Before Beginning The Des Moines Dump Guide
You could certainly rent a truck or trailer and tackle a junk removal project on your own, but it’s important to account for more than just the vehicle. Consider the time and effort required for rental pick-up and drop-off, loading and staging items, fuel costs, and the hours spent at transfer stations paying per ton or per item. These factors quickly add up, creating additional labor, coordination challenges, and unexpected expenses that make a DIY approach far less appealing for most projects.
For instance, even a one-day truck rental combined with fuel and a couple of hours of manual labor can cost as much as hiring a basic pickup service—and that doesn’t even include per-ton disposal fees or any surprises you might encounter at the Des Moines transfer station.
Opting for a professional junk removal team removes all the heavy lifting and logistical headaches. We take care of lifting, loading, safe transport, and proper junk disposal service of your items. Our local expertise ensures we navigate access points smoothly and stay compliant with all regulations, while coordinating drop-offs at the correct facilities so you don’t have to manage multiple vendors yourself.
Our services include flexible scheduling, including same-day or next-day options when available, transparent pricing upfront, and an environmentally conscious approach that emphasizes donation and recycling over landfill disposal whenever feasible. Whether you’re dealing with just a few bulky items or a complete property cleanout, our end-to-end service handles everything without you lifting a finger. Explore our Des Moines junk removal services and schedule your pickup with confidence today.
SCHEDULE A FREE JUNK REMOVAL QUOTE TODAY!
Action Junk Hauling Makes Junk Removal in Des Moines Effortless
Action Junk Hauling takes the hassle out of removing unwanted or outdated items. You won’t need to lift, disconnect, or transport anything yourself—our trained team manages all the heavy lifting, safe loading, and proper disposal from beginning to end. Whether it’s a single appliance or an entire home or office cleanout, we handle it all, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, and other large items that are typically not accepted through standard curbside pickup.
Whenever feasible, we prioritize donating usable items and recycling materials through certified partners to help minimize landfill waste. For example, we work with local Des Moines donation centers and metal recycling facilities to redirect salvageable materials whenever possible.
Looking for a fast estimate? You can view our Des Moines junk removal pricing or book your service online instantly. If you have quick questions, want to confirm our service area, or check available pickup times in Des Moines, give us a call or use the booking form on our website. We also offer same day junk removal and next-day service options when scheduling slots allow.
Our Service area is large – from Tacoma to Marysville we have many locations for junk removal near you
Why Choose Action Junk Hauling for Your Des Moines Junk Removal Needs?
Action Junk Removal proudly serves Des Moines and the surrounding communities with professional appliance and junk removal services. Our trained and insured team handles refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, water heaters, and other bulky appliances that don’t fit into standard dumpsters or typical curbside programs. We ensure all items are delivered to the appropriate facilities—donation centers for reusable goods and certified recycling facilities for metals, refrigerants, and other materials requiring special handling.
We value transparent pricing and honest comparisons. By requesting a free quote, you receive an itemized breakdown that covers pickup, handling, and disposal, allowing you to objectively compare the cost and convenience of professional removal versus a DIY approach, including truck rental and per-ton fees at the local Des Moines transfer station.
Transparent Pricing, No Surprises
Our team is dedicated to punctual, reliable service, clear communication, and pricing you can trust. Instead of relying on vague cost-saving claims, we provide you with a detailed comparison so you can make an informed decision. With a free quote, you’ll see exactly whether professional junk removal or a DIY haul—factoring in truck rental, labor, and disposal fees—makes the most sense based on the type of appliances, access conditions, and Des Moines-area transfer station fees.
- Easy Appointment Scheduling
- We always arrive on time
- Fast and friendly service guaranteed
- Competitive pricing in Des Moines
- We beat all estimates
2026 Des Moines Dump Near Me Guide
Welcome to the 2026 Des Moines Dump Guide—your practical resource for responsibly disposing of appliances, furniture removal, construction debris, and other unwanted items. Before loading a truck or heading to a transfer station, it’s important to review your options. Some methods save time and money, while others may become costly once transfer fees, labor, and logistical challenges are factored in.
Your Dumping & Disposal Options in Des Moines
Before we go into specifics about Des Moines transfer stations, here are the three primary disposal methods that residents typically use:
1. Hire a Professional Junk Removal Service (Recommended)
The fastest, easiest, and most hands-off approach.
Why It’s the Best Option
- No lifting, loading, or time spent renting a truck or trailer—we take care of everything.
- Avoid surprise transfer station fees and per-ton charges, as we manage all disposal logistics.
- Access to professional equipment for handling large appliances and construction debris.
- Environmentally conscious donation and recycling practices that reduce landfill impact.
- Same-day or next-day scheduling when available.
Why Most Residents Choose This Option
Hiring a professional team saves hours of manual labor, removes the stress of navigating Des Moines traffic and dump lines, and often ends up costing about the same—or even less—than a DIY approach when you factor in truck rental, fuel, and per-ton fees.
2. Schedule a Bulky Item Pickup (Limited Availability)
Some municipal services in Des Moines provide scheduled bulky-item pickups for select items. This option is convenient for single appliances or occasional large items.
Pros
- Easy curbside pickup for qualifying items.
- Affordable for single-item disposal compared with full-service junk removal.
Cons
- Requires advance scheduling and may not accept all appliance types.
- Limited availability and sometimes restricted to residential customers only.
3. Rent a Dumpster Container
If you have a large volume of junk and the time to load it yourself, renting a dumpster container can be the most cost-effective solution. Multiple container sizes are available to accommodate everything from small cleanouts to heavy construction debris projects.
Visit our dumpster rentals page for size options and pricing. We deliver the container directly to your Des Moines location and pick it up once you’re finished, making the process simple and convenient.
4. Haul Items to a Des Moines Transfer Station Yourself
This do-it-yourself option involves loading your items, securing them for transport, driving to the transfer station, waiting in line, paying per-ton or per-item fees, and unloading on-site. While it gives you full control over timing and destination, it also demands careful planning, the right equipment, and a significant time commitment.
Pros
- You have complete control over when and where your items are disposed, which can be convenient for smaller loads or when you need to use a specific transfer station.
Cons
- Labor-intensive, requiring you to lift and safely load heavy items.
- Expect long lines at Des Moines transfer stations during weekends and peak times.
- Fees can accumulate quickly; per-ton and per-item charges may make a DIY haul more expensive than anticipated.
- Not ideal if you don’t have access to a truck or trailer, or extra help for loading and unloading.
Driver Checklist
- Secure your load with tarps and straps. Some Des Moines transfer stations may offer discounts for covered loads.
- Sort your materials in advance—separate yard waste, wood, metals, and recyclables. Improper sorting can result in additional fees.
- Bring identification and proof of residency if the transfer station requires it.
- Avoid peak hours whenever possible. Early weekday mornings usually have shorter lines and faster service.
- Use proper lifting techniques or enlist help when moving heavy items. Appliances, construction debris, and bulky objects can cause injury if not handled safely.
A Better Option: Choose Action Junk Removal
If convenience is a priority, choose the #1 junk hauling service in Des Moines that residents trust and rely on.
Why Action Junk Removal is Des Moines’ Preferred Choice
- Full-service hauling: We lift, load, and transport your items so you don’t have to handle any heavy lifting.
- Responsible disposal and recycling: Metals, appliances, and hazardous materials are routed to the proper facilities to ensure safe, environmentally conscious disposal.
- Transparent, itemized quotes: See the exact rate for your service before we begin, so there are no surprises.
- Fast, friendly crews and easy scheduling: Book online or by phone with flexible options that fit your timeline.
- Licensed, insured, and local: Our team is familiar with Des Moines area access points, traffic patterns, and local regulations, making the process smooth and efficient.
We take care of the heavy, complicated, and time-consuming jobs so you don’t have to. Get a free, itemized quote online or call us to confirm availability and receive a quick estimate for your specific items and location.
Where to Take Your Junk if You Prefer DIY in Des Moines
If you’re determined to handle junk removal yourself, here’s the practical information you’ll need to plan your trip, avoid unexpected fees, and keep disposal costs as low as possible.
Public Transfer Stations near Des Moines
The closest public transfer stations serving Des Moines residents are Metro Central and Metro South. These facilities accept residential loads and many common materials, but rules, hours, and accepted items vary by location. Be sure to check each station’s website for exact directions, operating hours, and detailed guidelines before you go.
Both Metro transfer stations often offer discounts—such as reduced per-ton rates—when loads are covered or properly secured. The savings vary by material. Common discounted materials include household garbage, wood or yard waste, and food scraps. Many recyclables, such as clean aluminum, flattened cardboard, glass bottles, and mixed paper, can be dropped off for free at designated recycling areas.
Important: Certain materials, including tires, batteries, oil, hazardous waste, and some appliances with refrigerants, require special handling or may incur additional fees. Rules about residency, vehicle size limits, and commercial versus residential pricing may also apply. Be sure to confirm the requirements for your vehicle and load at the transfer station you plan to visit.
If you’d rather avoid the hassle of driving, waiting in line, and sorting at the station, Action Junk Removal can manage everything for you. Our team handles the lifting, loading, transport, and responsible junk disposal, so you don’t have to worry about prep, lines, or recycling separation.
Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station
Address: 18800 Orillia Rd S, Seattle, WA 98188, United States
Contact info: +12064774466
Des Moines dump hours:
General public
Open 24 hours
Commercial account customers
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: 12 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Website: kingcounty.gov
Algona Transfer Station
Address: 35315 W Valley Hwy S, Algona, WA 98001, United States
Contact info: +12064774466
Des Moines dump hours:
General public
7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Commercial account customers
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Website: kingcounty.gov
Accepted Items
- Large appliances
- Mattresses and box springs
- Scrap and scrap metal
- Furniture
- Construction and demolition debris
Notes
- Expect heavy traffic on weekends
- Extra fees apply for refrigerated appliances
- Transfer station staff do not assist with unloading
Waste We Cannot Accept
Metro transfer stations do not accept the following items:
- Vehicles (including auto bodies or any vehicle with a drive motor, such as motorhomes)
- Materials containing asbestos
- Burned materials or wildfire ash
- Flat or built-up roofing
- Loads of liquids
- Petroleum-contaminated soil
- Radioactive metals
- Electric vehicle (EV) batteries
Hazardous Waste Disposal in Des Moines
Des Moines does not accept hazardous waste at regular transfer stations. Improper disposal can lead to fines, environmental damage, and safety issues. Hazardous materials must be taken to a designated Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility.
What Counts as Hazardous Waste?
- Paints, stains, and solvents
- Motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze
- Fluorescent bulbs and CFLs
- Pesticides and chemicals
- Propane tanks
- Batteries of all types
- Cleaning agents with strong chemicals
Where to Take Hazardous Waste
Des Moines residents can bring approved materials to:
- Mobile Wastemobile events throughout King County
Tips
- Do not mix chemicals together
- Transport materials upright and securely
- Many drop-off services are free for households
If you have mixed loads of junk AND hazardous materials, Action Junk Removal can help with sorting and guidance and remove all non-hazardous items for you.
Transfer Station Dump Fees (2026 Estimates)
Beware of Hidden or Unexpected Fees
Transfer stations often publish base rates, but many customers are surprised by additional charges at the gate. Common surprise fees include surcharges for appliances with refrigerants, mattress disposal fees, contamination penalties for mixed loads, and weight-based overages calculated per ton. Fines for unsecured loads (tarps/straps missing) are enforced in some areas secure your materials before you go.
Expect the following city‑regulated fees:
- Minimum fee: ~$35–$45 per trip
- Refrigerators / Freezers: $30–$40 surcharge
- Air Conditioners: ~$25 fee
- Mattresses: ~$20 each
- Garbage (by weight): ~$180–$240 per ton
Fees for multiple appliances or heavy debris add up quickly.
Des Moines Dump Rules, Regulations and & Restrictions
Before you head to a waste facility, check per-ton and per-item rates for your specific station rates can vary by material and vehicle type. To avoid fees: separate recyclables, remove contaminants from yard waste, cover loads to qualify for discounts, and confirm whether tires, batteries, oil, or other hazardous waste are accepted or require special disposal. If you need exact per-ton or per-item rates, contact the transfer station or county landfill directly or skip the guesswork and let Action Junk Hauling handle disposal and sorting for you.
The two nearest transfer stations serving the Des Moines area have specific rules to keep operations safe and recyclable materials clean. Before you drive to a station, prep your load: sort recyclables, separate yard waste from wood, and remove dirt, rocks, stumps, metal, sod, glass, and plastic bags from yard debris. Proper sorting avoids contamination charges and speeds up unloading.
Accepted wood waste is typically raw dimensional lumber, pallets, or packing crates that are free of paint, stain, straps, shrink wrap, and labels (nails are usually permitted). Engineered woods particle board, strand board, laminate are often charged at regular garbage rates, so separate those to avoid unexpected per-ton disposal costs.
Check out these Des Moines Item Recycling guides
| Glass Recycling Can all glass be recycled? How about dirty or broken glass? Get answers to frequently asked glass recycling questions, find out why reycling glass is so important, and what happens to the containers after you’re done with them. |
Appliance Recycling How do you get rid of old appliances? Can you leave them in the dumpster? The rules vary depending on the appliance. Learn how to properly get rid of refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, washing machines, toasters, and more. |
| Plastic Recycling Which plastics are recyclable? Can you recycle caps and lids? What happens to plastic that gets thrown out? Find answers to popular questions people ask about recycling plastic. |
Construction Debris Can you recycle old carpet? Where do you take old brick and concrete? Is it worth hiring a company to throw out demolished construction materials? Get answers and decide for yourself |
Junk Removal Services by Action Junk Hauling
We specialize in safe, damage‑free removal of:
- Refrigerators & freezers
- Washers & dryers
- Stoves, ovens & dishwashers
- AC units & water heaters
- Microwaves & small appliances
- (add other items from what we take)
No navigating fees. No lines. No hassle.
Why We Strongly Encourage Choosing Action Junk Removal
Yes you can search “dump near me” and haul items yourself. But between truck rental, per-ton rates at transfer stations, potential mattress removal or hazardous-item surcharges, and the hours spent loading and waiting, DIY often ends up costing more when you factor in time and risk.
Choosing Action Junk Hauling means: no back strain, no truck rental, no traffic lines, and no unexpected dump fees just a fast, professional team that handles pickup, sorting, recycling, and disposal. For a quick comparison or to get an itemized rate, use our online pricing form or call us with any questions.
Thank you for using the 2026 Des Moines Dump Guide. Whether you decide to haul items yourself or enjoy the convenience of hiring Action Junk Hauling Company, we hope this guide helps you make the best choice for your time, safety, and budget.
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