Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center

3900 Hebl Avenue ::: Iowa City, Iowa 52246 ::: ph 319.356.5185

Spotlight Interview

This video features Landfill Superintendent, Dave Elias speaking about the challenges of managing the Iowa City Landfill.

Watch the Interview »

PLEASE NOTE:

THE LANDFILL IS OUT OF COMPOST UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 

The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center serves Johnson County, Kalona and Riverside. Each year, the landfill takes in about 125,000 tons of trash. Trash is landfill according to stringent federal and state regulations to ensure that environmental protection is in place.

The landfill has been at its current location since 1971. In total, the landfill is about 400 acres in size, about half which contains buried trash. Remaining land is used as a buffer for surrounding properties and wetlands.

The Iowa Waste Reduction and Recycling Act was legislated in 1989 and banned several items from Iowa landfills, including yard waste, tires, lead acid batteries, appliances and oil. This initiated recycling programs for these items that are still in place today.

Garbage Disposal Rates

The landfill accepts Cash, Checks, Mastercard and Visa

Iowa City residents:
$3 for any garbage load less than 140 pounds; approx. $0.50 for each additional 20 lb. over 140 pounds. Charge per ton: $38.50.

Non Iowa City residents:
$43.50 per ton

Special Fees

• Appliances - $12.50 per appliance; $1/cu. ft. for large commercial appliances
• Asbestos (Friable - $105/cu. yd.; Non-friable - $105/ton)
• Petroleum contaminated soil - $43.50/ton (3 ton minimum)
• Tires - $0.07 per lb ($3 minimum)

Yard waste

Yard waste, including tree trimmings, grass clippings, leaves, etc., was banned from Iowa landfills in 1988.  Residents and businesses may NOT put yardwaste in with regular trash.  It must be separated and cannot go into the landfill.

• Free disposal to Iowa City and County residents
• $24 per ton for commercial businesses

Compost and Wood Chip Mulch

Compost and Wood Chip Mulch
Please call ahead for availability of both compost and mulch. 

Iowa City Community Compost is available for bulk sale at $10 per ton. The minimum charge is $1. We can load your truck or trailer; if you want smaller amounts, please bring a container and a shovel to load yourself.

Wood chip mulch is free upon availability.

Used Motor Oil Disposal

Used motor oil is accepted at no charge at the landfill drop-off building. No appointment is necessary. Please leave your containers on the shelf on the west wall.

Educational Opportunities

Looking for speaker to talk about waste reduction or recycling? Or maybe your class or group would like to take a tour of the landfill. Each year, landfill staff members talk to thousands of people about what we do at the landfill and how residents can reduce their waste. Watch for us at Earth Day celebrations, Rummage in the Ramp, at the Iowa City Public Library and more! If you would like someone to talk to your group or set up a landfill tour, please contact the Recycling Coordinator.

Commonly Requested Documents

View the Curbside Recycling Guide

Vew the Johnson County Waste Reduction and Recycling Guide

View the Landfill Information & Services Guide

View the Composting Guide

Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory Report (8-09)

Iowa City Area Resale and Consignment Directory (2011-2012)