Automated Garbage and Recycling Collection Coming to Mason City in 2026

MASON CITY — The City of Mason City is preparing to roll out automated garbage and recycling collection beginning in the summer of 2026, marking a major update to how residential waste is collected.

After several years of planning and discussion, the city will deploy four new garbage and recycling trucks equipped with automated collection arms. As part of the transition, standardized wheeled carts will be issued to customers affected by the change.

All customers will receive a 96-gallon recycling cart at no additional charge. For garbage service, residents will be able to choose from three cart sizes — 35-gallon, 64-gallon, or 96-gallon — with rates tiered based on the selected service level. The 64-gallon garbage cart will be the default option for residents who do not respond to a forthcoming cart-selection mailing expected in early 2026.

City officials say residents will have flexibility after rollout, with the ability to change their garbage service level within 60 days of the July 2026 implementation upon request.

Under the new system, recycling will be collected every other week and will no longer require sorting. The larger carts also provide increased capacity, making recycling easier for households.

The city noted that stickers or bag tags will not be required in most cases, though residents will still have the option to place a tagged bag on top of their cart if additional capacity is needed.

The new carts are designed to be more durable, less likely to blow away, and come with a 10-year warranty for breakage. Carts will be delivered directly to residences and will be replaced as they age at no extra cost to customers.

Yard waste and bulky item collection services will remain unchanged for now, according to the city.

Officials say the move to automated collection will improve worker safety, modernize municipal services, and provide a more convenient system for residents.

Residents are encouraged to watch for updates as the city moves closer to implementation.