The Ultimate Guide To Des Moines SCRUB Day: What You Need To Know For 2025 And Beyond
Contents
What is Des Moines SCRUB Day and Who Can Participate?
SCRUB is a long-running, organized cleanup effort sponsored by the City of Des Moines, specifically designed to help residents eliminate large, non-standard waste items that contribute to neighborhood blight. It is a crucial component of the city's commitment to maintaining clean, safe, and attractive neighborhoods.The Meaning Behind the Acronym
The full name for the program is Spring Cleanup to Reduce Urban Blight, which is where the acronym S.C.R.U.B. is derived. While the name includes "Spring Cleanup," the events run for most of the year, demonstrating the city's continuous commitment to urban improvement.Residency Requirements for Free Disposal
The SCRUB program is a free service, but it is exclusively for residents of the City of Des Moines. To participate, you must bring proof of residency. This is a strict requirement to prevent commercial haulers and non-residents from utilizing the service, which is intended for household waste only. Acceptable forms of proof of residency include:- A current photo ID.
- A current utility bill showing your Des Moines address.
2025 SCRUB Day Schedule and Locations
The SCRUB program is not a single annual event but a series of drop-off opportunities held throughout the year, typically on the third Saturday of the month, from March through November. There are two main types of events: the Regular SCRUB events and the larger MEGA SCRUB events.Regular SCRUB Events
These events typically focus on general bulk trash and yard waste drop-off. * Frequency: Held on the 3rd Saturday of most months (March–November). * Hours: Generally run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. * Primary Location Example: Metro Waste Transfer Station, located at 4198 Delaware Avenue.MEGA SCRUB Events: Hazardous Waste and Electronics
The MEGA SCRUB events are the largest and most comprehensive, often including services not available at regular SCRUB days, most notably Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) disposal and sometimes electronics drop-off. * Frequency: Less frequent than regular events, often held only a few times a year. * Location Example: Bell Avenue Business Park (1901 Bell Ave.) is a common site for these larger events. * Key Service: These events are the best opportunity to safely dispose of items like paint, chemicals, and other HHW. However, capacity for hazardous waste drop-off is limited and often fills up quickly, so early arrival is highly recommended.A Detailed List of Accepted and Prohibited Items
Knowing what to bring is essential for a smooth SCRUB Day experience. The program is designed to take a wide variety of materials, but there are strict limitations on certain types of waste.Accepted SCRUB Items (Bulky and General Waste)
The following items are generally accepted at both Regular and MEGA SCRUB locations: * Bulky Items: Furniture (sofas, chairs, mattresses, tables). * Appliances: Refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and other large household appliances. * General Trash: Loose trash, garbage bags, and old trash containers. * Tires: A limited number of tires (usually four) are typically accepted per resident. * Yard Waste: Leaves, branches, grass clippings, and other organic materials are accepted at designated Compost SCRUB sites (e.g., 1601 Harriet Street). * Construction Debris: Limited amounts of construction and demolition debris are often accepted.Special Items Accepted Only at MEGA SCRUB Events
If you have these items, you must attend a MEGA SCRUB event, as they are not accepted at the regular monthly drop-offs: * Household Hazardous Waste (HHW): This includes items like oil-based paints, thinners, pesticides, automotive fluids, and certain cleaning chemicals. Remember, HHW capacity is limited. * Electronics: Items like old televisions, computer monitors, and other e-waste are frequently accepted at MEGA SCRUB events, often in partnership with specialized recycling vendors.Items That Are NOT Accepted at Any SCRUB Event
To save yourself a trip, be aware of the materials that are universally prohibited from the SCRUB program: * Commercial Waste: As the program is for residents only, no waste from businesses or commercial haulers is accepted. * Explosives or Ammunition: These must be disposed of through specialized channels, often involving local law enforcement. * Radioactive Materials: This includes items like smoke detectors containing trace radioactive elements. * Infectious or Medical Waste: Needles, syringes, and materials contaminated with bodily fluids are strictly prohibited. * Asbestos: Any material containing asbestos must be handled and disposed of by certified professionals.Tips for a Successful SCRUB Day Drop-Off
Participating in a Des Moines SCRUB event can be a smooth process if you prepare in advance. Following these tips will ensure a quick and efficient experience for you and the volunteers.1. Prepare Your Proof of Residency
Ensure you have your photo ID and a current utility bill ready to show the staff upon arrival. This is the single most common reason for delays.2. Separate and Sort Your Items
Different types of waste are often directed to separate drop-off areas (e.g., appliances to one area, general trash to another, and HHW to a third). Sorting your items before you arrive will speed up the unloading process significantly. Separate your bulky items, appliances, hazardous waste, and yard waste into distinct piles in your truck or trailer.3. Arrive Early, Especially for HHW
For MEGA SCRUB events, the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off capacity is limited and fills up quickly. Arriving right when the event opens at 7 a.m. is the best way to guarantee a spot for your HHW.4. No Scavenging or Salvaging
A key rule of the SCRUB program is that scavenging or salvaging items from the drop-off site is strictly prohibited at any time. This is enforced for safety and liability reasons.5. Be Patient and Follow Volunteer Instructions
These events handle a massive volume of material. Traffic can be heavy, especially in the early hours. Be patient and follow the directions given by the Des Moines Public Works staff and the many dedicated volunteers who make the SCRUB program possible. Your cooperation helps the entire community clean up efficiently.
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