Frequently asked questions.

Welcome to the FAQ page for Southwest Sanitation, your trusted provider of waste removal services in Southwest Iowa. Below you'll find answers to the most common questions about our trash pickup, dumpster rentals, recycling, and more.

If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help!

What services does Southwest Sanitation offer?

We provide a full range of waste management services, including:

We proudly serve rural homes, farms, small towns, and local businesses throughout Southwest Iowa.

What areas does Southwest Sanitation serve?

Southwest Sanitation serves a wide range of communities in Southwest Iowa, including:

  • Clarinda

  • Shenandoah

  • Red Oak

  • Villisca

  • Essex

  • Stanton

  • Bedford

  • And surrounding rural areas

Not sure if we serve your location? Contact us and we’ll be happy to check!

What day is my trash pickup?

Trash pickup days vary depending on your address. To find your scheduled pickup day:

  • Check your service calendar (provided at sign-up)

  • Call our office at 712-542-3751

  • Or send us a message on our Contact page

We recommend having your trash out by 6:00 AM on your pickup day.

What items can I put in my regular trash?

You can place most regular household and office waste in your trash bin. However, please do not include:

  • Paints, oils, and hazardous waste

  • Large electronics

  • Tires

  • Appliances (without prior arrangement)

Need to dispose of something unusual? Give us a call or send us an email — we can help!

How do I pay my bill?

You can pay your bill:

  • By mail - Southwest Sanitation PO Box 480 Clarinda, IA 51632

  • Over the phone - (712) 542-3751

  • Payment drop box

    • Clarinda - 421 S 12th St.

    • Villisca - 530 E 8th St.

We accept credit cards, checks, and ACH payments. Sign-up for auto-pay today!

What should I do if my trash wasn’t picked up?

If your trash was missed, please:

  1. Double-check your pickup day and time

  2. Make sure your bin was placed curbside by 6:00 AM

  3. Check for weather delays or holiday schedule changes

If everything looks correct, give us a call and we’ll make it right.

Do you run on holidays?

We observe the following major holidays:

  • New Year’s Day

  • Memorial Day

  • Independence Day

  • Labor Day

  • Thanksgiving Day

  • Christmas Day

If your pickup falls on a holiday, service may be delayed by one day. We’ll post all holiday schedule changes on our Facebook page and website.

Do you offer bulk item pickup?

Yes, we offer bulk item pickup for large items such as:

  • Furniture

  • Mattresses

  • Appliances

Please call ahead to schedule pickup and discuss pricing and preparation requirements.

Can I sign up for service online?

Yes! You can request new service anytime via our Service Sign-Up Form. Just tell us your address and what type of service you need — we’ll take it from there.

How can I contact Southwest Sanitation?

You can reach us by:

Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and keep your community clean.

Still Have Questions?

If your question wasn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re proud to provide dependable, local waste removal for Southwest Iowa residents and businesses.