Recycling Centers in Des Moines, IA
Find drop-off recycling locations in Des Moines, Iowa. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
⭐ Top 5 Recycling Centers in Des Moines
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Des Moines has 24 recycling centers listed in this directory. Each listing includes the address, phone number, and opening hours where available. Call ahead to confirm accepted materials before making the trip.
Recycling in Des Moines: A Local Guide
Des Moines residents have 24 recycling centers to choose from, ranging from regional government facilities to scrap metal yards, auto salvage dealers and container redemption sites. Curbside recycling across central Iowa runs through the Metro Waste Authority's Curb It! program, the state's most comprehensive curbside system, which serves roughly 145,000 households; in Des Moines, residents set out a blue cart collected every other week, with Des Moines Public Works handling pickup. Iowa's nickel bottle deposit also lets you redeem eligible beverage containers at redemption centers. To look beyond the city, browse the full Iowa recycling directory.
The listings below cover a broad mix of services. The Metro Waste Authority coordinates the regional recycling and waste program, while scrap and metals buyers such as Alter Metal Recycling and American Scrap Company handle ferrous and non-ferrous metal. For end-of-life vehicles and parts, U-Pull-It is a self-service auto salvage yard, and the K & B Redemption Center handles deposit containers. Check each center's page to confirm what it takes before you go.
If a Des Moines center does not fit your needs, other Iowa cities in this directory may help. Ames and Iowa City are both within easy reach, while Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls and Waterloo cover the eastern part of the state. You can always return to the statewide Iowa hub to search by town.
All Recycling Centers in Des Moines
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Des Moines
How does curbside recycling work in Des Moines?
Central Iowa curbside recycling runs through the Metro Waste Authority's Curb It! program. Des Moines residents use a blue cart collected every other week, with Des Moines Public Works managing the routes. Accepted materials typically include paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles and jars, and plastic bottles and containers. For drop-off options, see the full list of Des Moines recycling centers.
Where can I sell scrap metal in Des Moines?
Several Des Moines yards buy scrap metal, including Alter Metal Recycling, American Scrap Company and Silvercrest Recycling. Pricing and accepted grades vary by yard, so check each listing and call ahead for current rates.
Where can I redeem bottles and cans in Des Moines?
Iowa's container deposit law lets you reclaim a nickel on eligible beverage containers at redemption centers. In Des Moines you can use sites such as the K & B Redemption Center. Confirm accepted containers and hours on the center's page before visiting.
Where do I scrap a junk car in Des Moines?
For end-of-life vehicles, Des Moines has self-service and buy-focused salvage yards, including U-Pull-It and Buying Junk Autos in Des Moines. Requirements such as title and ID vary, so contact the yard first to confirm their process.