Metro Waste Authority

Metro Waste Authority Metro Waste Authority provides answers for safe and smart waste disposal and recycling. recycling program. Curb It!

Whether it's garbage, recycling, yard waste, hazardous waste, or special waste, we know where it should go and have the resources to help. Metro Waste Authority is an independent government agency comprised of 16 member communities, one county and six planning members. Established in 1969, Metro Waste Authority was designated to manage the landfill for the Polk County area after state law required

all Iowa communities to properly dispose of their solid waste in a sanitary landfill. Now, Metro Waste Authority is the leader in environmental stewardship and cost-effective waste management. Managed by an executive director and governed by a board of directors consisting of one elected official from each of its member communities, Metro Waste Authority has an annual budget of more than $25 million. MWA operates many facilities and programs recognized for excellence at the state and national levels. These facilities include Metro Park East Landfill, Metro Park West Landfill, Metro Compost Center, Metro Transfer Station, Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off and the Metro Recycling Drop-Offs. Metro Waste Authority also operates various waste reduction and recycling programs including the Curb It! the most comprehensive curbside recycling program in the state, providing service to almost 145,000 households. Other programs managed by Metro Waste Authority include Compost It! yard waste collection, hazardous waste drop-offs for residents, and special waste disposal for commercial and industrial businesses.

With your help, we were able to collect 5,261 pounds of lights through our holiday light recycling program! All lights c...
02/17/2025

With your help, we were able to collect 5,261 pounds of lights through our holiday light recycling program! All lights collected were safely recycled at Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bondurant. Remember, while strands of lights do not belong in your recycling cart, they are accepted at Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off year-round!

Now that our holiday light recycling program has wrapped up for the season, how many pounds of holiday lights do you thi...
02/16/2025

Now that our holiday light recycling program has wrapped up for the season, how many pounds of holiday lights do you think we collected!? Guess in the comments, and the answer will be revealed tomorrow!

Garbage and recycling will be collected as usual this week! There are no changes to the collection schedule due to Presi...
02/16/2025

Garbage and recycling will be collected as usual this week! There are no changes to the collection schedule due to Presidents’ Day.

Are you going to the Home & Garden Show this weekend? If you are, we'd love for you to make a stop at the Metro Waste Au...
02/15/2025

Are you going to the Home & Garden Show this weekend? If you are, we'd love for you to make a stop at the Metro Waste Authority booth! This year, we will be chatting about household hazardous waste, including what it is and how to safely dispose of it. Plus, you can sign up for a chance to win a FREE houseside collection service! See you there. 😊

Last week, we celebrated employees who were nominated for demonstrating Metro Waste Authority’s values of leadership, po...
02/14/2025

Last week, we celebrated employees who were nominated for demonstrating Metro Waste Authority’s values of leadership, positivity, integrity, teamwork, and innovation. We hosted a special lunch and award ceremony recognizing their outstanding efforts. Congratulations to these Everyday Heroes!

We know you're not throwing away Valentine's from anyone special this year...but if you are, make sure you recycle the o...
02/14/2025

We know you're not throwing away Valentine's from anyone special this year...but if you are, make sure you recycle the ones without any of the sparkly stuff. If it doesn't glitter, shimmer, or shine, it can go into the recycling. Same thing applies to wrapping paper and gift bags!

It’s a winter wonderland out there! Here’s a few tips to ensure snowy weather doesn’t impact your collection!
02/13/2025

It’s a winter wonderland out there! Here’s a few tips to ensure snowy weather doesn’t impact your collection!

Still looking for that perfect Valentine’s card? Don’t worry, we got you!
02/13/2025

Still looking for that perfect Valentine’s card? Don’t worry, we got you!

Metro Redemption Center in Bondurant will be closing one hour early tonight, at 5 PM, due to the weather. Regular operat...
02/12/2025

Metro Redemption Center in Bondurant will be closing one hour early tonight, at 5 PM, due to the weather. Regular operations will resume Thursday at 9 AM!

02/11/2025

It's giving... second chances. ✨

Does anyone know how to get ahold of Kendrick Lamar? We’re looking to make a diss track about rechargeable batteries… Un...
02/10/2025

Does anyone know how to get ahold of Kendrick Lamar? We’re looking to make a diss track about rechargeable batteries…

Until then, here’s our reminder that electronics with rechargeable batteries CANNOT go in your recycling or garbage!! They contain hazardous material that’s highly flammable. The good news is they CAN be taken to our hazardous waste drop-off locations in Grimes (by appointment only) and Bondurant! https://www.mwatoday.com/waste-recycling/recycling-disposal-guide/recycling-guide-items/batteries/

Homemade and sustainability go hand in hand! Instead of purchasing Valentine's Day gifts online and shipping them across...
02/09/2025

Homemade and sustainability go hand in hand! Instead of purchasing Valentine's Day gifts online and shipping them across the country, make something from the heart for your loved ones this year. Check out this list of DIY ideas:

Express your love and affection with DIY Valentine gifts for every skill level—including handmade art, edible treats, and easy-to-make cards.

02/08/2025

DYK: After your recyclables reach the Metro Recycling Facility, they are sorted by material type and made into bales. Each one of these bales can weigh over 2,000 pounds!

Address

300 E Locust Street Ste 100
Des Moines, IA
50309

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(515) 244-0021

Website

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Videos

It's giving... second chances. ✨

Teachers, have you had your students play our Ecoville simulation game yet? It’s a great way to learn about sustainability, recycling, and landfill operations, and we now have a comprehensive, standards-aligned curriculum you can pair with it! https://www.mwatoday.com/environmental-responsibility/education/news/new-educator-resource-simulation-game-curriculum/

DYK: After your recyclables reach the Metro Recycling Facility, they are sorted by material type and made into bales. Each one of these bales can weigh over 2,000 pounds!

Shredded paper can be recycled
Shredded paper can be recycled

Fun Fact Friday, brought to you by our Eco Advocates! Did you know that shredded paper can be recycled…but only if it’s packed in a paper sack or an old cereal box (never a plastic bag!) This will avoid covering your yard with shredded paper confetti when it’s collected!

Did you know that after you redeem your cans and bottles, they get sorted?! Each can and bottle is separated by manufacturer. They are then handed off to the original manufacturer or a new processor to be turned into something new. This cool piece of equipment here helps our redemption team sort many of the cans and bottles we receive. It can sort 18,000 beverage containers per hour! 🤯

Let us give you another reason to stay inside this winter! Did you know that we can collect your household hazardous waste like old paints and stains, household cleaners, chemicals, and more right at your home? All you do is sign up online and we'll drop the bins off at your house for you to fill them! Once full, give us a call and we pick them back up! https://www.mwatoday.com/waste-recycling/hazardous-waste/houseside-/

World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day

Tomorrow is World Wetlands Day! Did you know that Metro Waste Authority has a system of wetlands at Metro Park East Landfill? These wetlands were constructed more than 20 years ago to help protect our waterways. Learn more: https://www.mwatoday.com/environmental-responsibility/community-impact/news/wonders-of-the-wetlands/

When it comes to recycling, keep ‘em loose! To recycle right, keep all plastic bags out of your recycling carts and do not place recycling in bags. Learn more: https://www.mwatoday.com/waste-recycling/recycling/news/keep-em-loose/

Winter might feel like a slow time for gardening, but adding compost now can set you up for success when spring arrives! Here’s why winter composting is a win: 1. Improves soil structure for better moisture retention 2. Supports beneficial microorganisms year-round 3. Prepares soil for a healthy spring garden No need to wait for warmer months...our Grow Gold Compost is ready to use in your garden, no matter the season! Learn more: https://www.mwatoday.com/waste-recycling/yard-waste/grow-gold-compost/

Did you know that the paper on plastics, glass, and tin cans doesn’t have to be taken off to go in the recycling? Just rinse, then toss it in your cart!

So, you set your Christmas tree at the curb during winter collection earlier this month…what happened to it next? Well, the trees all ended up at our Metro Compost Center! Once there, they are combined with other yard waste and turned to Grow Gold Compost over the course of a few months. This compost can be used come spring to enhance your lawn or garden!

FYI… it’s National Pie Day! If you’re celebrating with the store-bought kind, keep in mind that those pie tins and plastic covers belong in the garbage! Have a delicious day. 😊

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Metro Waste Authority is an independent government agency comprised of 16 member communities, one county and six planning members. Established in 1969, Metro Waste Authority was designated to manage the landfill for the Polk County area after state law required all Iowa communities to properly dispose of their solid waste in a sanitary landfill. Now, Metro Waste Authority is the leader in environmental stewardship and cost-effective waste management. Managed by an executive director and governed by a board of directors consisting of one elected official from each of its member communities, Metro Waste Authority has an annual budget of more than $25 million. MWA operates many facilities and programs recognized for excellence at the state and national levels. These facilities include Metro Park East Landfill, Metro Park West Landfill, Metro Compost Center, Metro Transfer Station, Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off and the Metro Recycling Drop-Offs. Metro Waste Authority also operates various waste reduction and recycling programs including the Curb It! recycling program. Curb It! the most comprehensive curbside recycling program in the state, providing service to almost 145,000 households. Other programs managed by Metro Waste Authority include Compost It! yard waste collection, hazardous waste drop-offs for residents, and special waste disposal for commercial and industrial businesses.