1 Earth Day PSA to go

Around 11% of the materials Des Moines area residents tried to recycle in 2025 ended up in the landfill.

Why it matters: Throwing the wrong materials in the collection cart can undercut well-meaning efforts to be a good environmental steward.

Zoom in: Common contaminants include plastic bags, plastic fruit and produce packaging, and yogurt and sour cream containers.

Plus: Putting recyclables like cans or paper in a plastic bag can result in those items being tossed as well.

Be smart: Here's a local guide on what you can recycle.

Case in point: A greasy cardboard pizza box should not go in the recycling cart.

• And those plastic pieces that keep the cheese from touching the top of the box need to go in the trash.

The big picture: Still, Des Moines residents are doing better than the national average at a 25% contamination rate, per Metro Waste Authority.