Recycling Collection in Ames

Aspen Waste Systems collects single sort recycling every other week in Ames.  You’re assigned a pickup week — GREEN or GRAY — depending on where you live. To look up your service schedule CLICK HERE.

• CLICK HERE to access our residential holiday collection and recycling calendar.

The city of Ames provides each household with a blue, 96-gallon wheeled cart for recycling service.

Your collection day will depend on where you live in the City and our routes.  To look up your service schedule CLICK HERE.

If you are already an Aspen customer for trash service, your recycling will be collected on the same day as your trash. To sign up for trash service with Aspen and have your trash and recycling collected on the same day, contact us at 515-974-1600 or CLICK HERE.

Make sure to have your container out at the curb or alley line by 6:00 a.m. on collection day for collection or the night before.

Follow these guidelines for proper placement of your carts to ensure we can safely and efficiently service your home.

• Place your cart(s) within 3 feet of the curb or alley line and at least 3 feet apart from other carts and objects
• Make sure the handle is facing towards your residence with the lid opening to the street or alley

Ensure you don’t miss us when we are there to service your home.

• Have your cart(s) out at the collection point by 6:00 am on your service day or the night before
• Keep your cart(s) out for service until the end of the day or until you are certain it has been serviced – service times can change depending on weather, road construction, or driver and route changes

Aspen Waste Systems observes the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

If your service day falls on or after any of these holidays, your service will be delayed (1) day.

CLICK HERE to view the Holiday Calendar.

What can be recycled?

Place these items directly in your cart, no need to sort or bag!

• Mixed paper, shredded paper in paper bags or boxes, magazines, newspaper, envelopes and junk mail
• Cardboard, cartons, cereal and snack boxes
• Glass – clear and colored glass food and beverage containers
• Plastics – #1 and #2 plastic bottles and containers with twist off lids
• Aluminum cans and steel/tins cans

What can’t be recycled?

Items that will NOT be accepted:

• Aluminum foil and foil pans
• Appliances
• Batteries of any type/kind
• Bubble wrap
• Clothing and shoes
• Dirt or sod
• E-waste: computers, televisions, monitors, etc.
• Fire extinguishers
• Food, food take-out containers or food pouches
• Ceramic, porcelain, stoneware or terracotta
• Light bulbs or holiday lights
• Plastic bags
• Propane tanks
• Scrap metal
• Sharps
• Styrofoam or packing material

Can I select a different size?

No.  At this point, the 96-gallon wheeled carts are the only size available.

Can I opt out from the citywide curbside recycling program?

While all eligible households are required to pay $7.75 each month for this service, you may request removal of your cart if you do not want to participate, while continuing to be billed by the City of Ames. Cart removal requests will not be processed until after Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, and may be submitted by calling 515-974-1600.

Questions about a missed pick-up?

Contact Aspen Waste at 515-974-1600.

Questions about a billing or acceptable materials?

Contact the city at 515-239-5120.