From the Metro Waste Authority:
This holiday season, we’ve partnered with public libraries across the metro to offer a holiday lights drop-off for any old or broken strands of lights you find as you deck the halls.
Lights can be dropped off in collection boxes at participating locations from November 7, 2022-January 19, 2023. All lights will then be safely recycled at our Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off!
Participating Locations
The following public libraries, as well as the Blank Park Zoo, are participating in the holiday light recycling program:
- Clive Public Library
- East Side Library – Des Moines Public Library
- Central Library – Des Moines Public Library
- South Side Library – Des Moines Public Library
- Grimes Public Library
- Norwalk Easter Public Library
- Urbandale Public Library
If your community isn’t participating in the light recycling program this year, holiday lights can be thrown away in your garbage or they can be taken to one of our Hazardous Waste Drop-Offs in Bondurant or Grimes, to be recycled.
Just remember, they don’t belong in your recycling carts as the strands of lights can cause problems for the sorting equipment at Metro Recycling Facility!
Accepted Lights
LED, classic, plastic, and glass bulbs as well as net, icicle, and battery-powered lights are accepted. Just remember to keep them loose when you drop them in the collection box!
