A – C
Acetone: Acetone can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Acids: Acids can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Acrylic: Water base can be dried out and put into the trash. Oil based can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Aerosol Cans: Aerosol cans be recycled in
Curb It!. Please make sure all cans are empty. If the cans once held oil or antifreeze, they should be placed in the garbage.
Aerosol Cleaners: Aerosol cleaners can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Adhesives: Allow to
dry out and place into the trash once dry.
Air Conditioning Units: Air conditioners are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee. Other resources: Alter Metal Recycling 515-265-7377 or Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000.
Alkaline Batteries: Alkaline batteries may be put in your regular garbage or can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center for recycling at no charge. Other resources: Batteries Plus, 2732 Delaware Ave, Ankeny or Midwest Recovery, 3300 Henry St. S.W., Bondurant.
Aluminum Cans: The
Curb It! recycling program accepts aluminum cans. There is no need to remove the labels, but please rinse them out. Containers may be crushed. Aluminum cans may also be taken to one of the
Metro Recycling Centers.
Ammonia-Based Cleaners: Ammonia-based cleaners can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Ammunitions: Call the local police department to dispose of all types of ammunition.
Animal Carcasses: Animal carcasses can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill by calling ahead at 333-4448. They need to be double bagged.
Antifreeze: Antifreeze can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Asbestos: Residents may take asbestos to the
Metro Park East Landfill provided it is double bagged. Businesses MUST call ahead to fill out paperwork to bring asbestos to the landfill. Call 515-333-4432.
Ash: Ash may be accepted at the
Metro Park East Landfill with proper permitting. See the special waste page for more information.
Auto Parts: Auto parts must be free of gas and oil and can go in the trash or can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill and
Metro Park West Landfill.
Auto Polish: Auto polish can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Auto Starter Fluid: Auto starter fluid can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Bases: Bases can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Batteries: Alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V) can be thrown into the garbage or can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center for recycling at no charge. Other resources: Batteries Plus, 2732 Delaware Ave. in Ankeny, Midwest Recovery 957-8000. Other batteries, including car batteries and rechargeable batteries should be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Backyard Composting Tubs: ReStore (Habitat for Humanity) 515-309-0224.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide
can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Books: Smaller quantities can be donated to a school or library. Textbooks: Heartland Textbook Service 515-221-2964. Hard cover books Greenstar (call first) 515-265-1208 and Weyerhaeuser 515-265-0889.
Brake Fluid: Brake fluid can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Brush Killer: Brush killer can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Bubble Wrap: Bubble wrap can be put into trash or taken to the closest UPS store nearest you.
Bug Killers: Bug killers can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Can Redemption: Patterson Redemption Center 515-288-7002 or Container Roundup - will pick up refundable bottles and cans from residents and businesses at $.03 a container 515-276-5171.
Carbon Paper: Carbon paper is not recyclable. It can be thrown into the garbage.
Carburetor Cleaner: Carburetor cleaner can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Carpet and Carpet Pad: Capret and carpet pad can be taken to
Metro Park East Landfill and
Metro Park West Landfill. Other resource: CP Recovery 515-276-2600 will take carpet pad.
Caulk (Labeled Flammable): Caulk can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
CD's: to recycle cd's call CP Recovery 515-276-2600
Cellular Telephones: Cell phone batteries can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center. The cell phone itself can be thrown in the garbage. The
Iowa Recycling Association will also take cell phones (with batteries) for recycling. Other resources: Great Ape Trust of Iowa 515-243-3580 or CP Recovery 515-276-2600
Cleaners (solvent-based): Cleaners can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Containers (Glass Food and Beverage): Glass containers are accepted in the
Curb It! recycling program. Please rinse out all containers and throw away lids. Labels may stay on containers.
Clothes Dryers: Dryers are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee. Other resources: Alter Metal Recycling 515-265-7377 or Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000
Clothing: Clothing which remains in good condition may be taken to any Goodwill location for resale or recycling.
Must be clean and dry.
Cooking Oil & Grease: This can be thrown into the garbage if it is solidified in absorbent or kitty litter.
Commercial Coolers: Commercial coolers are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $25 recycling fee. Other resources: Alter Metal recycling 515-265-7377 or Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000
Computers: Computers and their accessories (printers, mouse, keyboard, and speakers) can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center for recycling. The cost to recycle these items is $.50 per pound. Other resources: A-Tec Recycling 1-800-551-4912, Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000, CP Recovery 515-276-2600, Computer Solver 515-277-1280, Midwest Electronic Recovery 515-226-9990, ComputerNet Services 515-223-9300
Computer Monitors: Monitors can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center for recycling. The cost to recycle these items is $.50 per pound. Other resources: Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000, A-TEC Recycling 1-800-551-4912, Midwest Electronic Recovery 515-226-9990, CP Recovery 515-276-2600, Computer Solver 515-277-1280
Concrete and Asphalt: can be taken to
Metro Park East Landfill and
Metro Park West Landfill for disposal. Other resource: Corell Recycling 515-223-8010.
Concrete Cleaners & Etches: Concrete cleaners and etches can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Construction & Demolition Waste: Construction and demolition waste is accepted at the
Metro Park East Landfill and Metro
Park West Landfill. To determine what common construction and demolition materials can be taken and recycled
visit here.
Contact Cement: Contact cement can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Corrugated Cardboard: Cardboard is accepted in the
Curb It! recycling program. Flatten and cut down corrugated cardboard boxes to the size of your Curb It! cart and place them in the cart. Additional cardboard can be taken to one of the
Metro Recycling Center or any recycling drop off facility.
D – F
Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee. Other resources: Alter Metal Recycling 515-265-7377 or Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000.
Dishwashers: Dishwashers are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee. Other resources: (ESI) Environmental Services of Iowa 515-993-1870, Alter Metal Recycling 515-265-7377 or Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000.
Document Shredding: Shredded material you have shredded at home may be out into your
Curb It! toter once contained in a paper sack. Resources for document shredding: Document Destruction & Recycling Services 515-967-1603, Iron Mountain 515-965-9343 and Greenstar 515-265-1208.
Drain Cleaners: Drain cleaners can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Drywall: Drywall can be taken to Chamness Technology in Eddyville, 515-969-5702.
Driveway Sealer: Driveway sealer can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Dusty Wastes: Dusty wastes may be accepted at the
Metro Park East Landfill with proper permitting. See the special waste page for more information.
Epoxy: Epoxy can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Electronics: Electronics can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center where they are recycled for $0.50 per pound.
Other resources: American TV 5355 NW 86th St., Johnston, Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000
HP e-waste recycling program
http://www.hp.com/united-states/hho/buyback-recyle/index.html?jumpid=exR602go/ConsumerBuyback
Any Best Buy store: up to two devices per day.
Any Goodwill location: as long as the device is operable
Additional e-waste disposal locations can be found at
http://www.iowadnr.gov/waste/recycling/files/crtsites.pdf
Explosives/Ammunition: Call the local law enforcement for proper disposal of explosives and ammunition.
Fertilizers: Fertilizers can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Flares/Emergency Road Flares: Call the local law enforcement for proper disposal of flares and emergency road flares.
Filters: Filters may be accepted at the
Metro Park East Landfill with proper permitting. See the special waste page for more information.
Finger Nail Polish Remover: Finger nail polish remover, also called Acetone, can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Fire Extinguishers: Call the local fire department or a fire equipment company to dispose of extinguishers or Iowa Fire Equipment 515-265-8030.
Floor Care Products: Floor care products can be taken to the Regional Collection Center.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs: All fluorescent bulbs should be recycled at the
Regional Collection Center. There are a few different types of fluorescent bulbs. One is the compact fluorescent (CFLs, the swirl bulb); another is the 4 ft and 8 ft tubes like you may see in a shop, garage, or storage; another are high intensity discharge (HID) lamps such as metal halide, mercury vapor and high pressure sodium lamps; there are also some neon lights that fall into this category.
Food Fryer Grease: Darling International 515-265-0381.
Freezers: Freezers are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee.
Fungicide: Fungicide can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Furnaces: Furnaces are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee.
Furniture: Large items such as furniture may be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill. For curbside service, residents will need to contact their city hall or garbage hauler. (See community pages)
Furniture Polish: Furniture polish can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
G – I
Gasoline: Gasoline can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Glues: Glues can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Hay Bales: Hay bales that weigh less than 40 pounds can be collected through the
Compost It! yard waste collection
program.
Hazardous Waste: Contact the
Regional Collection Center for proper disposal of hazardous waste. Other resources: Clean Harbors 515-262-2638.
Herbicides, Pesticides: Herbicides and pesticides can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Home Building Items: Home building items may be taken to
Metro Park East Landfill and
Metro Park West Landfill. If items are in good condition you can contact any of these resources for acceptance to recycle the materals: Home Recycling Exchange 515-282-9296 or ReStore 515-309-0224.
Hydraulic Fluid/Oil: Hydraulic fluid/oil can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Ink, Toner, Developer: Ink, toner and developer can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Insect Spray: Insect spray can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
J – L
Kerosene: Kerosene can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Kitchen Ranges: Kitchen ranges are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee.
Lancets: Sharps can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center in a puncture proof container. Please label the container appropriately.
Latex Paint: Latex paint can be disposed of at home by drying out containers that are less than half full. Add kitty litter or sawdust to the paint, stir it up, and in a few days it will be dry. Then the container (with the lid off) can be placed with regular garbage. Latex paint is also accepted at the
Regional Collection Center for $1 per gallon size container or smaller, $5 for a five gallon container.
Lawnmowers: After draining the gas and oil, lawnmowers can be taken to a scrap metal dealer for recycling. They can also be disposed of in the garbage.
Lighter Fluid: Lighter fluid can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Lotion and Sun block: Lotion and sun block can be put into the trash.
M – O
Marine Fuel Tanks: Triple wash the container with soap and water then put in your regular trash. Another resource Alter Metal Recycling 515-265-7377. Marine Fuel can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Medications: Mix medications with trash items, such as kitty litter or coffee grounds, and either double bag this material or place it loose in the trash. Empty medication bottles and vials can be recycled in the
Curb It! recycling program. Medicine can also be taken to
participating pharmacies in the
TakeAway program.
Mercury: Mercury thermometer, switches, etc. can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Metal Polish (Solvent-Based): Metal polish can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Metals: For information on restrictions and acceptable materials please reference our
Construction & Demolition Guide. Alter Metal Recycling 515-265-7377 or Scrap Processors, Inc 515-243-5905 both in Des Moines will purchase scrap metals that meet certain standards.
Microwave Ovens: Microwaves are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee. Other resources: (ESI) Environmental Services of Iowa 515-993-1870, Alter Metal Recycling 515-265-7377, Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000.
Mixed Paper: Mixed paper is accepted in the Curb It! recycling program. Please throw away bows and foil-type paper.
Monitors: Can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center and recycled for .50 per lb. Other resources: A-TEC Recycling 1-800-551-4912 or Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000.
Mothballs: Mothballs can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Needles: Needles are accepted at the
Regional Collection Center if they are in a puncture-proof container that is labeled appropriately.
Newspapers: Newspapers are accepted in the
Curb It! recycling program. Large amounts of paper can be taken to one of the
Metro Recycling Centers.
Nitroglycerin: Nitroglycerin can be taken to
participating pharmacies in the
TakeAway program.
Oil: Waste oil may be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Oil Filters: Used oil filters may be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Oven Cleaner: Oven cleaner can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Ovens: Ovens are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill. Other resources: (ESI) Environmental Services of Iowa 515-993-1870, Alter Metal Recycling 515-265-7377 or Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000.
P – R
Packing (Peanut sand Foam): UPS Store 515-221-9744 will accept packing peanuts and foam for recycling
. Most UPS stores will also take the above packing materials, contact the store nearest you.
Paint Remover: Paint remover can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Paint Thinner: Paint thinner can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Paint, Latex: Latex paint can be disposed of at home by drying out containers that are less than half full. Add kitty litter or sawdust to the paint, stir it up, and in a few days it will be dry. Then the container (with the lid off) can be placed with regular garbage. Latex paint is also accepted at the
Regional Collection Center for $1 per gallon size container or smaller, $5 for a five gallon container.
Paint, Oil-Based and Lead-Based: This type of paint can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Pesticides: Pesticides can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Petroleum Contaminated Soils: Petroleum contaminated soils may be accepted at the
Metro Park East Landfill with proper permitting. See the special waste page for more information.
Petroleum-Based Adhesives: Adhesives can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Phonebooks: Phonebooks are accepted in the
Curb It! program.
Plaster: Plaster can be taken to Chamness Technology in Eddyville, 515-969-5702
Plastics: look up "Plastics- Scrap" in your phonebook
Plastic Bottles*: The
Curb It! program accepts all plastic bottles, regardless of the number listed on the bottom. Please rinse out the bottles. There's no need to remove labels or lids. Containers may be crushed. Plastic bottles that held oil or antifreeze are not accepted and should be thrown in your trash. Plastic bottles can also be taken to one of the
Metro Recycling Centers.
*Iowa does have a bottle deposit law
Plastic Shopping Bags: Recycle your plastic bags at grocery stores such as Hy-Vee or Dahl's, or department stores such as Walmart and Target. Please be sure that your bags are dry and all items are removed.
Plywood: Accepted at MWA's
Metro Recycling Centers. Pieces must be larger than 3' by 4'.
Polish Remover: Polish remover can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Polyurethane: Polyureathane
can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Polyvinyl Acetate (white glue) : Polyvinyl acetate (white glye) allow to dry out and out into the trash
.
Pool Chemicals: Pool chemicals can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Prescriptions: Mix prescriptions with trash items, such as kitty litter or coffee grounds, and either double bag the material or place it loose in the trash. Empty prescription bottles or vials can be recycled in the
Curb It! program.
Processed Sludge: Sludge may be accepted at the
Metro Park East Landfill with proper permitting. See the special waste page for more information.
Propane Tanks: Contact Ferrell Gas at 515-266-1175, Blue Rhino at 1-800-258-7466
www.bluerhino.com or Midwest Recovery at 515-957-8000.
Rat, Mouse & Gopher Poison: Pest poison can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Refrigerators: Refrigerators are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee.
Roofing Tar: Roofing tar can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Rust Removers: Rust removers can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
S – U
Sandblast Media: Sandblast media may be accepted at the
Metro Park East Landfill with proper permitting. See the special waste page for more information.
Sharps: Sharp objects (sharps) include needles and syringes, razor blades and other used items that could cause a puncture, cut or abrasion. Sharps can be taken to MWA's
Regional Collection Center in a disposal container made of puncture resistant, hard shell plastic (not glass or thick opaque plastic). Many drug stores and pharmacies will provide suitable sharps containers. The container needs to be clearly labeled "hazardous materials".
Shellac: Shellac can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Shingles: Clean loads of asphalt shingles can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill at a rate of $15 a ton. Shingles are also accepted at
Metro Park West Landfill at a rate of $23 a ton.
Click here to see a list of what is accepted and not accepted with clean shingles.
Silicone: Silicone (will retain its properties regardless of the weather) should be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Smoke Detectors: Smoke detectors can be thrown in the garbage.
Special Waste: Special waste may be accepted at the
Metro Park East Landfill with proper permitting.
Spot Remover: Spot remover can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Stain: Stain can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Swimming Polls Chemicals: These chemicals can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Televisions: Televisions can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center for recycling. The cost to recycle these items is $.50 per pound. Console televisions may be taken to
Midwest Recovery in Bondurant. Contact Midwest Recovery at 957-8000 for pricing information.
Textiles: Goodwill Industries 265-5623 will take un-wearable clothing, blankets, sheets, etc. Mark items as "salvage".
Thermostats: Thermostats are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee. Residents within MWA's service area may also recycle mercury thermostats at the
Regional Collection Center for no charge.
Tin Cans: The
Curb It! recycling program accepts tin cans. There is no need to remove the labels, but please rinse them out. Containers may be crushed. Tin cans may also be taken to one of the
Metro Recycling Centers.
Tires: Tires may be taken to one of the
Metro Recycling Centers or the
Metro Park East Landfill. Fees for tire recycling range from $2 to $20, depending on their size. Car and pickup sized tires or smaller are $2.00 each. (4 maximum per visit). Solid or pressed forklift, golf cart or lawnmower tires are not recycled and can be thrown in the garbage.
Turpentine: Turpentine can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
V – X
Varnish: Varnish can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Vending Machines: Vending machines are accepted at the Metro Park East Landfill for a $25 appliance recycling fee.
VHS Tapes: VHS tapes may be taken to CP Recovery in Johnston. They can be reached at 276-2600.
Wallpaper Remover: Wallpaper remover can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Washing Machines: Washing machines are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee.
Water Heaters: Water heaters are considered appliances and can be taken to the
Metro Park East Landfill for a $10 recycling fee. Other resources: Alter Recycling 515-265-7377 or Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000
Weed Killer: Weed killer can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Window Glass: Flexolite in Muscatine, IA is the only company in the state that will take window glass. They can be reached at 563-262-8481.
Windshield Washer Solution: Windshield washer solution can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
Wire Hangers: Wire hangers are accepted in the
Curb It! recycling program.
Wood: Clean lumber, pallets, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is accepted at Hawkeye Wood Shavings (515-265-6440) in Pleasant Hill. Total Recycling (515-244-4324) in Des Moines accepts all kinds of wood, but no hazardous materials. Clean wood can also be taken to Chamness Technology (515-969-5702) in Eddyville.
Wood Pallets: Wood pallets can be taken to
Metro Park East Landfill and are composted. Minimum charge of $16.00. They can also be taken to Westwind Logistic 515-266-9604.
Wood Stains: Wood stains can be taken to the
Regional Collection Center.
X-Rays: X-Rays can go into your regular garbage. If the x-rays are over 20 yrs old they can be taken to ABC Metals and Recycling.
X-Ray Machines: Call the manufacturer for directions to remove the radio active components. The remainder of the machine can be recycled at Alter Metal Recycling 515-265-7377 or Midwest Recovery 515-957-8000. The radio active components can be taken to Clean Harbors 515-262-2638.
Y – Z
Yard Waste: Yard waste was banned from Iowa landfills by the State Legislature in 1989. This means grass clippings, leaves, and other yard debris cannot be thrown in the garbage. Residents of Altoona, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Johnston, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights can use the
Compost It! program to dispose of their yard waste. Residents of Central Iowa can also take their yard waste to the
Metro Park East Landfill.