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A public resource guide
Every free and paid way to get rid of construction debris in Des Moines, verified October 2026.
Checked against Des Moines Public Works
$5
pink Large Item sticker per bulk item, scheduled at 515-283-4950
$35
for an appliance (7 stickers), refrigerant included
24 hours
minimum notice before your regular collection day
Fees apply
Metro Waste Authority, fees apply
Every route for construction debris in Des Moines, checked in October 2026 against the city’s current rules and the drop-off sites named. The full Des Moines guide covers every other item.
Here is how each route works in Des Moines, starting with the city program and ending with paid pickup.
Des Moines sticker-based bulk and appliance pickup: construction debris
Not collectedConstruction debris is not bulk trash. Metro Park East Landfill takes it for a fee, or rent a dumpster.
Why: Household hazardous waste and electronics (Metro Waste Authority programs), tires, and construction debris.
Metro Waste Authority (Metro Park East Landfill and Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off): construction debris
Fees applyC&D accepted.
Where: Metro Park East Landfill, 12181 NE University Ave, Mitchellville. Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off, 1105 Prairie Dr SW, Bondurant.
How it works: Self-haul bulky loads and construction debris for a fee; household hazardous waste and electronics free or low cost for Metro Waste Authority residents. Check mwatoday.com for hours and current fees.
Freemoval (free pickups through partner organizations)
FreeFreemoval funds free junk removal and cleanouts for households referred by trusted partner organizations, such as nonprofits, housing programs, and senior services. Families don’t apply directly. A partner submits the request and vouches for the need.
Status in Des Moines: Not yet available. Freemoval currently serves metro Atlanta and plans to expand nationwide.
How it works where it operates: One free pickup per household, covering construction debris, furniture, appliances, and bulk household items within standard LoadUp marketplace service. Funded by LoadUp customer round-ups and direct contributions, spent at standard LoadUp rates.
If you run a nonprofit or housing program in Des Moines: you can start the conversation now through the For partners page.
Des Moines, Iowa runs a Pay-As-You-Throw pink sticker system rather than a free bulk pickup program. Every bulk item or extra bag of trash requires a sticker purchased in advance, with appliances scheduled separately for $35 (seven $5 stickers). The system rewards households that recycle and reduce waste, if everything fits in your cart with the lid closed, no extra fees. Big stickers stack: a couch, a chair, and a coffee table from a living room cleanout each need their own $5 sticker. Des Moines uses a blue recycling cart while surrounding suburbs use green Curb It! carts, a common confusion when moving within the metro. This guide covers every option for Des Moines city residents, plus Central Iowa Metro Waste Authority resources.
The Des Moines rule for construction debris: Construction debris is not bulk trash. Metro Park East Landfill takes it for a fee, or rent a dumpster.
What the city will not take: Household hazardous waste and electronics (Metro Waste Authority programs), tires, and construction debris.
How we checked this. The rules on this page were verified in October 2026 against: City of Des Moines Public Works: Bulk Trash and Appliances. Programs change; confirm fees and limits before you go.
Why construction debris are different from ordinary bulk. The homeowner versus contractor distinction matters. Cities that accept any C&D at the curb accept it only from residents doing their own work, in small amounts, usually bagged or bundled under 50 pounds. Contractor-generated debris is excluded everywhere and must be hauled by the contractor; make sure debris removal is in your contract.
Three mistakes that get construction debris left at the curb:
Most renovation debris will go through one of these paid channels. Match the volume to the option.
Self-haul to a transfer station
$30 to $100 per pickup loadTransfer stations charge by weight (commonly $60 to $120 per ton with a minimum) or by load. A pickup truck of mixed debris typically runs $30 to $100. Sort concrete and clean wood out for cheaper rates where offered.
Tarp the load; most jurisdictions fine uncovered debris.
Call about asbestos rules before hauling anything from a pre-1980 house.
LoadUp paid construction debris pickup
$80+For Des Moines households who need same-day or in-home pickup, crew labor, or faster service than city programs allow, LoadUp connects you with independent loaders in the Des Moines area for upfront-priced pickup.
What’s included: Loading, hauling, and licensed disposal of your construction debris. No prep needed beyond pointing out what goes.
Pricing: Starts around $80 for a single item; full-truck pickups range from $300 to $600 depending on volume.
If you can pay for a pickup, your booking helps fund free pickups for someone else. Every paid LoadUp customer can opt in to round up at checkout, and 100% of round-ups go directly to Freemoval’s subsidized jobs.
Book construction debris pickup in Des Moines with LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.
Rules change at city limits. If you are outside Des Moines proper, start with the guide for your own city:
Related guides: the complete Des Moines junk removal guide (every item type, city services, hazardous waste, and how to report dumping) and the national construction debris disposal guide with rules for all 117 cities we cover.
Other free removal guides for Des Moines: mattress, couch, refrigerator, washer and dryer, furniture, tv and electronics, dresser, bed frame and box spring.
Does Des Moines pick up construction debris for free?
No. Landfill for a fee or a dumpster.
How much does paid construction debris removal cost in Des Moines?
Through the LoadUp marketplace, a single construction debris pickup in Des Moines starts around $80 to $100 with upfront pricing, and full-truck loads run $300 to $600 depending on volume. For Des Moines households who need same-day or in-home pickup, crew labor, or faster service than city programs allow, LoadUp connects you with independent loaders in the Des Moines area for upfront-priced pickup.
Can I put construction debris out with bulk trash?
In most cities, no. Bulk programs exclude C&D. Some cities accept small quantities of homeowner-generated debris (bagged drywall, bundled lumber) under strict weight limits. Contractor debris is excluded everywhere. Check your city in the directory below.
How much does it cost to dump construction debris?
Transfer stations charge roughly $60 to $120 per ton with a minimum fee, so a pickup load runs $30 to $100. Bag dumpsters total $130 to $230. Roll-off dumpsters cost $300 to $600 for a week. Hauler pickup prices by volume from about $150.
What can I recycle from a renovation?
Clean concrete, brick, and asphalt (aggregate recyclers), clean lumber (wood grinders), scrap metal (free at yards), cardboard, and in some regions clean drywall and asphalt shingles. Intact cabinets, doors, windows, and fixtures are donations rather than recycling.
Will Habitat ReStore pick up kitchen cabinets?
Most ReStores pick up complete cabinet sets in good condition, along with doors, windows, appliances, and fixtures. Schedule before demolition and remove cabinets carefully with doors and drawers intact.
Is this Des Moines page maintained?
Yes. Freemoval maintains this page as a public resource alongside the full Des Moines guide. We update it when programs change rules, fees, or contact methods. Last updated October 2026. If you find outdated information, let us know.