LOCAL

Get rid of your bulk waste with free spring cleanup days around the Des Moines metro

Portrait of Kate Kealey Kate Kealey
Des Moines Register

Whether you are moving or looking to get rid of some junk, the Des Moines metro has a number of cleanup days for its residents over the next few months.

Depending on where you live, each city has upcoming spring cleanup options to get rid of large household items. Be sure to mark your calendars for cleanup days to properly dispose of any items not fit for standard trash collection.

Here is all you need to know for cleanup dates for this spring:

When can my bulk trash be picked up?

Looking to get rid of that old couch or mattress taking up space in your home? Metro Waste Authority has spring cleanup dates all over the county for the communities it serves. Items must be set out by 6 a.m. on the scheduled day.

Desks, doors chairs and can all be accepted. Appliances, yard waste, broken glass and tires should all be saved for designated cleanups.

Here are spring cleanup dates by city:

  • Altoona: April 14-17 (Residents living south of the railroad should have items at the curb by 6 a.m. April 14. Residents north of the railroad should have items to the curb by 6 a.m. April 16.)
  • Bondurant: May 17
  • Carlisle: May 3
  • Clive: May 3 for east of I-80/35 and May 10 West of I-80/35
  • Grimes: May 5-8 (Residents south of Highway 44 should have items to the curb by 6 a.m. May 5. Residents north of Highway 44 should have items to the curb by 6 a.m. May 7)
  • Mitchellville: June 14
  • Norwalk: May 12-15 (Residents west of Highway 28/Sunset Drive should have items at the curb by 6 a.m. on May 12. Residents east of Highway 28/Sunset Drive should have items at the curb by 6 a.m. on May 14.)
  • Pleasant Hill: April 26
  • Polk City: April 24-25 (Residents should have items at the curb by 6 a.m. on April 24.)
  • Runnells: June 14
  • West Des Moines: June 2-6 on regular collection day
  • Windsor Heights: June 14

(Editor's note: Johnston's bulk days were April 7-10)

What is Des Moines doing for bulk waste drop-offs?

The city of Des Moines is here to help its residents "SCRUB" their household for junk this spring. The Spring Cleanup to Reduce Urban Blight (SCRUB) is an annual large-trash drop-off for Des Moines residents. There are three different kinds of SCRUB events with eight days left in 2025.

The three different events include:

  • Mega SCRUB, which offers special waste disposal options hosted by select neighborhoods.
  • Metro Central Transfer Station SCRUB, a bulk trash drop-off option located at the Metro Central Transfer Station at 4198 Delaware Ave.
  • City Compost Center SCRUB, an event for yard and tree debris at the City Compost Center located at 1601 Harriet St.

The next Mega Scrub is April 19 at Merle Hay Mall from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Metro Central Transfer Station SCRUB and City Compost Center SCRUB will also be available that day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For all events, bring a proof of residency such as a photo ID or a current utility bill. To find out the dates and times of the different events over the next eight months, find the city of Des Moines SCRUB calendar at DSM.City/SCRUB.

Are any other communities doing spring cleanup?

Ankeny hosts a spring cleanup day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20 at Ankeny Sanitation, 7002 SE Delaware Ave. Appliances, batteries, televisions, hazardous waste and yard waste are not accepted. 

Urbandale has its own spring cleanup from April 14 to April 17. Items must be set out by 6 a.m. and pickup days are dependent on a resident's regularly scheduled trash days. It accepts similar items to Metro Waste Authority, with small furniture, toilets, televisions and computers being accepted. Appliances, batteries, hazardous waste and construction debris are not accepted.

Urbandale also has an electronic recycling day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 at Urbandale City Hall parking lot. Visit the city of Urbandale's website to find out more.

Waukee's curbside spring cleanup is from April 28 until May 2. Items must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on the resident's regular collection day. Curbside pickup does not apply to anyone living in neighborhood associations and apartment complexes with private trash collection. Items like furniture, electronics and other large items up to 5 feet in length are accepted. Some unacceptable items include appliances, hazardous materials, lumber, paint and yard waste. Visit the city of Waukee's website for more details.

Where can I take hazardous household items in Des Moines?

Household hazardous waste, appliances and tires are all accepted during Mega SCRUB days, according to the city of Des Moines' website. There is no cost to participate, but they are limited to Des Moines residents. Mega SCRUB day takes place four times a year from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at various locations in Des Moines. There is a limited capacity for hazardous waste drop-offs, so the city recommends arriving early.

  • April 19: Merle Hay Mall, 3800 Merle Hay Road.
  • May 17: Polk County River Place, 2309 Euclid Ave.
  • June 21: Capitol Complex Lot #3, West of E. 14th and south of Court Avenue.
  • Sept. 9: Bell Avenue Business Park, 1901 Bell Ave.

Metro Waste Authority offers household hazardous waste drop-off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday or the first and third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon. Hazardous waste can be dropped off at 1105 Prairie Drive SW, in Bondurant. Fees are charged for some items.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.