What Do Sharps and Motor Oil Have in Common?

Residents can dispose and recycle them for free with Metro Waste Authority

Proper disposal of sharps ensures safety for all
Sharps pose health risks to children, family members and sanitation workers when not properly contained. Sharps (syringes, needles and lancets) used in home health care can be disposed of at our facility just off I-80. >> Learn more

Help heat our hazardous waste drop-off facility
Residents and businesses brought 184 tons of hazardous waste to our hazardous waste drop-off facility last year – and almost half of it was recycled. One particular item is recycled on site – motor oil. >> Learn more

Protecting the Environment You Live In
The Regional Collection Center and its hazardous waste services were started to protect Iowa’s groundwater and prevent hazardous materials from going down the sink, storm drains or in the landfill. The Regional Collection Center accepts up to 75 lbs of hazardous waste from residents per visit for free. A $1/lb is assessed for more than 75 lbs in one visit. Review the list of accepted and not accepted items or use our best practices to limit the amount you purchase and use in your day-to-day life.

Some Exclusions Do Apply

• Electronic waste (e-Waste) is $0.50/lb. However many non-profits accept them for free.
• Latex paint (a non-hazardous material) is charged at $1/gal. You can dry this out and throw in the trash by mixing in kitty litter, sand or shredded paper and leaving the lid off. Once dry, throw in the trash with the lid off.
• Sharps (syringes and needles) must be contained in laundry detergent bottled and taped shut or a $2 fee is assessed. Sharps can also be thrown in the trash if contained this way. By bringing them  to the Regional Collection Center, the sharps are sterilized prior to disposal.
• Tires are accepted for $3/tire with a maximum of four tires.

Drop-Off Hours & Location
The Regional Collection Center is open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to Noon the first and third Saturdays of the month. The facility is just a half mile north of I-80 off the Adventureland exit on Highway 65.

For more information, visit us at www.MWAtoday.com or call 515.224.0021.