Where to Recycle in Iowa: Map & Resources
Find Recycling & Reuse Locations Across Iowa
Use this interactive map to locate landfills, drop-off sites, and local businesses that repurpose materials. Click on any pin to see where to drop off your items responsibly.
Before You Drop Off
Rinse and separate materials: Clean recyclables prevent contamination and ensure items can actually be processed
Check accepted items: Each location has specific rules for what it can take. For example, glass is not accepted curbside in Iowa City but is at purple bin sites
Remove batteries and data: Take out batteries from devices and erase personal Information from electronics before recycling
Bundle cords and secure small items: Helps sorting facilities manage e-waste more safely
Compost properly: Only include food scraps, yard waste, and compostable paper. No plastic, oils, or pet waste
Donate when possible: Furniture, building materials, and usable goods can often be given to reuse stores instead of being thrown away
Never dump illegally: Leaving items outside of bins or after hours can contaminate materials and create extra work for staff
Key Recycling & Reuse Locations
Below are some of the major recycling, landfill, and reuse centers across Iowa. Each Link includes accepted materials and drop-off information
Iowa City Region
VitaRenova's bottle and can drop off!
East Side Recycling Center | Iowa City, IA - The city's main drop-off site for paper, cardboard, glass, plastics and small electronics
Landfill and Recycling Center | Iowa City, IA - Offers recycling, composting, and hazardous material collection for the Iowa City metro area
ReStore - Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity - Accepts reusable building materials, furniture, and appliances for community resale and reuse
Major Iowa Facilities
Iowa’s Landfill Leader | The Solid Waste Agency - Serves the Cedar Rapids area - accepts recyclables, appliances, electronics, and household hazardous materials
Metro Park East Landfill - Metro Waste Authority - One of Central Iowa's largest landfills, with compost and recycling drop-off options
DMC Landfill - Des Moines County Regional Solid Waste Commission - Handles municipal, business, and yard waste for southeastern Iowa - includes a hazardous waste center
South Central Iowa Landfill Agency - Serves multiple south-central Iowa communities with general waste and recycling disposal
Sustainability - City of Ames, Iowa - Iowa facility supporting local recycling and solid waste recovery programs​​​
Enviornmental Impact
Every item you recycle, or reuse keeps valuable materials in circulation and reduces pressure on Iowa's landfills. Recycling conserves energy, cuts carbon emissions, and helps protect our air and water from pollution. Composting and reuse programs give new life to what would otherwise be waste, supporting local jobs and strengthening Iowa's circular economy. Together, small daily actions add up to a cleaner, greener future for our communities.