Yard waste is not accepted at the Resource Recovery Plant; these items must be disposed of properly at a yard waste disposal business.
Leave the Leaves
While leaves should be kept off sidewalks and not deposited in streets, residents can use leaves as compost for gardens or mulch them into lawns. Leaves can provide important cover for pollinators, so many suggest "leave the leaves" as an environmentally friendly option.
Read more on the benefits of "leave the leaves" here.
No-Charge Yard Waste Days
Spring No-Charge Yard Waste Day will be held as follows, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at a temporary site at 309 Carnegie Ave. Participants should enter the site from Dayton Avenue, turn west at Edison Street, and follow the signs to the site.
To exit, participants will follow Carnegie Avenue south to East Lincoln Way. This day is for grass clippings, leaves, and brush that is 3-inches in diameter or less.
Fall 2026 dates are to be determined.
Yard Waste Site
Steenhoek Environmental
3892 N 500th Ave., Ames
515-599-0503
Everyday from dawn to dusk