Tours of the Metro Park East Landfill are available as part of MWA's education programs.  Landfill visitors learn about garbage, recycling, composting, methane gas, and other environmental issues on this driving tour. A constructed wetlands that purifies leachate (wastewater produced by the landfill) is included in the tour. Tours are weather-dependent. Groups must supply own transportation.  In the past, MWA has hosted elementary, middle and high school and college students, gardening and environmental groups, and scout troops on tours.  Tours are recommended for students from Grades 3 and up. 

Metro Park East Landfill (Grades 3 and up – 1 hour)

Hwy. 163, 9 miles east of Pleasant Hill

8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday

Contact: Mary Gillaspey at (515) 323-6505.

As part of the UEP, tours are also offered at the Des Moines Water Works and the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Find more information on these tours below. 

Des Moines Water Works (Grades 3 and up – 1.5 hours)

2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon, Friday

Contact: Gail Peckumn (515) 283-8753.

Students take a walking tour through Des Moines Water Works facilities and see the treatment process firsthand. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the state-of-the-art laboratory.

Wastewater Treatment Facility (Grades 7 and up – 1.5 to 2 hours)

3000 Vandalia Road, Des Moines 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday

Contact: Rod Biondi at (515) 323-8009

Visitors are led on a walking tour of the wastewater facility as they view the many steps of cleaning water from drains, toilets, and older storm sewers.

UEP educational programs, tours and trunks brochure.