Donation items must be clean, in good working order, and in good condition (meaning no rips, tears, stains, pet hair, food residue, damage, etc.). Recycling options are available at this event for past use batteries, light bulbs, books, and mattresses. 

The following items will be accepted:

• Food (nonperishable and unopened items only)
  • Food items could include canned goods, boxed meals, pasta, packaged snacks such as granola bars, etc. 
• Toiletry/personal care items (unopened items only)
  • Toiletry/personal care item examples include toilet paper, laundry detergent, feminine pads, soap, etc.
• Books (hardcover and softcover)
• Boardgames and puzzles (in good condition)
• Child car seats (in good condition)
• Microwaves (must be working and in good, clean condition)
• Lamps (must be working and in good condition)
• Twin, double, and queen mattresses and box springs (king beds are not accepted)
  • Donate: Gently-used mattresses may be eligible for donation at this event to our partner organization, Houses into Homes, for reuse.
  • Recycle: Past use mattresses may be recycled at this event through the City of Iowa City program for $10 per mattress or box spring (cash only).
• Bed frames
• Bookshelves
• Small desks (L-shaped desks are not accepted)
• Couches or loveseats
• Stools
• Tables (end tables, coffee tables, night stands, etc.)
• Chairs (dining, office, upholstered, etc.)
• TV stands
• Outdoor furniture
• Dressers
• Dishware (dinner plates, glasses, silverware, etc.)
• Wall art (empty frames are not accepted)
• Tools (hand tools or working power tools)
• Clothing and shoes
• Purses and accessories
• Household linens (bed sheets or tablecloths)
• Art and craft supplies (gently-used and in good condition)
• School supplies (gently-used and in good condition) 
• Used batteries (recycled via City of Iowa City program)
• Used light bulbs (recycled via City of Iowa City program)

If donors have items that are not included on the accepted items list, they will not be accepted at this event. Misc. household items and electronics are examples of items that are not accepted at this event. Additionally, if donors have items that are damaged or not in good condition for donation, event staff and volunteers reserve the right to refuse items. 

This event is meant to support reuse of quality, gently-used items and the accepted items list has been developed based on identified material categories needed by our non-profit partners.

Non-Profit Partner Organizations

Donations at the Donation Drive-Thru event are provided directly to local non-profit partner organizations that put the donations to immediate good use within our community while keeping quality items out of the landfill. 

The 2026 event partner organizations include: 

• Antelope Lending Library
  • "Antelope Lending Library is an independent, non-profit bookmobile library working to overcome barriers and provide full and equal access to information and ideas in our community." (Source: Antelope Lending Library)
  • At Donation Drive-Thru, Antelope Lending Library receives donations of books, boardgames, puzzles, and child car seats. 
• Crowded Closet
  • "Crowded Closet is a non-profit thrift shop in Iowa City sharing love and compassion with people in need locally and globally." (Source: Crowded Closet)
  • At Donation Drive-Thru, Crowded Closet receives donations of clothing, shoes, purses, accessories, and household linens. 
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
  • ReStore directly supports Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity which "is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to provide affordable housing solutions in Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, and Washington Counties." (Source: Habitat for Humanity)
  • At Donation Drive-Thru, ReStore receives donations of furniture, tools, dishware, lamps, wall art, and microwaves. 
• Houses into Homes
  • "Houses into Homes provides gently-used beds, furniture, and household items for families and individuals in Johnson County who are exiting homelessness, domestic violence, and other crisis situations." (Source: Houses into Homes)
  • At Donation Drive-Thru, Houses into Homes receives donations of mattresses, furniture, lamps, and microwaves. 
• Table to Table
  • "Table to Table bridges the gap between abundance and hunger. Our mission is to increase food equity and reduce environmental harm by collecting and redistributing surplus food through partners to people who can use it." (Source: Table to Table)
  • At Donation Drive-Thru, Table to Table receives all donations of food and toiletry/personal care items. 

Donation Drive-Thru was established in 2022. Since then, the event is held every July. Donated items are either recycled or provided to Donation Drive-Thru’s non-profit partner organizations. 

2025

Over 15,000 pounds of recyclable or usable goods were saved from the landfill. Overview of some of the materials recycled or donated:

• 198.5 pounds of batteries
• 85 pounds of light bulbs
• 2,170 pounds of books
• 1,815 pounds of mattresses and box springs
• 2,865 pounds of clothing, shoes, purses, and linens
• 500 pounds of food
• 260 pounds of toiletry items
• 3,640 pounds of furniture
• 2,501 pounds of household and kitchen items
• 632 pounds of art and craft supplies
• 343 pounds of school supplies

2024

Over 10,000 pounds of recyclable or usable goods were saved from the landfill. Overview of some of the materials recycled or donated:

• 268 pounds of batteries
• 16 pounds of light bulbs
• 245 pounds of food and toiletry items
• 1,475 pounds of books
• 1,480 pounds of mattresses and box springs
• 2,145 pounds of clothing and shoes
• 520 pounds of household items
• 550 pounds of appliances
• 3,470 pounds of furniture

2023

Almost 16,000 pounds of recyclable or usable goods were saved from the landfill. Overview of some of the materials recycled or donated:

• 104 pounds of batteries
• 290 pounds of food and toiletry items
• 690 pounds of clothing and shoes
• 954 pounds of electronics and appliances
• 1,240 pounds of household and kitchen items
• 1,750 pounds of books
• 4,910 pounds of mattresses/box springs
• 5,700 pounds of furniture

2022

Approximately 8,246 pounds of materials were saved from the landfill and diverted through recycling and donation programs.