Mission
"Metro Waste Authority is the leader in environmental stewardship and cost-effective waste management."

Metro Waste Authority (MWA) is an independent government agency comprised of 16 member communities, one county and six planning members. Established in 1969, MWA 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.

Managed by an executive director and governed by a board of directors consisting of one elected official from each of its member communities, MWA has an annual budget of more than $16 million.

MWA operates many facilities and programs recognized for excellence at the state and national levels. These facilities include the Metro Park East Landfill, the Metro Compost Center, the Metro Transfer Station, the Regional Collection Center and the Metro Recycling Center.

MWA also operates various waste reduction and recycling programs including the Curb It! recycling program. MWA's Curb It! program is the most comprehensive curbside recycling program in the state, providing services to almost 120,000 households. Other programs managed by MWA include the Residential Scrap Tire Program, the Sharps Program and a Special Waste Assistance Program for commercial/industrial businesses.

For over 30 years, MWA's Board of Directors and staff have been committed to operating a waste management system serving approximately 400,000 residents.