Des Moines SCRUB: Two Dates Left To Toss Out Unwanted Clutter

DES MOINES, IA — Afternoon showers are in the forecast in Des Moines on Saturday, but if the morning remains clear, it may be a good time to gather up the household clutter that needs to be thrown out and take part in the city's SCRUB day. Only two free trash disposal days remain for the year.

The city holds SCRUB events — officially called the Spring Cleanup to Remove Urban Blight — on the third Saturday of each month from March through November. Residents can drop off household furniture and trash at the Metro Waste Authority Transfer Station, 4198 Delaware Ave., and yard waste at the MWA Compost Center, 1601 E. Harriett St. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Because residents empty vehicles themselves, there may be delays and lines can be long, city officials warn. Proof of residency (a photo ID or current utility statement) is required to get onto the dump sites. Residents should plan to have items removed within 15 minutes of arrival to limit delays.

Both sites have guidelines for what will be accepted. Cars, vans, pickup trucks and trailers no longer than 16 feet are allowed at both locations, but commercial vehicles are not permitted. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Des Moines Patch, or click here to find your local Iowa Patch. Also, find us on Facebook and, if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

The following items may be taken to SCRUB events:

• Compost center: Loose leaves, grass clippings, straw, hay, garden waste and brush are allowed, as are yard waste containers. Limbs must be 24 inches or less in diameter and no longer than 10 feet. Drop-off areas are designated.
• Transfer station: Trash containers, general household trash including furniture, lawn mowers (with all fluids drained), televisions, computers, tires on or off the rim with a limit of 10 per vehicle, and appliances including air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, dehumidifiers, furnaces, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers and water heaters.

At the transfer station, salvaging is not permitted. In addition, bicycles that can be refurbished may be referred to the Des Moines Bike Collective at 506 E. Sixth St.

The city's final 2017 SCRUB day will be Nov. 18.

Check online for a complete list of items accepted for recycling.

MWA Transfer Station SCRUB event/City of Des Moines website