Yard waste collected through MWA's Compost It! program is brought to the Metro Compost Center where it is processed into compost. The material is available for purchase in bulk quantities at the Metro Compost Center and in smaller amounts at retail locations in the metro area.

Small quantities of MWA’s Turf Gold Premium can be purchased at the following locations: (Call the retail outlets directly for information on availability, pricing, hours, location, and delivery.)

East
Morgan Oaks
515-967-6766

West
Mulch Mart
515-978-6852

Central
Soil Tek
515-244-7474

Iowa Landscaping Supply
515-262-2367

Metro Area
Hallett Materials
515-491-7727

Indianola
Green Acres Garden Center
515-961-5889

Pella
Dutch Meadows
641-628-4450

Winterset
Beeler Trucking
515-468-0815

Wholesale Compost
Compost can be purchased at the Metro Compost Center in Des Moines.  $12/cubic yard (8 cubic yard minimum purchase.)  Call for availability.  515-244-0021

To calculate the amount of Turf Golf Premium you need just multiply the length of the area by the width (measure in feet).  Then take the result and multiply it by how deep (in inches) you want the compost to be.  Next take that number and divide it by 324, and the result is the amount of compost you need in cubic yards. 

Compost is not dirt, potting soil, fertilizer, or peat.  Compost is a soil conditioner made up of natural materials that can be used as a mulch and to improve the texture and increase nutrient and water holding capacity of soil.  Compost can also help control weeds and prevent erosion due to soil loss. 

Compost Use

Compost can be used at any time - spring, summer or fall for the following purposes: 

On Planting Beds... Apply a 1" - 2" layer of compost and incorporate it into the top 6" - 8" of soil a few weeks prior to planting.  Condition soil this way every two years. 

On Established Lawns... Scatter up to a half-inch layer of compost to nourish feeder roots.  A light dusting of compost over seeded lawns helps increase germination. 

On New Lawns... Compost should be applied a few weeks before laying sod or new seeding.  Apply a 1: - 2: layer to soil and incorporate to a depth of 5" - 7". 

To Help with Weed Control... Spread a 1" - 2" layer along garden paths and around vegetables for weed control and moisture retention. 

Around Trees and Shrubs... Dig a hold 2/3 the depth of the root ball and at least twice as wide.  Mix one part compost with two parts soil from the planting hold.  Places the tree or shrub in the planting hole and apply amended soil around the root ball. 

With Potting Soil... Blend one part compost with one part sand and one part garden soil. 

As a Mulch... Spread a 2" layer on perennial beds in the spring to add organic material and micro nutrients. 

Erosion Control... MWA has erosion control products called "overs" that can be purchased.  Call 323-6525 for more information. 

Click here for a printable version of the information above. 

NOTE: The Metro Compost Center accepts yard waste only from MWA's contracted haulers and is NOT open to the public for yard waste disposal. Residents or other customers can bring bulk or Compost It! bagged yard waste to the Metro Park East Landfill for disposal.