Decaying pumpkins, gourds, corn, and harvest vegetables are accepted in special bins on the north side of Resource Recovery seasonally.
Last year, 23,300 pounds of pumpkins and gourds were processed into compost and kept out of the landfill.
We accept all non-working holiday lights in the metals bin at the Resource Recovery Plant. We also accept small, battery-operated strands, but please remove the batteries!
Christmas trees are accepted seasonally at a posted drop-off location. Remove ALL ornaments, tinsel, lights, garland, and tree stands. The recycled trees are chipped into wood mulch which will be used in Ames parks!
Yard waste is not accepted at the Resource Recovery Plant. The City of Ames offers seasonal No-Charge Yard Waste Days in the spring and fall.