Des Moines, IA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- weekly, 52+ times/year
- Curb placement
- within 18 inches of roadway
- Spacing
- 3 feet from other objects
- Set-out window
- no more than 12 hrs early
- Enforcing agency
- Public Works Department
Summary
Des Moines collects trash weekly at least 52 times a year and requires carts set within 18 inches of the curb, three feet from other objects, no more than 12 hours early.
Such collection shall be made on a weekly basis not less than 52 times per annum in accordance with schedules to be developed by the city manager. If such scheduled weekly collection is deferred to a following day to conform to holiday observances or weather conditions, the city will pick up an allowed number of containers as specified in this section from allowed locations as specified in this section which is commensurate with the elapsed time since the last previous collection.(2)The city manager is authorized and empowered, jointly, to change or amend such schedules from time to time as he or she shall deem necessary.(3)Collection of solid waste shall be made from streets unless specifically approved by the public works director for alley or alternate collection, pursuant to the following:a.Whenever solid waste is collected from the street, residents desiring to have solid waste collected by the city shall cause it to be deposited upon the parking or terrace adjacent to and within approximately 18 inches of the near edge of the roadway in front of their premises and three feet away from any other object, including other solid waste containers.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The city's Public Works Department collects solid waste from residential premises on a weekly schedule of at least 52 pickups per year. Residents on street collection must set city-owned containers within about 18 inches of the roadway edge and three feet from any other object; premises approved for alley pickup place containers at the alley right-of-way instead. Containers cannot go out more than 12 hours before the scheduled day and must come back in within 12 hours after collection. Large items, extra trash, and appliances need a purchased sticker and advance scheduling.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant placement (wrong spot, wrong timing, unauthorized container) lets the city simply skip that premises' collection until it meets the section's requirements; only rubbish that is properly placed, timed, and containerized is picked up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my cart out in Des Moines?
Where exactly should my trash cart go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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