dump the contents into the truck, and then return the bin to its original position,” Popp said. “If a bin is too close to an obstacle it makes it very difficult for the operator to reach out and snag the bin to lift it and place it back.”

Popp also noted that it is important that the resident place the bin(s) with the handle away from the street.

The trucks that utilize the extended arm to pick up the bins usually have just one operator and leaving the truck to reset a bin so that it can be picked up while the truck is running is not permitted by the safety protocols.

To prepare refuse for collection, garbage should be thoroughly drained and wrapped or placed into appropriate trash bags or containers before being placed into a bin. Recycling material for collection should also be cleaned before being placed in the recycling bin.

Household hazardous waste not permitted to be placed into refuse or recycling containers include toxic and/or corrosive products (e.g., oil based paints, insecticides, thinners, solvents, cleaners, turpentine, furniture stripper, nail polish remover, rechargeable batteries, etc.).

Household hazardous materials can be defined as household products that contain one or more of the following characteristics: capable of being easily set on fire; capable of burning or destroying living tissues and materials by means of a chemical reaction; capable of exploding if exposed to heat or extreme pressure; may react violently when exposed to incompatible materials; and the ability to cause severe injury or death in inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.

City of Muscatine residents and Louisa County residents can dispose of their household hazardous waste at the Muscatine Transfer Station for no cost during regular business hours. A list of items that are accepted and items that are not accepted can be found at Household Hazardous Waste on the City of Muscatine web site.

What Our Drivers See …

For a list of items collected, view the recycling guide (PDF).

Hablo Espanol? – View Spanish version of the recycling guide (PDF).

Tags Drivers, Iowa –, know, like, Muscatine, REFUSE, residents, truck, would

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Residents sought to help develop, improve Muscatine

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 8, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine is seeking residents who would be interested in becoming part of the decision-making process for Muscatine’s future by volunteering to serve on one of the boards and commissions authorized by the City of Muscatine.

The Art Center Board of Directors and the Library Board of Directors each have two positions open starting July 1, 2023, while the Planning and Zoning Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, and the Public Art Advisory Commission each have one position to be filled.

The Art Center Board of Trustees meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the Muscatine Art Center. The Board of Trustees exercises change, control, and supervision over the museum and the art center. Members are appointed to three-year terms with a maximum of two full terms.

The Library Board of Trustees meets at 4:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the Musser Public Library & HNI Community Center. The Board is responsible for overseeing management of the library by the Library Director, employing and removing the Library Director as necessary, approving the expenditure of money allocated by the City Council to the library, and approving the library budget for submission to the Council. Members serve six-year terms with a maximum of two full terms with one member a resident of Muscatine County appointed from a list of names submitted by the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Responsibilities include reviewing proposed subdivisions, rezoning requests, and sales of public property, making recommendations concerning growth management of the city, and formulating a five-year capital improvement plan for the city. Members are appointed to five-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive full terms, must be citizens of Muscatine, qualified in knowledge or experience to advise City Council in matters pertaining to the development of the city, and must not be elected officers of city government.

The Recreation Advisory Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month in the lower level conference room at City Hall. The commission is responsible for conferring with an assisting the City Administrator in the preparation of the Parks and Recreation budget, recommending procedures and policies in connection with the administrator of city parks, the cemetery, golf course, and harbor operations, investigating means by which parks and recreation can be improved, and making recommendations for the long-range needs of the recreation programs for the city. Members serve three-year terms with a maximum of two full terms.

The Public Art Advisory Commission was established to promote and encourage programs to further public awareness of, accessibility to, participating in, and support for the artistic and cultural development of the City of Muscatine. The commission meets at least four times per year. Five members comprise the commission with one member representing or having an interest in public art from Muscatine County and the remaining four members being residents of the City of Muscatine. The members serve a three-year term and members can serve two consecutive terms. Currently one position needs to be filled.

Anyone interested in joining one of these boards is asked to fill out an application and submit the form by Friday, May 19. Applications can be either emailed to the administrative secretary or mailed to Boards & Commissions, c/o Administrative Secretary, Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore, Muscatine, IA 52761.

Many areas to help the community

The City of Muscatine has 12 different boards and commissions that support and advise different departments and different aspects of life within Muscatine, and applications are currently being accepted. See BOARDS for list of the boards and commissions authorized by the City of Muscatine and the application in a PDF format.

Muscatine is a great place to live and work, and nothing demonstrates that fact more than how residents come together to serve for the betterment of the community as a whole. Whether that service comes by serving on the committee, volunteering for a project, offering to help on an organizational level, or in just helping out a neighbor, Muscatine residents are working together to make a great community even better.

The City of Muscatine is very thankful and grateful for the many residents who have volunteered their time and service to be a member on one of the many boards and commissions that assist in developing and monitoring City programs, policies and services.

How can I apply to volunteer my time?

Those interested in becoming a member of a board or commission can complete an application and either email the form to the administrative secretary or mail the form to Boards & Commissions, c/o Administrative Secretary, Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore, Muscatine, IA 52761. The City keeps applications on file in case vacancies occur. If you are interested and available in volunteering your time, please submit your application for a future term of office.

All applications are reviewed by the Nominating Committee to ensure applicants meet the qualifications to serve on a specific board or commission, to ensure there are no potential conflicts of interests, and to ensure that each board or commission has a gender balance as prescribed by Iowa Code. Those that meet the requirements are submitted to the full Council for approval. The nominating committee includes the Mayor, two Council representatives, and the City Administrator or a representative from city staff. Details on the Nominating Committee are available by clicking HERE.

The City of Muscatine welcomes all residents to submit their names and resumes for a specific board or commission or a general submission for any board or commission. Most boards or commissions require some knowledge of the subject matter and the responsibilities for the specific board of commission.

Tags becoming, City, interested, Iowa –, Muscatine, part, residents, seeking, would

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Afternoon fire damages home; no injuries reported

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 7, 2023

MUSCATINE, IOWA – Two Muscatine residents escaped injury when their home caught fire Tuesday (March 7) afternoon.

The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at approximately 1:31 pm. Tuesday for a fire at the back of a house near the gas meter at 2920 Park Avenue West, Muscatine. Fire crews found the residents out of the house upon arrival at the scene.

Due to the strong winds this afternoon, the fire was pushed into the structure and had entered into a back room. Fire crews initiated an aggressive interior fire attack and stopped the fire from spreading further. However, the fire did enter the attic of the home from the overhang of the roof with fire crews entering and overhauling the attic as well.

The main body of fire was under control within five minutes but searching and extinguishing hidden fire continued for almost two more hours.

One occupant was medically evaluated as a precaution, but was released at the scene. There were no injuries to any responders.

The on-scene investigation is complete. A final cause has yet to be determined but it does appear to be an accidental fire. The initial fire loss estimate is $100,000.

The Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine County EMA responded with the initial call. The Muscatine Fire Department had14 firefighters on scene. The American Red Cross and 1-800-BOARD UP assisted the fire victims at the scene.

About the Muscatine Fire Department:

The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services, rescues (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine, and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County with a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles while also providing HAZMAT for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties. MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to over 5,900 calls in 2022. The Muscatine Fire Department began as a volunteer fire company on January 7, 1875 and was established as a full-time department in January 1916. The Muscatine Fire Department ambulance service received the 2012 Career Ambulance service of the Year Award from Iowa Emergency Medical Services.

Tags caught, escaped, home, injury, Iowa –, Muscatine, residents, their, when

City of Muscatine Press Releases

As leaves continue to fall, City continues collection effort

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date November 1, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Leaves continue to fall and residents are taking advantage of the excellent fall weather to rake or blow the leaves into piles along the curb with the Department of Public Works beginning the second round of the annual Fall Leaf Pickup.

Leaf vacuum trucks wrapped up Zone 1 Tuesday (November 1) and have moved into Zone 2 (see map) for the second round of the 2022 Fall Leaf Pickup. There are eight zones that the leaf trucks will work through on consecutive weekdays. A final pass, weather permitting and if needed, will start on Dec. 1 with Zone 1.

Leaf trucks may be working in zones prior to pick up day but will return on (or after) the scheduled date as needed.

Residents are asked to have leaves raked out next to the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of leaf pickup and to avoid parking on the street during their collection day. Leaf piles blocked by cars will not be collected until the cars are moved.

Residents are also asked not to mix trash, branches, or other yard waste with their leaf piles.

As we move further into fall, the possibility of inclement weather increases. Leaf collection operations may be postponed as snow and ice control take priority.

The Compost Site at the Transfer Station on South Houser Street will remain open throughout the fall season, weather permitting, and will be open from 12-6 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 9 a.m-6 p.m. on Saturdays.

Here are some additional guidelines for leaf collection:

Leaves should be placed near, but not beyond, the curb and should be within reach of the leaf vacuum.
Leaves should be free of tree branches and twigs as they can cause the leaf vacuums to clog up.
All leaves must be placed outside of fenced areas.
Leaves are not to be placed in the street to avoid clogging storm drains.
Leaves should not be placed in the street or extend into traffic lanes, thereby creating traffic hazards.
Leaves should not be placed around obstacles such as mailbox posts, sign posts, and light poles.
Crews will not pick up leaves mixed with debris, logs, branches, rocks, plastic, metal or glass containers, or any other types of refuse.
Leaves should not be placed on City cul-de-sacs, vacant land, or city property except on the public right-of-way along the curb/shoulder area.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at 563-263-8933.

Iowa DNR encourages top three ways to handle fall leaves –

Fall leaves are beautiful – until they pile up in your yard. Don’t send those precious nutrients up in smoke (it is actually illegal to burn yard waste in Muscatine on properties of two acres or less). Instead, put those nuisance leaf piles to good use. Leaves, small branches and other landscape materials can nourish your lawn, garden or community.

It’s easy:

Compost. Composting leaves and food scraps is a great way to turn this waste into garden nutrients. A good compost mix needs both carbon (dead or dry leaves) and nitrogen (green materials like food scraps and grass clippings). Many types and sizes of compost containers are available. For tips on low-tech ways to compost, see a DNR tutorial.
Mulch. Your lawn will love you if you chop up and leave your leaves in place. Leaves are a free, natural fertilizer that enriches your soil with organic matter. You can use your regular lawn mower. Or, use a mulching lawn mower to shred and mix leaves and grass into your yard.
Bag it. If you have too many leaves or branches to compost, you can bag the leaves and tie up the branches to be collected or have a drop-off at the Muscatine Compost Facility. The upside is that anyone can pick up composted materials for their yards or gardens from the Compost Facility.

Yard waste is collected on a residents refuse collection day but only in bags with the City of Muscatine logo on them. (See GUIDELINES).
Yard Waste in any paper bag along with tree limbs and other trimmings can be taken to the Compost Facility during normal hours operation.
Residents of Muscatine and Fruitland can drop off yard waste free of change with proof of residency. A small fee is charged for non-residents.

For some, burning leaves seems to capture the nostalgic smell of autumn. But breathing leaf smoke pulls pollutants such as carbon monoxide, soot and toxic chemicals into your lungs. While it may smell good, smoke is especially harmful to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart problems. Turning leaves into nutrients is the healthy way to protect your and your neighbor’s lungs.

Tags advantage, continue, excellent, fall, Iowa –, Leaves, Muscatine, residents, taking

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Free drop off week(s) for tires, electronics starts July 18

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date July 12, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Residents will be able to drop off their unwanted tires and electronics without a fee at the Muscatine Transfer Station starting next week according to David Popp, Solid Waste Division Manager for the City of Muscatine. However, certain restrictions do apply.

The free drop off week dates were approved by the Muscatine City Council on June 2.

Residents who have City of Muscatine refuse service will be able to bring unwanted electronics and tires to the Muscatine Transfer Station, 1000 South Houser Street, and drop them off without paying a fee but there are stipulations.

Tires will be accepted for free (up to four tires off the rim per residence) from July 18-23. Electronics will be accepted for free (up to three per residence) from July 25-30. Proof of residency (driver’s license) is required to participate in the free drop off week(s).

Please note that electronics and tires are accepted at the Transfer Station year-round for a fee. (See RATE AND FEE SCHEDULE).

Curbside Collection of Bulky Waste

Electronics and tires are not normally included in the free curbside bulky waste collection program conducted by the City of Muscatine Solid Waste Division. However, tires and electronics can be included if a fee is paid in advance of the scheduled collection day. Restrictions do apply, however, so please check out the Curbside Bulky Waste Collection website for more information.

Residents who are City of Muscatine refuse collection clients also have the opportunity to dispose of unwanted appliances either through a curbside bulky waste collection (two free per year). There is a fee to bring the appliances to the Transfer Station or to have the item(s) picked up curbside after the two free items.

Click here to find out more about CURBSIDE BULKY WASTE COLLECTION, how to schedule a collection, and additional requirements for a curbside collection. Call 563-264-JUNK (563-264-5865) or email bulkywaste@muscatineiowa.gov to submit a scheduling request.

Items that require a payment before curbside collection must be paid for and scheduled prior to the collection. Payments can be made at the Muscatine Transfer Station, 100 S. Houser Street, Muscatine City Hall Finance Department, 215 Sycamore Street, or the Department of Public Works, 1459 Washington Street.

All fees are collected at the Muscatine Transfer Station for items brought to the Muscatine Transfer Station once the items have been taken to the tipping floor.

The Transfer Station is open 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday.

Items accepted year round for a fee

These items can also be picked up with the curbside bulky waste program if the item/items are prepaid. (See above for special FREE weeks for tires and electronics).

Tires.
Electronics.
Appliances (after two [2] free per year per address)

Items accepted year round at no charge

Please check in at the Transfer Station office when bringing any of the following items to the Transfer Station for proper disposal instructions and locations.

Oil based paint
Batteries
Cleaners
Florescent light bulbs
Garden chemicals
Pesticides
Motor oil
Antifreeze
Pool chemicals
Sharps in an approved container.

Example of items accepted for bulky waste pickup

Furniture – couch, sectional, chair, recliner, table.
Mattresses – must be in a bag (available at Transfer Station for no charge).
Carpet – no longer than four (4) feet, rolled, and secured.
Dismantled swing sets.
Minimal building materials.
Extra trash bags – smaller items must be bagged.
Appliances – two (2) free per year per address.

Example of items NOT accepted for bulky waste pickup

Please contact the Muscatine Transfer Station for more information on the disposal of the following items:

Sheds, garages, and excessive building materials.
Concrete or brick (accepted at Public Works for no charge).
Oil based paint and household hazardous waste (accepted at Transfer Station for no charge)
Camper refrigerators and camper air conditioners.
Car bodies.
Tires
Fencing

Solid Waste Collection Rates

Tags able, drop, electronics, Iowa –, Muscatine, residents, their, tires, unwanted, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Mark your calendars … free drop off weeks are set

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date June 7, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The dates are set for the two weeks in July that residents can drop off unwanted electronics and tires at the Muscatine Transfer Station according to David Popp, Solid Waste Division Manager for the City of Muscatine. The dates were approved by the Muscatine City Council on June 2.

Residents who have City of Muscatine refuse service will be able to bring unwanted electronics and tires to the Muscatine Transfer Station and drop them off without paying a fee but there are stipulations.

Electronics and tires are also accepted for a fee year-round at the Transfer Station (See RATE AND FEE SCHEDULE).

Curbside Collection of Bulky Waste

Electronics and tires are normally not included in the free bulky waste collection program conducted by the City of Muscatine Solid Waste Division. However, they can be included if a fee is paid for in advance of the scheduled collection day.

All fees are collected at the Muscatine Transfer Station for items brought to the Muscatine Transfer Station once the items have been taken to the tipping floor.

The Transfer Station is open 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday.

Items accepted year round for a fee

These items can also be picked up with the curbside bulky waste program if the item/items are prepaid. (See above for special FREE weeks for tires and electronics).

Tires.
Electronics.
Appliances (after two [2] free per year per address)

Items accepted year round at no charge

Please check in at the Transfer Station office when bringing any of the following items to the Transfer Station for proper disposal instructions and locations.

Oil based paint
Batteries
Cleaners
Florescent light bulbs
Garden chemicals
Pesticides
Motor oil
Antifreeze
Pool chemicals
Sharps in an approved container.

Example of items accepted for bulky waste pickup

Furniture – couch, sectional, chair, recliner, table.
Mattresses – must be in a bag (available at Transfer Station for no charge).
Carpet – no longer than four (4) feet, rolled, and secured.
Dismantled swing sets.
Minimal building materials.
Extra trash bags – smaller items must be bagged.
Appliances – two (2) free per year per address.

Example of items NOT accepted for bulky waste pickup

Please contact the Muscatine Transfer Station for more information on the disposal of the following items:

Sheds, garages, and excessive building materials.
Concrete or brick (accepted at Public Works for no charge).
Oil based paint and household hazardous waste (accepted at Transfer Station for no charge)
Camper refrigerators and camper air conditioners.
Car bodies.
Tires
Fencing

Solid Waste Collection Rates

Tags dates, drop, electronics, Iowa –, July, Muscatine, residents, that, unwanted, weeks

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Time to change clocks; check smoke, CO alarm batteries

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 10, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 13, 2022, as residents “spring” forward and move their clocks up one hour.

The Muscatine Fire Department reminds residents that this is also a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to change the batteries, and to remind family and friends to do the same.

“The bi-annual changing of time is the perfect opportunity to make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up-to-date and in working order,” Mike Hartman, Assistant Fire Chief, said.

If you do not have both of these detectors … purchase and install them.

Worn out or missing batteries are the most commonly cited reason for non-working smoke alarms, but changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms, and reminding others to do the same is the simplest and most effective way to reduce injury or death from fire.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) also recommends replacing smoke alarms in homes every 10 years and those that actually speak warnings are more effective in saving lives than those alarms that just beep.

“Studies have shown that children, especially, will sleep through an alarm that beeps because it sounds a lot like an alarm clock,” Hartman said. “The alarms that actually speak to you have been shown to greatly increase a person’s ability to escape a fire.”

The Fire Department also recommends photoelectric alarms with a 10-year lithium battery and to mark the date of installation on the detectors.

“These detectors do not last forever,” Hartman said. “It is important that you check the date on the detectors and replace those that are seven years old or more.”

The IAFC notes that modern homes contain a large quantity of synthetic furnishings which ignite and burn faster than natural materials such as wood and cotton. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted full scale fire tests and concluded that escape time in flaming fires can be as little as three minutes, as compared to 17 minutes in tests conducted in the 1970s.

Early smoke detection and alarm notification is needed so occupants can escape before conditions become untenable according to the IAFC position paper. Interconnecting smoke alarms allows for faster notification of occupants in areas remote from where initial ignition occurs in the home.

Because working smoke alarms are a critical element of home fire safety, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) supports any and all efforts to reinforce the importance of working batteries. However, today’s smoke alarms are not all designed the same, making battery messaging more nuanced.

Following is information to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements:

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

Carbon monoxide detectors are required in Iowa homes, apartment buildings, and new construction projects. They should be replaced every seven to eight years according to the IAFC.

“Basically, every residence that has a fuel-fired heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage will be required to have CO detectors,” Hartman said.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning (breathing in large amounts of CO) can cause serious tissue damage, loss of consciousness, or suffocation in minutes without any warning.

The NFPA provides additional information on carbon monoxide safety (Carbon Monoxide Alarms) and also provides a Safety Tip Sheet (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers additional information about carbon monoxide and detector placement (Carbon Monoxide Detector).

The death rate per 1,000 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms (12.3 deaths per 1,000 fires), either because no smoke alarm was present or an alarm was present but did not operate, as it was in homes with working smoke alarms (5.7 per 1,000 fires).

Smoke & carbon monoxide alarms are life saving devices, and having working smoke & carbon monoxide alarms dramatically increases your chance of survival from a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.

Although it seems like a hassle, it’s better to get into the practice of changing your smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries when you change your clocks, than to wait until the telltale beeping of a dying battery at two in the morning. Many times, this beeping ends up in the removal of the battery or the detector all together, thus rendering the detector useless.

Fires & carbon monoxide emergencies are real and very scary. A working smoke detector performs its functions around the clock and alerts you and your loved ones to a fire or carbon monoxide emergency even while you are asleep.

When the alarm sounds you should “Get out & Stay Out”, then call “911” and advise the MUSCOM dispatcher of the problem.

If you need assistance changing or testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, please contact the Muscatine Fire Department.

Read article on Carbon Monoxide Detector requirements.

Read the IAFC position paper on the use of residential smoke alarms.

Tags 2022, begins, Daylight, Iowa –, March, Muscatine, residents, Saving, Sunday, Time