Ames Council Approves Recycling Fee Opt-Out

Owners of 333 homes with alleyway access can now opt out of the city's mandatory monthly recycling program fee.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in City Hall

Ames Council Approves Recycling Fee Opt-Out

Live Poll

Should residents be exempt from monthly service fees if the city cannot provide reliable access?

The Ames City Council passed an ordinance allowing residents of 333 homes to opt out of the $7.75 monthly recycling fee. The decision follows challenges with waste collection vehicles accessing city alleys.

Why it matters

The change addresses logistical difficulties faced by Aspen Waste Systems after the program launch, ensuring relief for households unable to receive consistent collection service.

The city projects an annual revenue loss of $30,969 from the opt-out program. Properties qualify if they lack primary driveway access and do not currently receive alley collection.

The players

Ames City Council

This is the governing legislative body for the city of Ames, responsible for passing local ordinances and managing municipal contracts.

Aspen Waste Systems of Iowa

This private waste management firm holds the current contract for residential recycling collection services in the city.

The details

The program, which launched in July, faced 27 complaints regarding access that led to eight customer withdrawals. Officials established that residents are eligible if their home abuts an alley and lacks primary driveway access to a frontage street.

In March 2026, the City Council approved the contract with Aspen Waste Systems of Iowa.
The residential curbside recycling program launched on July 1, 2026.
The City Council approved the recycling fee opt-out ordinance on October 27, 2026.

Political Context

The ordinance modifies the implementation of the Ames municipal recycling collection contract to address service gaps. Opposition from residents centered on the mandatory nature of the fee despite the lack of reliable alleyway access.

Affected homeowners who meet the specific alley access criteria can stop paying the monthly $7.75 fee. The ordinance provides immediate financial relief for those who were unable to utilize the service effectively.

The takeaway

The city's decision underscores the logistical challenges of implementing standardized municipal services in older neighborhoods. Residents should review their property's driveway access to determine if they qualify for the exemption.