The program, called Junk Days on Demand, allows residents to set up their own junk day through the city’s TextMyGov feature.

“You set up your junk day on your schedule,” said Amanda Holmes, HR/communications specialist for the city.

Holmes said residents are asked to schedule a bulk pickup request on their garbage pickup day.

“It’s simple,” she said. “Just text the word “JUNK” to 515-408-9888 and follow the prompts. Once you get confirmation your request has been submitted, have your items out no later than 5 a.m. on garbage day.”

-Submitted photo
A line of vehicle bumpers sit in the front yard of a Fort Dodge home during Junk Days in a previous year. This year, the city is offering Junk Days on Demand, were residents can set up a bulk pick up request on their garbage day. The program will run from mid-May to August.

The city will be offering Junk Days on Demand through at least mid-August, according to Brett Daniel, public works director.

“We were trying to provide a better service,” Daniel said. “Something that offered the opportunity to get rid of junk or items laying around the house. The one time of year didn’t always work out for everyone.We are trying to give people the chance to get rid of stuff more often.”

Junk Days on Demand is for items that do not fit in the garbage carts.

“Collection happens on the same day we pick up your garbage,” Daniel said. “If we’re super busy with pickups, it may get moved back a day, but we’ll let you know. I just don’t want people to be alarmed if we don’t get it right away.”

The service is for people who pay for garbage collection service.

“This technically is a resource for people who do pay garbage,” Daniel said. “So we will not be going to apartment complexes. This was the same for spring cleanup.”

Holmes also said people should consider selling the item before junking it.

“If you have something you think other people would want, we encourage you to get rid of it through marketplace sites or elsewhere,” she said.

The following are examples of items accepted through Junk Days on Demand at no cost:

• Furniture (couch, sectional, chair, recliner, table)

• Mattresses (limit 2 per pick up)

• Carpet (No longer than 4 feet, rolled and secured)

• Dismantled swing sets

• Minimal building material/construction material (must be bundled and weigh under 50 pounds per bundle)

• Bicycles, scooters, large toys

Daniel said any items placed at the curb must be able to be lifted safely by a two-person crew.

“It needs to be able to be moved by two people,” Daniel said. “We have had people put out basketball hoops. If it’s broken down we can take it.”

The following are items that will be accepted for a fee (require a sticker from utility billing at Municipal Building):

• Passenger car tires ($5)

• TVs and electronics ($15)

• Appliances like refrigerator with doors removed, washer, dryer, microwave, stove and dishwasher ($15)

Daniel said the program is not for recyclables.

“What we are taking is going to the landfill, so we don’t want recyclable stuff out,” Daniel said.

There are three recycling locations in Fort Dodge: the Family Video parking lot on Second Avenue North, Public Works, 3001 Eighth Ave. S, behind Kohl’s and behind Sports Page on North 15th Street.

Daniel said Junk Days on Demand should help citizens clean up their properties.

“More options, more opportunities,” he said. “The total goal is to help people clean up and I think this gives them a better chance to do it. I think it will work. I think it will be beneficial. And we really encourage using this, as opposed to waiting until fall cleanup.”

Junk Days on Demand will be available through mid-August.