City of Cedar Rapids Debuts Garbage Truck Art

The City of Cedar Rapids Solid Waste and Recycling division’s first art-wrapped garbage trucks are now rolling out into neighborhoods across the city. Residents can expect to see three recycling and two garbage trucks showing off work from artists native to Iowa in the coming weeks.

In December 2023, the City of Cedar Rapids released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to the public seeking artwork focused on sustainable neighborhoods to be placed on garbage and recycling trucks. The requested theme of sustainable neighborhoods was inspired by the City’s Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). More information about the CCAP can be found at CityofCR.com/Climate. The wrapped trucks are also a part of Cedar Rapids’ Public Art Plan which was influenced by a 2021 community survey. The plan’s primary goal is to continue to enhance the artistic identity and cultural life in Cedar Rapids for its residents, businesses, and visitors. More information about the City’s Public Art Plan can be found at CityofCR.com/Art.

The RFP received 37 submissions from local, national, and international artists. The City’s selection committee worked in cooperation with the Public Art Commission to select a total of five (5) artists whose work was eye-catching and appealing, while also meeting goals outlined in the RFP. The selected finalists whose artwork will be displayed are: Erykah Danner, Drew Etienne, Harper Folsom, Chris Sullivan, and Paxton Williams. Danner, Etienne, Folsom, and Williams are all from the Cedar Rapids area, and Chris Sullivan resides in Des Moines. Patricia Hall, Solid Waste & Recycling Manager stated, “The City of Cedar Rapids Solid Waste & Recycling Division is excited to partner with Iowa artists to continue to enhance and broaden public art throughout the community.” Keep an eye out for these unique traveling pieces of art coming to your neighborhood soon.