Metro Waste Authority Collects 10,000 Pounds of Batteries Through Community Drop-Offs

The milestone underscores the community's commitment to safe disposal and the importance of convenient recycling options.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Just nine months after launching battery drop-off containers across the Des Moines metro area, Metro Waste Authority has collected more than 10,000 pounds of used batteries from residents. The program provides a simple, safe way for residents to dispose of batteries and electronics, protecting waste facilities and staff while ensuring items can be recycled and repurposed.

Why it matters

Batteries and electronics can start fires and leak chemicals if they end up in the wrong place, like recycling facilities or landfills. The battery drop-off program makes responsible disposal more accessible to the community, helping to protect the environment and public safety.

The details

Metro Waste Authority's battery drop-off containers are located in high-traffic areas throughout the metro, including city halls, libraries and community centers. Residents can drop off all types of household batteries, as well as small electronics. Collected items are then transported to Metro Waste Authority's hazardous waste facility in Bondurant, where they are assessed for refurbishment or broken down for recycling and repurposing.

  • The battery drop-off program launched with 13 locations in April 2025.
  • As of February 2026, the program has expanded to 28 drop-off locations.

The players

Metro Waste Authority

A waste management agency serving the Des Moines metro area that launched the battery drop-off program.

Michael McCoy

The Chief Executive Officer of Metro Waste Authority.

Rob Sarchet

The Board Chair of Metro Waste Authority.

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What they’re saying

“Batteries and electronics start fires and leak chemicals if they end up in the wrong place, like our recycling facility or landfills. Our drop-off containers provide residents with a simple, safe way to dispose of batteries and electronics, protecting our facilities and staff while also ensuring items can be used again in new ways.”

— Michael McCoy, Chief Executive Officer, Metro Waste Authority (dmcityview.com)

“Strong partnerships with communities across the metro have been essential to this program's success. By working together, we've made safe disposal convenient and accessible. Reaching 10,000 pounds shows what's possible when residents are given practical options closer to home.”

— Rob Sarchet, Board Chair, Metro Waste Authority (dmcityview.com)

What’s next

Metro Waste Authority plans to continue expanding the battery drop-off program to more locations across the Des Moines metro area to make responsible disposal even more accessible to residents.

The takeaway

The success of Metro Waste Authority's battery drop-off program demonstrates the community's commitment to environmental sustainability and the importance of providing convenient recycling options. By making it easier for residents to safely dispose of batteries and electronics, the program helps protect public safety and the environment while also supporting the circular economy through recycling and repurposing.