From establishing facilities and drop-offs throughout the region, to building a contemporary, mixed-use office building in the East Village that helped spur economic growth in the early 2000's, to commissioning public art installations like those listed below, Metro Waste Authority has a history of investing in the vitality of the Des Moines metro.
Look Where We Are Growing Together![MRF art]()
This piece, located in the new Metro Recycling Facility, is a unique and engaging way to spark discussions about recycling and its impact.
To embrace the facility's foundation of sustainability and community, commissioned artist Amy Putney Koenig incorporated repurposed and native materials in the design and invited local artists Michell Mitchell Lamb, Tanya P. Lichinsky, Chris Vance, and Emily Milewsky to contribute pieces for the installation.
![A mural painted with recycled paint.]()
No Action Too Small
This mural art was commissioned to inspire through its abstract child-like drawings and to
educate the public on recycling and protecting the earth. Artist Chris Vance completed the three-
story image in two weeks, using recycled paint collected at Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off.
![A sculpture made from discarded metal.]()
In-the-Loop
Made from discarded metal found at Metro Park East Landfill and local scrap yards, the sculpture challenges a person’s perception of “trash” and reflects the cyclical loops of sustainable practices. Artist and Urban Designer Dennis Reynolds was commissioned to create a piece to reflect our vision of no wasted resources.
Turning Trash Into Art![Art exhibit]()
Along with investing and displaying art made of recycled materials, we set out into the community to encourage others to do the same! Have you seen us at an art festival in your area? We want to show you how typical household trash can be used to make art! We'll even give you some green tips and answer your burning recycling questions while we're at it.