How to dispose of flood debris

CEDAR RAPIDS - With floodwaters expected to recede in the coming days, the Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency has released guidelines for the disposal of flood-damaged items.

Most debris, including flood-impacted sandbags and sand, should be taken to the agency's landfill at 1954 County Home Road in Marion.

Hazardous materials, appliances, TVs, computers and tires should be separated for disposal.

The agency is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Solid Waste Agency spokesman Joe Horaney warned of the possibility of long lines and wait times.

'In 2008, we had hourlong waits to get through the line,” he said. 'This time, with the flood barriers doing such a good job, we're in a wait-and-see mode.”

Regular disposal fees apply. The agency has a standard rate of $38 per ton.

Cars, SUVs and minivans filled with trash are given a $5 flat fee, and pickups and full-size vans weighing less than 300 pounds have a $15 fee.

Disposal of hazardous materials is free, Horaney said, and appliances are $9 each.

All flood-impacted sand and sandbags - those that came in contact with floodwaters - are to be disposed of at the landfill due to the potential for bacteria and pathogen contamination, according to agency officials.