New sign clarifies yard waste regulations
City’s two sites remain free to Residents
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Last Monday the City of Webster City placed a new sign at the entrance to the yard waste site near the Street Department garage at 901 E. Ohio Street. It clearly states only grass and leaves may be left there. Although not indicated on the sign, the site may only be used by Webster City residents.
In June, 2025, the city opened a new site exclusively for deposit of tree limbs and brush at 2031 225th St., 1.5 miles east of the corner of Buxton Drive and Hamilton Road. For those who may be unfamiliar with the area, Buxton Road, which is along the east entrance of the fairgrounds becomes 225th street.
The need for a new tree and brush site arose in 2023 when spontaneous fires broke out in large piles of tree stumps and limbs at the East Ohio St. site.
"The DNR said we had way too much mulch on hand," said Zach Williams, assistant street department supervisor. To control the fires and relieve often heavy traffic on East Ohio St., the new 225th St. site was created.
It's hard to miss the new sign.
"We went big and we went bright with that sign," Williams said.
It even has a QR code to guide residents to the tree and brush site. Signs which were placed at the 225th St. location when it opened at first were small, and it has taken time for residents to find and begin using the new site.
Closed circuit surveillance cameras are in use at each of the sites even though Williams noted, "People have been respectful of both sites and regulations. We haven't had a problem."
"The biggest single issue we've seen is tree or brush debris falling out of vehicles as they travel along 225th St. If you notice this happening, please just stop and pick it up," Williams said.
Residents may still pick up mulch and compost at the yard waste site. "We hire a contractor every year to grind wood chips into mulch," Williams said. Newly-planted shrubs or flowers can be covered with mulch in fall to protect them from winter wind and low temperatures.
Williams thanked everyone for their courtesy and respect of both sites, reminding users that the free use of both sites, and continued availability of free compost and mulch is a service provided by the city.
"It's a nice benefit of living in Webster City. In many towns, you'd have to pay each time for these services," he said.