Ames in Focus: Give Ames a Clean Sweep with Mark Peebler

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mark Peebler, Resource Recovery Superintendent for the City of Ames, and Matt Bradner of Iowa Home Consulting to talk about Stash the Trash, a community-wide cleanup event that empowers residents to make a visible difference.

More than just picking up litter, Stash the Trash is about building community pride, strengthening partnerships, and supporting long-term sustainability efforts in Ames. With participation from individuals, families, and organizations, this annual event shows how simple actions can lead to meaningful impact.

Episode Highlights

• What Stash the Trash is and how it got started
• How the event encourages community stewardship and pride
• The partnership between the City of Ames and Iowa Home Consulting
• Event details, April 24–26, and how to participate
• How volunteers can choose cleanup locations across the city
• Supplies, support, and guidance available for participants
• The environmental and community impact of the initiative
• How efforts like this connect to broader waste management and sustainability goals
• Opportunities for individuals, groups, and organizations to get involved

Event Details

Stash the Trash 🗓️ April 24–26 🌎 Locations throughout Ames

Participants can select a park, green space, or neighborhood area to clean, then bring collected materials to designated drop-off sites.

Learn more and sign up: www.stashthetrash.com

Why It Matters

Stash the Trash demonstrates how local action contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable community. By bringing together residents, businesses, and city resources, the event highlights the power of collaboration and reinforces the importance of responsible waste management.