Regional Compliance Hub: Multifamily Recycling, Electronics, Chemicals, Glass & Bulk Waste — Des Moines / Polk County, IA

This regional hub is designed to help apartment owners and property managers support compliant waste and recycling practices by identifying current City of Des Moines multifamily recycling requirements and Metro Waste Authority disposal and recycling resources.

Important Jurisdiction Distinction: Des Moines' mandatory recycling requirement for qualifying 5+ unit multifamily residential properties is a City of Des Moines requirement. It should not automatically be applied to apartment properties elsewhere in Polk County or the broader Des Moines metro. Requirements in Ankeny, Altoona, Bondurant, Clive, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, and unincorporated Polk County should be verified separately. [4]

City of Des Moines: Mandatory Recycling for Qualifying 5+ Unit Multifamily Properties

The Current Requirement: Des Moines Code §98-26 defines a multifamily residential premises as an apartment building, condominium, multiple-family dwelling, or residential complex containing five or more individual living units. [4]

Under §98-113, every person owning or operating a qualifying multifamily residential premises must establish a program for the collection and disposal of recyclable materials generated by residents of all living units. [4]

The City's property-maintenance code independently states that recycling bins must be provided for all multi-unit dwellings over four units. [5]

Property Manager Requirements Under Des Moines §98-116

Des Moines §98-116 places the operational responsibility for the multifamily recycling program on the owner or operator of the property. Compliance is also tied directly to the City's rental inspection program. [4]

  • Sufficient Recycling Capacity: Provide or arrange for enough bulk recycling containers to hold all recyclable material generated between collection intervals. [4]
  • Reasonable Resident Access: Recycling-container locations must provide each dwelling unit reasonable access and may not interfere with sidewalks, walkways, driveways, streets, building entrances, or exits. [4]
  • Container Construction: Recycling bulk containers must be durable and watertight, made of metal or plastic, and clearly marked for recycling and the type of material intended for the container. [4]
  • Clean & Sanitary Condition: Owners/operators must maintain recycling containers in good repair and in a clean and sanitary condition, free of offensive odors, flies and vermin. [4]
  • Clean Recycling Area: The location surrounding recycling containers must be maintained free of litter and spilled recyclable materials. [4]
  • Overflow Response: If recycling containers become full before the scheduled collection day, the owner/operator must arrange for immediate collection and disposal. [4]
  • Licensed Waste Hauler: When the owner/operator does not independently perform an otherwise authorized collection function, the property must contract with a private waste hauler licensed under the applicable City provisions. [4]
  • Contract Documentation: When a private hauler provides the multifamily recycling service, §98-116 requires the owner/operator to provide a copy of the private-hauler contract to the City and promptly advise the City if that service ends. [4]
  • Qualified Recycling Facility: Recyclable materials must ultimately be delivered to a qualified recycling facility approved for that purpose. [4]

Rental Inspection Certificate & Enforcement Consequences

Des Moines §98-116 states that compliance with the multifamily recycling requirements is a condition precedent to issuance of rental inspection certificates for multifamily residential properties. [4]

The ordinance authorizes City housing inspectors to inspect multifamily residential properties for compliance as part of the rental inspection program. Failure to establish the required recycling program is a municipal infraction and may also provide grounds for denial or revocation of the rental inspection certificate. [4]

Property Manager Priority: Maintain documentation of recycling-container capacity, container condition, collection frequency, resident access, hauler contracts, overflow response, resident education, and corrective actions.

Limited Waiver for Certain Properties of 10 Units or Fewer

The Des Moines ordinance includes a limited waiver process. An owner/operator of a multifamily residential premises not exceeding ten units may apply to the City where the property cannot comply with the bulk-container location requirements because adequate space is unavailable and an off-site location cannot be obtained. [4]

A waiver should never be assumed. A property relying on an exception should maintain evidence of the City-approved waiver in its compliance records.

Five-Unit-or-More Multifamily Recycling Guidelines

The City continues to publish its Five Unit or More Multifamily Recycling Guidelines. The document provides useful operational guidance regarding recycling containers, labeling, collection arrangements, resident education, and property-management responsibilities. [6]

Source Note: The guideline document dates to the original implementation period and contains historical deadlines. For current legal requirements, rely on the current Des Moines Municipal Code rather than historical implementation dates in the guide.

Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off — Bondurant

Metro Waste Authority operates the Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bondurant. The facility provides household hazardous-waste services, recycling drop-off, glass and mixed-recycling access, electronics disposal, and other designated programs. [2] [3]

  • Facility: Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off. [2]
  • Address: 1105 Prairie Drive SW, Bondurant, IA 50035. [2]
  • Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM. Closed on major holidays. [2]
  • Common Household HHW: household cleaners, pesticides, gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, automotive chemicals, lawn/garden chemicals, paint and other accepted materials. [3]
  • Current TV Fee — 39 Inches or Smaller: $30. [3]
  • Current TV Fee — 40 Inches or Larger: $40. [3]
  • Electronics / Computer Waste: currently listed at $0.50 per pound. [3]
  • HHW Allowance: many qualifying household hazardous materials are free up to the applicable 75-pound allowance, with current overage charges applying where specified. [3]

Resident Household Waste vs. Property / Business Hazardous Waste

Generator status matters. Metro Waste Authority states that hazardous waste generated by a business, school, church, farm, or similar operation requires different handling from household hazardous waste. [2]

Metro Waste Authority maintains a separate Business Hazardous Waste Drop-Off program. Business drop-offs are handled by appointment and under separate procedures. [2]

Apartment Property Manager Rule: Do not aggregate maintenance-shop chemicals, contractor materials, property-generated paint, pesticides, aerosols, fuels, or other commercial hazardous waste and represent the load as resident household waste.

Metro Community Recycling Drop-Offs — Residential Use Only

Metro Waste Authority maintains free community recycling drop-offs throughout the metro area. These locations are expressly designated for residential use only — no commercial haulers. [1]

Property managers may provide the locations to individual residents when appropriate, but the public drop-offs should not automatically be treated as disposal locations for aggregated apartment-management or commercial recycling loads.

Glass Recycling: Confirm the Property's Recycling Stream

Metro Waste Authority currently accepts glass bottles and jars in the Curb It! recycling stream. [7]

A private multifamily recycling dumpster may use a different downstream processor or accepted-material list. Property managers should therefore align resident instructions with the actual recycling provider serving the property.

  • Glass Drop-Off: Windsor Heights — 6900 School Street, open 24/7. [1]
  • Glass Drop-Off: Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off — 1105 Prairie Drive SW, Bondurant, during regular facility hours. [1]

Cardboard Drop-Offs: Do Not Treat Them as Mixed-Recycling Containers

Metro Waste Authority separately categorizes several Des Moines locations as Cardboard Drop-Offs. Those locations should not be treated as general mixed-recycling bins. [1]

  • South Side Library: 1111 Porter Avenue. [1]
  • Franklin Avenue Library: 5000 Franklin Avenue. [1]
  • East Side Library: 2559 Hubbell Avenue. [1]
  • Additional Des Moines Cardboard Drop-Off: 3711 Easton Boulevard, open 24/7. [1]

Bulk Trash & Appliances: Eligibility Depends on the Property's City Service Configuration

Des Moines operates a sticker-based large-item and appliance program for qualifying City residential collection customers. However, apartment eligibility should not be determined solely from the total number of dwelling units. [8]

The City's current solid-waste definitions generally treat properties with up to four units as residential premises, but also provide that garden-type apartments and row-type housing may be treated as residential premises regardless of total unit count. [4]

Property Manager Action: Do not assume either that an apartment property qualifies for the curbside sticker program or that it is automatically excluded. Confirm the property's actual City collection configuration with Des Moines Public Works before instructing residents to place large items curbside.

SCRUB Events: Des Moines Resident Cleanup Program

Des Moines' SCRUB program provides scheduled cleanup opportunities for Des Moines residents. Proof of Des Moines residency is required under the City's current program rules. [9]

The City's current SCRUB schedule includes events using the Metro Central Transfer Station, 4198 Delaware Avenue. Event dates and accepted materials should always be verified on the current City schedule. [9]

Property Manager Caution: Do not assume that property-management, contractor, maintenance-shop, or other commercial waste qualifies for a resident SCRUB event.

Public Self-Haul Option: Metro Park East Landfill

Metro Waste Authority operates Metro Park East Landfill at 12181 NE University Avenue, Mitchellville, IA. The facility accepts qualifying public self-haul materials subject to its current rates and restrictions. [10]

  • Monday–Friday: 6:30 AM–4:30 PM. [10]
  • Saturday: seasonal hours apply; verify the current facility schedule before transport. [10]
  • Property Manager Practice: Verify material eligibility, generator type, load requirements, and current disposal charges before using a self-haul facility.

How National Doorstep Supports Des Moines Multifamily Compliance

Des Moines' 5+ unit recycling ordinance makes the resident-to-container process particularly important. National Doorstep can support owners and property managers through doorstep valet waste, doorstep recycling where integrated with the property's compliant recycling infrastructure, resident education, contamination procedures, and Proof of Pickup® service documentation.

National Doorstep's standard doorstep service operates upstream from off-site hauling. With ownership or authorized property-management approval, porters move properly prepared resident-setout waste or recyclables from apartment doors to property-designated containers or collection points on private property.

National Doorstep's standard service does not replace or interfere with the property's City-licensed private waste/recycling hauler or other authorized downstream collection provider. Des Moines separately regulates businesses engaged in hauling waste from the premises of others. [4]

National Doorstep service documentation can support property records, recycling-program reviews, resident communication and responses to operational concerns. Such documentation does not constitute a City rental inspection, governmental approval, legal opinion, waiver, permit, or certification of compliance.

Des Moines 5+ Unit Property Manager Checklist

  • ☑ Confirm Jurisdiction: Verify the property is actually inside City of Des Moines limits before applying the City's 5+ unit ordinance.
  • ☑ Confirm Unit Count: Identify whether the property contains five or more living units and meets §98-26's multifamily-residential-premises definition.
  • ☑ Maintain a Recycling Program: Ensure residents of all qualifying living units have access to the required recycling program.
  • ☑ Verify Capacity: Provide enough recycling capacity for material generated between collection intervals.
  • ☑ Check Container Condition: Maintain durable, watertight, properly labeled containers in clean and sanitary condition.
  • ☑ Maintain Resident Access: Keep recycling locations reasonably accessible without obstructing walkways, roads, driveways, entrances, or exits.
  • ☑ Prevent Overflow: Arrange immediate collection when a recycling container fills before its scheduled service day.
  • ☑ Verify Hauler Licensing: If using a private waste/recycling hauler, confirm the applicable City licensing requirement and maintain the service contract.
  • ☑ Maintain City Documentation: Preserve the hauler contract, City correspondence, inspection records, corrective actions, and any approved waiver relied upon by the property.
  • ☑ Separate Business HHW: Do not treat property-maintenance or contractor hazardous waste as resident household hazardous waste.

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Compliance Note: This page provides general operational information and links to governmental and service-provider resources. It is not legal advice and does not constitute a City rental inspection, governmental inspection, legal opinion, waiver, permit, or certification of regulatory compliance. Property-specific requirements should be verified with the City of Des Moines, applicable Polk County or municipal authorities, Metro Waste Authority, and the property's authorized downstream waste/recycling provider.

Government / Provider Independence: National Doorstep Pickup is an independent private service provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or acting on behalf of the City of Des Moines, Polk County, Metro Waste Authority, or any governmental or third-party provider referenced on this page.

EEAT / AUTHORITATIVE ORDINANCE & POLICY SOURCES: [1] Metro Waste Authority — Current Community Recycling Drop-Offs; residential-only restriction; cardboard, glass and mixed-recycling locations  |  [2] Metro Waste Authority — Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off, Bondurant; current hours and household/business program distinction  |  [3] Metro Waste Authority — Current Hazardous Waste Rates & Accepted Items; electronics and current $30/$40 TV fees  |  [4] City of Des Moines — Current Chapter 98 Solid Waste; §§98-26, 98-62, 98-79, 98-113, 98-116 & 98-117  |  [5] City of Des Moines — Current §60-104; recycling bins required for multi-unit dwellings over four units  |  [6] City of Des Moines — Five Unit or More Multifamily Recycling Guidelines  |  [7] Metro Waste Authority — Current Recycling / Curb It! Accepted Materials  |  [8] City of Des Moines Public Works — Bulk Trash & Appliances  |  [9] City of Des Moines — Current SCRUB Event Schedule & Resident Eligibility  |  [10] Metro Waste Authority — Metro Park East Landfill

Regulatory information reviewed: August 8, 2026. Municipal ordinances, waiver status, licensed-hauler information, facility rates, accepted materials, program eligibility and operating hours can change. Verify current requirements before making property-specific operational decisions.

 
National Doorstep - The Valet Trash Service Experts

Greater Des Moines apartment owners, asset managers, and on-site property managers: multifamily recycling requirements vary significantly by municipality. The City of Des Moines requires a recycling program for qualifying 5+ unit multifamily properties, while several surrounding cities maintain their own multifamily recycling ordinances, service classifications, inspection programs, or property-specific collection requirements.

National Doorstep supports property owners and managers with an on-property resident-to-container valet waste and recycling workflow, resident education, contamination controls, and service documentation. Local municipal requirements and the property's authorized downstream waste/recycling service remain controlling.

Important Polk County Rule: do not apply the City of Des Moines 5+ unit recycling ordinance countywide. Polk County's current municipal directory lists Alleman, Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Clive, Des Moines, Elkhart, Grimes, Johnston, Mitchellville, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Runnells, Sheldahl, Urbandale, and West Des Moines as city governments within the County. Each municipality can maintain a different solid-waste and recycling framework.

Some metro municipalities cross county boundaries. Always verify the property's actual city limits and parcel jurisdiction rather than relying solely on a mailing address or county name.

  • Des Moines: qualifying 5+ unit multifamily properties must maintain a recycling program under current Chapter 98.
  • West Des Moines: covered multifamily properties not already served by an existing residential recycling program are subject to the City's mandatory municipal recycling chapter.
  • Altoona: current Chapter 107 applies to multifamily dwellings defined as four or more complete dwelling units.
  • Ankeny: current Chapter 112 defines multifamily dwellings as two or more complete dwelling units and establishes a mandatory multifamily recycling program for covered properties.
  • Johnston: owners/operators of multiple-family dwellings must provide facilities for recyclable materials generated on the premises.
  • Clive: current code expressly allows multifamily owners to establish recycling programs but does not make the program mandatory under §8-5B-3.
  • Verify Before Standardizing: Metro Waste Authority provides regional processing and program guidance, but it does not replace city-specific legal requirements.

At a Glance: City of Des Moines vs. Greater Polk County

City of Des Moines

  • Mandate: Mandatory recycling program for qualifying multifamily residential premises containing 5 or more living units.
  • Owner / Operator Responsibility: establish and maintain the recycling program for residents of all covered living units.
  • Capacity: provide sufficient recycling-container capacity for material generated between collections.
  • Access: provide reasonable access to recycling containers without obstructing sidewalks, driveways, streets, entrances, or exits.
  • Containers: durable, watertight, appropriately marked, clean, sanitary, and maintained in good repair.
  • Overflow: arrange immediate removal when a recycling container fills before the scheduled service day.
  • Hauler: use a City-licensed private waste hauler when applicable and maintain the required service documentation.
  • Rental Certificate: compliance is tied to the City's rental inspection certificate framework.

Polk County Cities / Metro Properties

  • No Single Countywide Rule: Des Moines' 5+ unit ordinance should not be applied automatically to properties in another municipality.
  • Mandatory Programs Identified: Des Moines, West Des Moines, Altoona, Ankeny, Pleasant Hill, and Johnston maintain affirmative multifamily recycling requirements in the current code provisions reviewed.
  • Clive: multifamily recycling is expressly voluntary under the current recycling chapter, although adopted programs must comply with container and nuisance standards.
  • Urbandale: apartment complexes and condominiums are classified as commercial premises for solid-waste purposes; verify the property's recycling arrangement separately.
  • Grimes: the City maintains a recycling chapter and rental certification program; apartment/townhome garbage and recycling setup is handled through the applicable property or association arrangement.
  • Smaller Polk County Cities: verify the local code and service configuration before representing recycling as mandatory.

City of Des Moines 5+ Unit Multifamily Recycling Requirements

Current Des Moines Chapter 98 defines a multifamily residential premises as an apartment building, condominium, multiple-family dwelling, or residential complex containing five or more individual living units. The owner/operator must establish a program for collection and disposal of recyclables generated by residents of all covered living units.

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Requirement Current City Rule Property Manager Action Official Source
5+ Unit Threshold Chapter 98 defines multifamily residential premises as an apartment building, condominium, multiple-family dwelling, or residential complex with 5 or more living units. Confirm the property is inside Des Moines city limits and determine the number of living units. Des Moines Chapter 98
Mandatory Program Owners/operators of qualifying multifamily residential premises must establish a program for collection and disposal of recyclable materials generated by residents. Maintain a functioning recycling program serving all covered units. §98-113
Recycling Capacity Owners/operators must provide or arrange for enough bulk recycling containers to hold recyclable material generated between collections. Compare container capacity against actual recycling volume and increase capacity or frequency when recurring overflow occurs. §98-116
Resident Access Recycling-container locations must provide reasonable access and must not interfere with sidewalks, walkways, driveways, streets, building entrances, or exits. Review walking routes, ADA/access considerations, fire access, vehicle circulation and enclosure placement before changing container locations. §98-116
Container Standards Recycling containers must be durable and watertight, appropriately marked for recycling and designated materials, and maintained clean, sanitary, and in good repair. Inspect labels, lids, leakage, damage, odors, litter, vermin conditions and contamination. §98-116
Overflow Response If a recycling container fills before the scheduled collection date, the owner/operator must arrange for immediate collection and disposal. Maintain an escalation procedure for overflow rather than allowing loose recyclables to accumulate. §98-116
Private Hauler When private collection is used, applicable City licensing requirements apply, and the owner/operator must maintain the required recycling service arrangement. Verify downstream hauler licensing and preserve the current contract and City correspondence. §§98-62 / 98-116
Rental Inspection Certificate Compliance with the multifamily recycling provisions is tied to issuance of the rental inspection certificate. Noncompliance can provide grounds for denial or revocation. Treat recycling as part of rental-inspection compliance rather than solely as an optional sustainability program. §§98-116 / 98-117
Limited ≤10 Unit Waiver Certain qualifying multifamily properties containing 10 units or fewer may apply for a City waiver where space constraints prevent compliant bulk-container placement and an off-site location cannot be obtained. Never assume an exception. Keep a copy of any City-approved waiver in the property compliance file. §98-116

Greater Des Moines / Polk County Multifamily Recycling Matrix

The following matrix distinguishes municipalities with verified affirmative multifamily recycling requirements from jurisdictions where recycling is voluntary or where the property-specific service arrangement should be verified directly.

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City / Jurisdiction Multifamily Recycling Status Property Manager Information Official Resource
Des Moines YES — Mandatory for qualifying 5+ unit properties Confirm City jurisdiction and unit count. Maintain adequate recycling capacity, reasonable resident access, properly marked/sanitary containers, overflow response and the applicable City-licensed downstream collection arrangement.

Compliance is tied to the rental inspection certificate. Certain properties of 10 units or fewer may qualify to apply for a limited City-approved space-constraint waiver. 		Des Moines Chapter 98
West Des Moines YES — Municipal multifamily recycling mandate Current Chapter 4-6 defines a multifamily dwelling as generally 2 or more complete dwelling units, including certain detached townhomes located in multifamily zoning districts.

Covered properties not already served by an existing residential recycling program must provide source-separation facilities and arrange recycling collection at least twice per month or more often when needed.

Multifamily recycling is included in biannual inspections. Ordinary Chapter 4-6 noncompliance carries a $1 per dwelling unit per month civil penalty. 		West Des Moines Chapter 4-6
Altoona YES — Chapter 107 / 4+ units Altoona currently defines a multifamily dwelling as 4 or more complete dwelling units.

Covered properties not served by an existing residential recycling program must provide source-separation facilities and arrange collection at least twice per month, or more often when necessary.

Owners/service-contracting entities must maintain sufficient, accessible, durable, watertight and marked recycling containers. Recycling compliance is included in biannual multifamily inspections. Current §107.12 provides a $1 per dwelling unit per month civil penalty for Chapter 107 noncompliance. 		Altoona Chapter 107
Ankeny YES — Chapter 112 / 2+ units Ankeny defines a multifamily dwelling as a building under one roof containing 2 or more complete dwelling units.

Covered multifamily properties not served by an existing residential recycling program must provide source-separation facilities and arrange collection at least twice per month, or more often as necessary.

Owners must provide sufficient resident-accessible recycling containers. Commercial haulers serving multifamily properties must be authorized/licensed by the City. 		Ankeny Chapter 112
Pleasant Hill YES — Chapter 107 Multi-Family Recycling Pleasant Hill maintains a dedicated Chapter 107 governing multifamily recycling, including establishment of the recycling program, storage of designated recyclables, and preparation/placement requirements.

Property managers should verify the property's service configuration, required designated materials, container arrangement and current enforcement process directly against the City's current code.

Do not import Altoona's specific inspection schedule or dollar penalties into Pleasant Hill unless the current Pleasant Hill Code expressly provides them. 		Pleasant Hill Code — Chapter 107
Johnston YES — Multifamily recycling facilities required Johnston §106.08 requires owners/operators of multiple-family dwellings to provide facilities for collection of recyclable material generated on the premises.

The City's MWA residential program serves single- and two-family residential premises, while multifamily owners/operators remain responsible for their premises.

Verify the property's actual recycling collection arrangement and downstream provider. 		Johnston §§106.01 & 106.08
Grimes City recycling + rental-certification framework — verify property configuration Grimes maintains a dedicated Chapter 9-15 Recycling and a current residential rental certification program.

The City's current resident guidance states that garbage and recycling setup for townhomes and apartments is handled by their associations.

Property managers should verify the association/property account, recycling arrangement and current Development Services requirements rather than assuming the standard individual Curb It! cart program applies. 		Grimes Code of Ordinances

Grimes Service Guidance
Clive NO mandatory multifamily program identified — voluntary under §8-5B-3 Clive §8-5B-3 states that owners of multifamily dwellings may arrange for separate recycling collection.

Once a multifamily property adopts a recycling program, the owner must maintain sufficient durable/watertight containers, appropriate labeling, clean/good-repair conditions, compliant locations and nuisance-free collection.

Do not describe Clive multifamily recycling as mandatory unless another current property-specific requirement applies. 		Clive §8-5B-3
Urbandale No apartment-specific recycling mandate identified in provisions reviewed Urbandale Chapter 57 classifies apartment complexes and condominiums as commercial premises for solid-waste purposes.

Property managers should verify their commercial solid-waste provider, container/service requirements and any recycling arrangement separately.

Do not assume that the standard residential Curb It! program establishes the legal recycling obligation for an apartment complex. 		Urbandale Chapter 57
Mitchellville Multifamily uses private solid-waste hauler; verify recycling arrangement Current Mitchellville §106.08 states that each multifamily dwelling, business and industrial premises must contract with an independent hauler for solid waste collection.

The City's Chapter 107 Curb It! recycling program applies to eligible residences receiving solid-waste collection from the City's authorized collector.

Apartment managers should therefore verify their private solid-waste and recycling arrangement rather than assuming standard City residential cart eligibility. 		Mitchellville §106.08

Mitchellville Chapter 107
Bondurant Property-specific verification required Bondurant participates in regional waste/recycling services and publishes municipal garbage and recycling utility charges.

The City's published utility information also separately recognizes multifamily residential properties for utility purposes.

Before representing apartment recycling as mandatory or City-provided, verify the property's specific account, association arrangement and current City service requirements. 		Bondurant Utility / Service Information
Polk City Property-specific verification required for apartments Polk City participates in Metro Waste Authority regional recycling programs, but apartment managers should not assume that the standard individual-residence Curb It! cart program establishes the property's multifamily service obligation.

Confirm the apartment property's solid-waste and recycling configuration directly with the City and its authorized provider. 		City of Polk City
Alleman Local verification required No city-specific multifamily recycling conclusion is asserted on this page. Property managers should verify the current City code, solid-waste provider, recycling eligibility and any development/site requirements before implementing service. Polk County — City Government Directory
Elkhart Local verification required Verify apartment solid-waste and recycling service directly with the City. Do not import Ankeny, Altoona, Des Moines or another municipality's multifamily recycling threshold. Polk County — City Government Directory
Runnells Local verification required Confirm the property's municipal service configuration, private-hauler responsibilities and any apartment-specific recycling requirements directly with the City. Polk County — City Government Directory
Sheldahl Local verification required Confirm actual city/county jurisdiction and the property's waste/recycling service arrangement. Do not infer multifamily requirements from Metro Waste Authority participation alone. Polk County — City Government Directory
Windsor Heights No apartment-specific mandate asserted — verify current City code Windsor Heights participates in regional Metro Waste Authority programs. The current page does not characterize its apartment recycling requirements as equivalent to Des Moines, West Des Moines, Altoona, Ankeny or Johnston.

Verify the property's current solid-waste/recycling arrangement and applicable rental/property-maintenance requirements. 		City of Windsor Heights
Unincorporated Polk County County planning / nuisance framework — not Des Moines City Code Polk County Public Works administers planning, zoning, building and code enforcement in unincorporated areas.

The County Health Nuisance Regulation addresses junk and debris and provides an abatement process. County staff can ultimately abate qualifying violations and assess abatement costs against the property after the applicable notice process.

Verify zoning, building, fire, access and waste-service requirements before changing a multifamily dumpster/enclosure or developing a new site. 		Polk County Code Enforcement

Polk County Planning & Zoning

Regional Property Manager Priorities

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Task Action / Requirement Property Manager Notes Official Resource
☑ Confirm City Limits Verify the actual municipality before applying a recycling ordinance. A Des Moines mailing address does not necessarily establish City of Des Moines jurisdiction. Several metro cities also cross county boundaries. Polk County City Directory
☑ Confirm Unit Threshold Determine whether a municipality's multifamily definition or threshold applies. Examples: Des Moines 5+, Altoona 4+, Ankeny 2+, and West Des Moines generally 2+. Johnston imposes an affirmative multiple-family facility requirement without using the Des Moines 5+ threshold. City-specific code
☑ Identify Mandatory vs. Voluntary Determine whether recycling is mandatory, voluntary, or property/service-specific. Do not treat all MWA-member municipalities the same. Clive, for example, expressly uses “may arrange” for multifamily recycling, while Ankeny, Altoona, Johnston and Des Moines impose affirmative duties. City-specific recycling chapter
☑ Verify Downstream Hauler Confirm that the property's downstream solid-waste/recycling provider is authorized or licensed where local law requires it. The doorstep porter workflow should remain separate from off-site hauling. Preserve contracts, current service schedules and provider contact information. Local Public Works / Code
☑ Right-Size Recycling Capacity Match container size, quantity and collection frequency to resident recycling volume. Des Moines, West Des Moines, Altoona and Ankeny contain express capacity requirements. Chronic overflow is a sign that service frequency or container volume should be adjusted. Applicable municipal code
☑ Maintain Container Condition Inspect recycling containers for labeling, leakage, damage, open lids, odors, contamination and accessibility. Several metro recycling chapters require durable/watertight containers, markings and clean/good-repair conditions. Applicable municipal code
☑ Maintain Access Keep recycling and waste containers accessible to residents and collection vehicles without blocking required circulation routes. Review sidewalks, driveways, entrances/exits, fire lanes, snow storage, gates and collection-truck access. City code / site plan / fire requirements
☑ Educate Residents Provide residents with clear instructions about accepted materials, container locations and the property's valet set-out procedures. For Des Moines, follow current City requirements and use the City's older multifamily guideline only as supplemental operational guidance where still consistent with the current Code. City + MWA guidance
☑ Control Contamination Align the resident accepted-material list with the actual downstream recycling provider. Do not assume a private apartment dumpster accepts every material accepted by MWA Curb It! or a public drop-off. Metro Waste Authority
☑ Keep Compliance Records Retain provider contracts, service schedules, photographs, resident notices, overflow responses, inspection records and City correspondence. For Des Moines, preserve any applicable City-approved waiver and private-hauler documentation. Documentation supports operational review but is not itself a City certification. Property records

Greater Des Moines Enforcement Snapshot

  • Des Moines: failure to establish the required multifamily recycling program can constitute a municipal infraction and can provide grounds for denial or revocation of the rental inspection certificate.
  • West Des Moines: current Chapter 4-6 provides a civil penalty of $1 per month for each dwelling unit on premises violating the chapter. Unauthorized recyclable collection carries separate escalating penalties.
  • Altoona: current §107.12 provides a civil penalty of $1 per month for each dwelling unit on premises violating Chapter 107. Recycling compliance is included in biannual multifamily inspections.
  • Ankeny: Chapter 112 contains a specific enforcement provision. Verify the current enforcement section before publishing or quoting a particular dollar amount.
  • Pleasant Hill: do not import Altoona or West Des Moines inspection schedules or penalty amounts. Apply only Pleasant Hill's current enforcement provisions.
  • Jurisdiction Matters: never describe these amounts or enforcement tools as a generic “Polk County apartment recycling fine.”

Metro Waste Authority: Regional Guidance vs. Municipal Law

Metro Waste Authority provides regional recycling processing, Curb It! services, apartment/townhome guidance, drop-off facilities, household hazardous-waste programs and other regional services.

MWA guidance does not by itself create a city multifamily recycling mandate. A property's legal obligation comes from the applicable municipality, ordinance, service arrangement, permit, rental program or other controlling requirement.

Likewise, MWA's accepted-material list for Curb It! or a public drop-off should not automatically be copied onto a privately serviced apartment recycling dumpster. Follow the actual downstream provider's accepted-material specifications.

Metro Waste Authority — Apartments & Townhomes

How National Doorstep Fits Into Greater Des Moines Recycling Programs

National Doorstep helps multifamily owners and property managers create a consistent resident-to-property-container workflow through doorstep valet waste, doorstep recycling where supported by the property's compliant recycling infrastructure, resident education, contamination procedures and Proof of Pickup® service documentation.

National Doorstep's standard doorstep service operates upstream from off-site hauling and disposal. With ownership or authorized property-management approval, porters move properly prepared resident-setout waste or recyclables from apartment doors to property-designated containers or collection points on private property.

National Doorstep does not replace or interfere with a municipality's collection program or the property's City-licensed, permitted, contracted or otherwise authorized downstream waste/recycling provider.

Where local law regulates businesses engaged in collecting or hauling waste from the premises of others, National Doorstep's standard on-property porter function should not be represented as off-site hauling unless a separately authorized service expressly covers that activity.

Proof of Pickup® and other National Doorstep service records can support property documentation and operational review. They do not constitute a governmental inspection, rental-certificate approval, legal opinion, waiver, permit, or certification of regulatory compliance.

Managing an apartment property in Greater Des Moines? National Doorstep can review your current resident-to-container workflow, recycling setup, container access, resident instructions and service documentation against the operating requirements identified for your property's jurisdiction.

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Important Compliance Note

This page provides general operational information and links to governmental and service-provider resources. It is not legal advice and does not constitute a governmental inspection, rental inspection, permit, legal opinion, waiver, or certification of regulatory compliance.

Property-specific requirements should be confirmed with the applicable city, Polk County where relevant, Metro Waste Authority, building/fire officials, and the property's authorized downstream waste/recycling provider before operational or physical site changes are made.

Municipal ordinances, definitions, inspection programs, hauler licensing, accepted materials, provider arrangements, recycling services and fees can change.

Government / Provider Independence: National Doorstep Pickup is an independent private service provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or acting on behalf of the City of Des Moines, Polk County, any municipality referenced on this page, Metro Waste Authority, or any downstream waste/recycling provider.

EEAT / Authoritative Ordinance & Policy Sources

Regulatory information reviewed: August 8, 2026. Verify the property's city limits, current municipal code, unit-count definition, service arrangement, hauler authorization, inspection program and recycling requirements before making property-specific operational decisions.

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