Des Moines trash & bulky-item rules
Des Moines uses a paid sticker system: $5 for an ordinary large item and $35 for an appliance. Arrange collection at least twenty-four hours ahead; ordinary bulk uses trash day and appliances use the following Monday.
Des Moines, IA — start here
Quick answer
Des Moines defines “large item” in City code and requires a visible disposal sticker for collection. Residents also schedule the item through Public Works; buying a sticker alone is not a pickup request.
Current code lists the standard large-item sticker at $5. Fees can change, so confirm the current City price before purchasing multiple stickers.
Furniture, mattresses and household bulky material
Ordinary large items such as a couch, mattress or box spring need one $5 pink sticker each. Call Public Works at 515-283-4950 at least twenty-four hours before the normal garbage day and have the item ready by 7 a.m.
Carpet can use one pink sticker for up to five rolled/tied pieces, each no longer than four feet and eighteen inches in diameter. Follow the booking’s location and earliest set-out instruction.
Appliances, electronics, tires and hazardous items
An appliance needs seven $5 pink stickers, totaling $35, and is collected on the following Monday after arrangement. Accepted examples include refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, water heaters, air conditioners and microwaves.
Electronics, tires and HHW have separate regional disposal options. Do not buy an ordinary bulky sticker assuming it covers these materials.
Renovation debris and larger cleanouts
Construction debris is not automatically a “large item” because it is heavy or bulky. Use the City’s appropriate disposal facility/container service for remodeling waste.
The code definitions are specific, so a mixed cleanout is best sorted by item before scheduling.
Local drop-off options and fees
Confirm the Des Moines pickup date, item limits and preparation rules before setting anything out.
Metro HHW in Bondurant is at 1105 Prairie Drive SW, Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.–noon, closed major holidays; phone 515-967-5512. The official rate table marks many household chemicals and oil-based paint free up to seventy-five pounds, with $1 per pound overage. Latex paint is $1 per gallon can.
Bondurant electronics/computer waste is $0.50 per pound; TVs are $30 at 39 inches or smaller and $40 at 40 inches or larger. Listed small appliances cost $22. Up to four tires are accepted, with published size-based rates of $10 or $20. Grimes has a different appointment program and does not accept electronics, appliances or tires.
Before set-out
- Verify the service address. Confirm that City of Des Moines Public Works or its listed provider actually serves the property.
Official sources
For Des Moines, start with the local authority links below. Recheck them before a special trip or unusual set-out because programs, prices and facility hours can change.
- Des Moines — Bulk TrashStickers, scheduling, appliance Monday collection and carpet. Checked October 2, 2026.
- Metro Waste Authority — HHW Rates and Accepted ItemsCurrent electronics, paint, appliance and tire rates. Checked October 2, 2026.
- Metro Waste Authority — Bondurant FacilityCurrent location, hours and holiday closures. Checked October 2, 2026.
- Metro Waste Authority — Tire RecyclingFour-tire Bondurant limit and no garbage disposal. Checked October 2, 2026.