Just moved to North Kansas City and ready to get your utilities squared away? With a few quick calls and the right info on hand, you can start water, sewer, trash, and recycling without stress. This guide walks you through each step, key contacts, fees, and what to expect in your first month. Let’s dive in.
Start water and sewer service
North Kansas City operates its own water system and manages wastewater locally, with final treatment provided through Kansas City, MO. You start service by calling City Hall during business hours.
- Call City Hall at 816-274-6000, Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. The Finance team will set up your utility account. See water and sewer billing details.
- First bill includes a $50 residential deposit. Bills are mailed near the 1st of the month and typically due between the 18th and 20th.
- Need a meter installed or have meter questions? Contact Water Distribution at 816-274-6004 or email [email protected]. Review meter and tap guidance.
What to have ready when you call
- Service address and desired start date
- Your primary phone and email
- If renting, your landlord or owner contact
- For meter installs, installer contact and timing for inspection
Understand billing and fees
A few basics help you avoid late fees and surprises.
- Your first bill includes the $50 deposit. Ask about e-billing or autopay when you set up your account. You can request electronic bills via [email protected]. Learn about billing and deposits.
- Late notices usually go out around the 20th. If unpaid by month’s end, service may be disconnected near the 1st of the following month.
- Reconnection requires paying the past-due amount plus a $30 reconnection fee.
- When you move out, your deposit is applied to the final bill. Any credit is refunded by check to your forwarding address.
- If you think a bill is missing or a meter read looks off, contact City Hall promptly and keep good records.
Trash and recycling basics
North Kansas City’s trash, curbside recycling, bulky items, and yard waste are serviced by GFL.
- Regular collection day is Tuesday. Set carts out by 7:00 a.m.
- Standard carts are 65-gallon for trash and recycling. Contact GFL at 816-380-5595 or [email protected]. See city service rules.
Recycling rules
- Place recyclables loose in the cart. Do not bag them.
- Accepted: paper, flattened cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, certain plastic containers (#1, #2, #4, #5), and clean food or beverage cartons.
- Glass is not accepted curbside. Ripple Glass drop-off is an option in the KC area.
Extra trash and carts
- Extra bags require an overage sticker. A sheet of five costs $10 at City Hall.
- Need more capacity each week? You can request an additional cart for an added monthly charge posted by the city (listed as $10 per month).
Yard waste and bulky items
- Yard waste runs March 1 through Dec 31. You can set out up to 10 biodegradable paper bags or bundled limbs per week. Bundles must be 4 feet long or less, 18 inches in diameter or less, and limbs under 2 inches thick. The city sells discounted yard-waste bag packs at City Hall.
- Bulky items are collected on the first Tuesday of each month, up to five items per residence. Items should be manageable for one or two people to carry. Exclusions include electronics, hazardous waste, tires, and construction debris. White goods must be CFC-free when required. You are encouraged to notify GFL 24 hours ahead.
Holiday service and missed pickups
- GFL observes Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. If your day falls on or after a holiday, pickup slides one day later.
- Report missed pickups to GFL or City Public Works. Confirm rules and contacts.
Water quality and lead lines
NKC sources drinking water from six groundwater wells about 120 feet deep, with an average of about 3 million gallons treated per day. The city publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report and can provide a paper copy on request. See water and wastewater services.
NKC is also updating its Lead and Copper inventory. You may see small, targeted hydro-excavation near the curb to verify service-line materials in the right of way. The city maintains the inventory and can share it on request. Learn about the Lead & Copper program.
Stormwater basics
Help protect local streams by keeping oils, chemicals, lawn debris, and trash out of storm drains. Report any illicit discharges to Public Works. The city also shares seasonal guidance on leaf collection. View stormwater information.
Quick contacts
- City Hall, new water/sewer accounts: 816-274-6000, Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Water Distribution and meters: 816-274-6004, [email protected]
- Utility billing questions or e-bills: [email protected]
- Trash, recycling, and bulky items (GFL): 816-380-5595, [email protected]
Ready to settle in with confidence? If you need a local guide as you buy, sell, or plan your move, reach out to Louise Regenstein for friendly, knowledgeable help.
FAQs
How do you start water service in North Kansas City?
- Call City Hall at 816-274-6000 during business hours to set up your account; your first bill will include a $50 deposit.
What documents do you need for a new NKC utility account?
- Be ready with your service address, start date, and contact details; if renting, your landlord information. Call City Hall to confirm any ID requirements.
What if you did not receive your NKC water bill?
- Contact City Hall or [email protected] right away to avoid backbilling, and ask about e-bills or payment options.
Who do you call in NKC for a leak or sewer odor?
- For water or sewer issues, contact Public Works at 816-274-6004 or City Hall at 816-274-6000; for emergencies that threaten safety, call 911.
How do you dispose of large renovation debris in NKC?
- Construction debris is not accepted in regular or bulky pickup; arrange a roll-off dumpster with a private provider or contact GFL for guidance.
When do you get your NKC utility deposit back?
- The deposit is applied to your final bill when you move out; any remaining credit is refunded by check to your forwarding address.
