Residential Waste Collection in Des Moines (unincorporated)

Aspen Waste Systems collects trash weekly in unincorporated Des Moines. When you sign up for service with Aspen Waste Systems, you have your choice of service level – 65-gallon or 95-gallon size cart. Contact Aspen Waste Systems today to set up service.

If you have extra bags or bulky items you need collected, please CLICK HERE to contact us for pricing and to schedule.

Aspen Waste Systems provides optional seasonal yard waste disposal services to unincorporated Des Moines residents.  CLICK HERE to contact us for pricing and to add service or schedule an on call pick up.

What is considered yard waste?		What is not yard waste?
Bagged leaves		Dirt, sod, hay, straw
Bagged grass clippings		Apples, pumpkins that have been altered, carved or painted
Bagged garden waste		Tree stumps and large branches
Brush and twigs		Animal feces and dead animals
Pumpkins that have not been altered can be considered yard waste. If the pumpkins have been carved or painted, they would NOT be accepted as yard waste.		Rocks, concrete, asphalt, mulch
Yard waste requirements
Yard waste can be placed loose in the yard waste cart.
Yard waste bags must be paper, compostable lawn waste bags. No plastic bags!
Limit 35 lbs. per bag.
Brush bundles must be secured with a string and cannot exceed 40 lbs, 4 feet in length, and 18 inches in diameter. Large branches must be cut down to 4 feet in length and 10 inches in diameter.
Yard waste must be placed at the curb or alley on your regular service day.

Aspen Waste Systems offers our customers free use of clean, attractive, sturdy carts with wheels.

• Medium (65-gallon) recommended for households of 1-3 people
• Large (95-gallon) recommended for households of 4+ people

Your unincorporated Des Moines trash collection day will depend on where you live in the City and our routes.  Contact Aspen Waste Systems today to learn more about your trash pickup options and collection day.  You may contact us by calling 515-974-1600 or completing our contact form CLICK HERE.

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

Hazardous waste is not allowed in garbage.  See below for alternative disposal options:

MATERIAL	DISPOSAL OPTIONS
Appliances	You can load your appliance up and take it to Metro Park East Landfill in Mitchellville. If your appliance is smaller, such as a microwave or dehumidifier, you can also take it to Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bondurant. Appliances can be collected by Aspen Waste Systems for an additional fee. Please call to inquire on rates.
Batteries	Visit https://www.mwatoday.com/locations/recycling-drop-off/ to see the battery drop-off container site nearest you.
Electronics	The Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bondurant can provide you with answers. This location accepts stereos, VCRs, DVD players, satellite receivers, cable boxes, fax machines, copiers, home phones, gaming systems, and speakers. TV's can be recycled at Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off or Metro Park East Landfill, or through the houseside hazardous waste collection program.
Fluorescent light bulbs	Fluorescent light bulbs are accepted at the MWA hazardous waste drop-offs in Grimes (by appointment only) and Bondurant.
Liquid waste	Household cleaning products are not accepted with your household trash. Dispose of household hazardous waste at the Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bondurant during accepted hours, or at Metro Northwest Transfer Station in Grimes by appointment! Houseside collection is also available for a fee.
Medical waste	Medical waste like bandages, gauze, gloves, and tubing should be placed in a doubled, securely sealed, opaque plastic trash bag. Disposing of these items in the regular trash is generally acceptable.
Needles & Sharps	Dispose of sharps at Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bondurant during accepted hours, or at Metro Northwest Transfer Station in Grimes by appointment! Houseside collection is also available for a fee. Needles and syringes (free*) *$2.00 fee if not properly contained. Acceptable containers are red medical sharps containers or a heavy-duty liquid detergent bottle with the lid taped shut.