Des Moines's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Des Moines, Iowa, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bin Placement Rules

Des Moines regulates when and where residents place trash and recycling containers for collection under Chapter 98. Carts must be curbside by 7 a.m. on collection day and may not be set out earlier than 5 p.m. the prior evening.

Key details: Governing code: Ch. 98, Art. II, Sec. 98-54. Set-out earliest: 5 PM the evening before. Set-out deadline: 7 AM on collection day. Retrieval deadline: Within 12 hours after collection. Large item sticker: $5 pink sticker required.

Violations constitute a municipal infraction; persistent noncompliance may result in fines and missed collection service.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Des Moines Chapter 98 mandates weekly curbside garbage collection with strict cart placement rules. Carts must be at the curb by 7 AM on collection day, no earlier than 5 PM the prior evening. Recycling is city-provided weekly; multifamily properties with 5+ units must provide on-site recycling.

Key details: Collection frequency: Weekly (assigned route day). Cart set-out deadline: By 7:00 AM on collection day. Earliest cart set-out: 5:00 PM the prior evening. Extra bag sticker cost: $1 per bag (pink sticker). Governing section: Ch. 98, Art. II, Div. 2, § 98-54.

Violations of Chapter 98 placement or container rules are municipal infractions. Fines are assessed under the general penalty provisions; repeated violations may result in escalating civil penalties.

Bulk Item Disposal

Des Moines residents must attach paid stickers to bulk items that do not fit in their standard waste cart. Large furniture and similar items need a $5 pink sticker each; appliances require seven stickers ($35 total). Items must be curbed by 7 AM on your scheduled collection day.

Key details: Large item sticker fee: $5 pink sticker per item. Appliance fee: $35 (7 stickers at $5 each). Curb-out deadline: 7 AM on collection day. Governing sections: Ch. 98, §§ 98-114, 98-115, 98-118. Scheduling number: (515) 283-4950 (24 hrs in advance).

Items without required stickers will not be collected. Improperly disposed bulk items left in the right-of-way without stickers may be cited as a solid waste violation under Ch. 98 and § 1-15, with misdemeanor-level civil penalties.

The Bottom Line

Des Moines's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Des Moines is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Des Moines can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.