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Clean

Operation Downtown keeps the city clean with a range of services designed to maintain Downtown Des Moines' (DSM’s) status as one of the fastest-rising communities in the country. Operation Downtown’s team of Ambassadors is committed to serving the Downtown DSM business community, employees, residents and visitors. They work  to keep the city clean across 500 square blocks, seven days a week.

Ambassadors

When it comes to keeping Downtown DSM clean and green, Operation Downtown Ambassadors go the extra mile. All across Downtown DSM, they manage litter, maintain trash receptacles, power wash sidewalks and remove weeds. They also remove graffiti from buildings and replenish dog disposal stations throughout the district. Keeping Downtown clean, safe, welcoming and vibrant is a top priority for Operation Downtown Ambassadors.

Trash and Recyling Bins at the Sculpture Park in Western Gateway.
Recycle DSM 

The City of Des Moines and Operation Downtown have partnered on a recycling program aimed at creating a cleaner and greener Downtown DSM. A total of 60 recycling receptacles have been placed throughout the Historic East Village, Western Gateway Park, Historic Court District, Downtown Core and around the Iowa Events Center for area workers, visitors and residents to use. The program aligns with the Des Moines City Council’s five-year strategic plan goal of achieving a 100 percent reduction of solid waste by 2050. The Recycle DSM program builds off existing efforts that include cigarette butt recycling through Operation Downtown and recycling at various Downtown DSM events, in addition to efforts by residential property owners to offer recycling options to their residents.

Cigarette Butt Recycling

Cigarette butts are the most littered item across the nation and Downtown DSM is no exception. Operation Downtown works to keep Downtown DSM clean by picking up and sending cigarette butts to be recycled. According to Terracycle, the company that collects the waste for recycling, Operation Downtown is among the most active collectors in this unique recycling program.

Dogs & Downtown DSM

Downtown DSM is known for being a safe, clean, welcoming and vibrant neighborhood for animals and humans alike. You can help maintain this reputation and keep Downtown residents, workers, visitors and your furry companions safe by following this simple advice: 

Tips for Dog Owners

  1. Keep your dog on a leash when walking the Downtown DSM streets. Not only is it a city ordinance but doing so will keep your dog safe from passing cars and other hazards.
  2. Make the most of Operation Downtown's Dog Bag Dispensers by using one of the biodegradable bags to pick up after your dog. With 100 Dog Bag Dispensers and 250 trash cans located throughout Downtown DSM, cleaning up after your dog is immediately accessible.
  3. Take your dog out for a nice afternoon of play at the Riverwalk Dog Park, located just north of the interstate along the Principal Riverwalk.
  4. If your dog gets thirsty, stop by the water station located in front of the HubSpot along the Riverwalk, or head over to Ewing Dog Park.
  5. Enjoy a walk along one of the 600 miles of trails leading to Downtown DSM.

The city of Des Moines offers more information about the Dog Park along the Riverwalk and other useful tools: 

Dog Waste Bag Dispensers

Close up of a sign that says, "Please help up keep downtown clean! Clean up after your dog."

Operation Downtown manages the dog waste stations that are strategically located throughout Downtown DSM. These plastic tubes attached to poles are filled with biodegradable bags that dog owners can use to help keep Downtown DSM streets and public areas clean. Demand for this program, which started in 2007 with 50 stations, has increased dramatically as more people and their pets live Downtown, and more people use the recreational trails that connect with the Downtown DSM area. Since the program’s creation, the bag usage Downtown has increased from 4,800 dog waste bags to nearly 190,000 per year.

Contact Operation Downtown at (515) 282-0378 if any of the Dog Waste Bag Dispensers are empty or if you have questions regarding dog safety and best practices.