Solid Waste, Yard Waste, & Recycling

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Solid waste collection service is available to West Des Moines residents living in single family homes up to and including 4-plex units.


Special Solid Waste Events Schedule

Special Solid Waste Events are available to all West Des Moines residents who are eligible for solid waste collection.  Various events are scheduled throughout the year to assist residents in disposing of appliances, tires and household items:

 DATE  EVENT TIME LOCATION 
December 5, 2025  Yard Waste Collection Ends
Dec. 29, 2025 - Jan. 9, 2026  Winter Yard Waste & Christmas Tree Collections
March 30, 2026  Yard Waste Collection Begins on Normal Trash Day
April 11, 2026
 Scrap Tire Drop-Off  7:30 AM - 4 PM  Public Services East - 560 S 16th St
May 19, 2026  National Public Works Week  4:00 - 7:00 PM  Public Services West - 8850 Grand Ave
June1-5, 2026  Spring Clean-Up  Normal Trash Day
June 6, 2026  Scrap Appliance & Metal Drop-Off  8 AM - Noon Public Services East - 560 S 16th St
September 5, 2026  Scrap Appliance & Metal Drop-Off  8 AM - Noon Public Services East - 560 S 16th St
December4, 2026  Yard Waste Collection Ends
Dec. 28, 2026 - Jan. 8, 2027  Winter Yard Waste & Christmas Tree Collections

Metro Waste Authority

Metro Waste Authority administers the solid waste contracts and services for the City of West Des Moines.  This arrangement is another effort on the part of the City to combine with regional municipalities to help reduce the cost of services for residents.  MWA’s website is the recommended source of information on the many different aspects of solid waste including:

Visiting Metro Waste Authority - WDM will take you directly to the waste collection information relating to West Des Moines or call MWA at 515-244-0021.


Cart Placement

Your cart should be within 18 inches of the curb with the short metal bar facing the street. Tips for placement:

  • Do not place the cart near low hanging branches.
  • To avoid damage to public and private property, place the cart at least 6 feet away from mailboxes, lamp posts and other permanent structures.

Not your collection day? Be a good neighbor and, if possible, store your carts so they're not visible from the street.


Report Dead Animal

Iowa wildlife is beautiful to watch; unfortunately, sometimes they collide with vehicles on City roadways. To report a dead animal that needs picked up, call PD Dispatch at 515-222-3320.