Spring Cleanup 2026

Collection Week: June 1–5, 2026

Spring Cleanup is a free service for West Des Moines residents who receive City-provided garbage collection. This event allows you to dispose of large household items that do not fit in your regular trash cart. Make sure your items are to the curb for pickup on your normal garbage collection day.

Simple Cleanup Rules

  • Volume Limit: You may set out a total amount that would fit in the bed of one standard pickup truck. If the pile is larger than one truckload, the entire pile will be left behind for the resident to dispose of.
  • Weight Limit: Items must be light enough for two people to lift safely.
  • Timing: Place items at the curb no earlier than 5:00 pm the night before and no later than 6:00 am on your collection day.
Pro Tip: While it may be tempting to put items out early, doing so could result in a code violation. It also increases the chance of others "picking" through your items and leaving a mess for you to clean up.

What Items ARE Accepted?

Common household items that do not fit in your cart, such as:

  • Furniture: Couches, end tables, and mattresses.
  • Electronics: TVs, monitors, fans, and lamps.
  • Outdoor Gear: Grills (propane tanks must be removed).
  • Carpet: Must be rolled and secured (up to 4 feet long and 18 inches in diameter).

Items NOT Accepted

The following items will not be picked up during Spring Cleanup. You are responsible for disposing of these items using normal solid waste guidelines:

Appliances & Household Systems

  • Air Conditioners & Furnaces
  • Dehumidifiers & Water Heaters
  • Dishwashers & Microwaves
  • Refrigerators & Freezers
  • Stoves, Washers, & Dryers

Hazardous & Banned Substances

  • Lead, Acid, & Batteries
  • Paint & Waste Oil
  • Poisons & Drugs
  • Medical Waste
  • Explosive or highly combustible material
  • Any other toxic or hazardous substances

Construction, Yard & Heavy Debris

  • Asphalt shingles
  • Concrete chunks (all sizes)
  • Construction & Demolition waste
  • Wooden playsets & Fencing
  • Yard waste & Animal carcasses
  • Home improvement or landscaping items

Other Prohibited Items

  • Bagged or Boxed Items: These may be put in your garbage cart year-round or disposed of using an Extra Trash sticker.
  • Glass: No windows, mirrors, or glass doors.
  • Automotive: Tires, vehicles, and/or major auto parts.
  • Propane Tanks: Not accepted (must be removed from grills).

Note on Unacceptable Items:
If items are not taken by the hauler because they are unacceptable (e.g., bagged/boxed items, appliances, tires) or if they are not at the curb by 6:00 am the day of pickup, it is the resident’s responsibility to properly dispose of them. This also applies to items dropped off by others; residents are responsible for all items on their property.

For More Information

If you aren't sure if an item is allowed, the MWA is the best source for disposal information. You can reach them at 515-244-0021.