Landfill Bans

These items are not allowed to be landfilled, and must be properly recycled and handled through programs offered at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center:

• Yard waste 
  • Mixed garbage and yard waste loads will be turned away. 
• Cardboard
  • Garbage loads with cardboard may be charged double the regular tipping fee. 
• Computer and TV monitors
• Tires
• Appliances
• Lead-acid batteries
• Oil

Secured Load Policy

City of Iowa City Rules and Regulations require all loads to be secured during transport to the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center.

Any unsecured loads will be subject to a warning, and then a fine of $50 for each unsecured load. 

Landfill Closures on Windy Days

On windy days, the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center may close early to prevent and contain blowing litter. 

Depending upon the direction and speed, windy conditions can provide a challenge for the control of litter in and around the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources requires compliance with litter control standards in order to maintain the landfill permit. Closing the landfill allows staff to contain, control, and pick up wind-blown litter during a wind event. 

Please check this page or call 319-356-5185 to find out if the landfill is closing early. 

Garbage

Garbage is landfilled at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center (3900 Hebl Avenue SW, Iowa City) according to stringent federal and state regulations to ensure that environmental protection is in place. 

The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center serves residents and businesses in Johnson County, and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside. The landfill cannot accept materials from outside of this service area. 

When you visit the landfill:

• Separate garbage from recycling and composting items.
  • Cardboard, appliances, TV and computer monitors, oil, batteries, yard waste, and tires are not allowed to be landfilled.
• Secure your loads so that items do not blow out of vehicles.
  • Vehicles with unsecured loads will receive one warning without charge. Each subsequent violation is a $50 fee.
• Use lane 2 to pull up to the Scalehouse window (in the silver silo) for payment.
  • There is a fee for all garbage and most recycling.   
• Vehicles with trailer loads of garbage are expected to go down into the landfill to unload.
• Any loads with burned material, including burn barrels, must have been fully extinguished for at least 30 days in order to dispose of the material.  
  • Open burning is prohibited in Iowa City.

Disposal fees:

• Regular garbage
  • Iowa City: $14 for any garbage load less than 600 pounds; approximately 50 cents for each additional 20 pounds over 600 pounds. Charge per ton is $47.50.
  • Non-Iowa City (Johnson County, and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside only): $15 for any garbage load less than 600 pounds; approximately 50 cents for each additional 20 pounds over 600 pounds. Charge per ton is $52.50.
• Special wastes
  • Iowa City: $95/ton (minimum charge)
  • Non-Iowa City (Johnson County, and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside only): $105/ton (minimum charge)
  • This includes but is not limited to loads of dust, railroad ties, telephone poles, concrete, and tree root balls. Other items may be charged as special waste if special handling is required.
• Asbestos
  • 24-hour notice is required for any asbestos. Call 319-356-5151.
    • Iowa City:
      • Non-friable is $100/ton with $100 minimum fee
      • Friable is $100/cubic yard with $100 minimum fee
    • Non-Iowa City (Johnson County, and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside only):
      • Non-friable is $105/ton with $105 minimum fee
      • Friable is $105/cubic yard with $105 minimum fee

• Contaminated soil: $50/ton (3-ton minimum)

Do not place these items in the garbage: 

• Hot ashes 
• Batteries
• Cardboard 
• Yard waste
• Oil 
• Electronics or appliances 
• Tires
• Hazardous material
• Pressurized containers (such as propane or helium tanks)
• Explosives
• Medical waste (such as sharps or syringes)

Recycling

The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center (3900 Hebl Avenue SW, Iowa City) serves residents and businesses in Johnson County, and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside. The landfill cannot accept materials from outside of this service area. 

When you visit the landfill:

• Separate garbage from recycling and composting items.
  • Cardboard, appliances, TV and computer monitors, oil, batteries, yard waste, and tires are not allowed to be landfilled.
• Secure your loads so that items do not blow out of vehicles.
  • Vehicles with unsecured loads will receive one warning without charge. Each subsequent violation is a $50 fee.
• Use lane 2 to pull up to the Scalehouse window (in the silver silo).

Recycle these items at the landfill: 

• Appliances and electronics
  • Electronics and small appliances
    • Computers: $20 each (fee includes components)
    • Televisions: $20 each (fee includes components)
    • Other electronic items: $3 each
      • Examples: printers, central processing units (CPU), VCR devices without a CRT screen/monitor, ink or toner cartridges, cell phones, DVD players, cameras, stereos, toys, radios, electric bike batteries, electric scooters
    • Holiday light strands and electronic cords: no cost
    • Small appliances: $3 each
      • Examples: vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks, toasters, blenders, coffee makers, lamps, irons, ceiling fans, humidifiers
  • Large appliances
    • $12.50 per appliance or $1 per cubic foot for large commercial appliances
      • Examples: microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, dryers, lawn mowers, water heaters, freezers, air conditioners, heaters/furnaces, dehumidifiers
    • Grills: $3 each
    • Exercise equipment: $3 each
  • Propane or helium tanks: $1 each (residential-sized tanks only)
• Asphalt roof shingles: $30/ton
  • In conjunction with LL Pelling, the landfill recycles shingles for use in asphalt paving. Loads of shingles for recycling must be clean. A clean load contains asphalt roof shingles only (nails are allowed). Loads cannot contain wood (including wood shingles), metal flashing and gutters, plastic wrap, buckets, or paper. Any contaminated loads containing these items or trash will be charged the regular trash fee. Ask your roofer or contractor to recycle shingles at the landfill.
• Bicycles: no cost
• Books: no cost
  • Examples: hardcover and softcover 
  • Books are accepted in the container located in the electronics recycling garage bay.
• Cardboard: no cost
  • Examples: corrugated cardboard
  • Flatten and size each piece to a maximum of two by two feet. 
• Glass: no cost
  • Examples: All colors of glass bottles and jars (such as clear, blue, green, and brown) including food and beverages containers, candle jars, clear drinking vessels
• Holiday light strands: no cost
  • Holiday light strands are accepted in the container located in the electronics recycling garage bay.
• Light bulbs and tubes (CFL and LED only)
  • Residential: no cost (other recycling locations)
  • Commercial:
    • CFL or LED bulbs: 54 cents each
    • Tubes 4-foot and under: 54 cents each
    • Tubes 4-foot and over: 72 cents each
    • Light fixtures with PBCs: $3 each
• Metal cans and foil: no cost
  • Examples: metal drink and food cans, aluminum pie pans, aluminum foil (aluminum foil in 2-inch ball minimum)
  • Items should be empty and rinsed.
• Oil: no cost
  • Examples: motor oil, vegetable oil, oil filters
    • Bring liquid in sealed, labeled plastic bottles (must be less than 5-gallon size) with secure lids, and leave in the Oil Recycling Shed.
  • Oil recycling services are also available at the East Side Recycling Center.
• Paper: no cost
  • Examples: newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, paperboard, telephone books, paperback books, waxy cartons and aseptic packaging
• Plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and round tubs: no cost
  • Examples: drink bottles, detergent bottles, medicine bottles, yogurt cups, food jars (such as for mayonnaise and peanut butter), round food tubs (such as for sour cream and butter).
  • Items should be empty and rinsed.
  • Leave caps on!
• Scrap metal: no cost
  • Examples: iron, steel, aluminum, brass, copper
• Tires: $0.15/pound ($3 minimum)

Visit the Recycling web page for other recycling locations.

Composting

The $5 minimum fee covers residential and commercial loads weighing up to 400 pounds. Loads exceeding that amount will be charged at the standard organic material rate of $24/ton. Yard waste is not allowed to be landfilled in Iowa landfills and open burning is prohibited in Iowa City. 

The Iowa City Landfill's Compost Facility services are available to residents and businesses in Johnson County, and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside.

Secure your loads so that items do not blow out of vehicles. Vehicles with unsecured loads will receive one warning without charge. Each subsequent violation is a $50 fee.

Use lane 2 to pull up to the Scalehouse window (in the silver silo).

Follow these guidelines on accepted items to prevent composting contamination. 

Compost these items at the Compost Facility:

• Food waste
  • Examples: coffee grounds, eggshells, bread and grain products, meat and bones, seafood and shells, non-liquid dairy products, fruits and vegetables
• Natural wood that has not been painted, treated, or stained (such as natural pallets)
• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Garden residue
• Woody yard waste
• Invasive species (such as garlic mustard)
• Coffee filters
• Compostable items, such as plates and cups, that are certified ASTM D6400 or labeled “certified compostable”
• Hair (natural only)
• Uncoated paper products (such as paper plates or cups)
• Paper towels and napkins
• Pizza boxes and paper clamshell containers
• Shredded paper and newspaper 
• Holiday trees (natural, unflocked trees only; remove all decorations)
• Pumpkins and gourds (remove any candles or lights from inside your pumpkins)

Do not compost these items:

• Sod
• Dirt
• Rocks
• Sand
• Particle board
• Tree root balls
• Large stumps
• Infected plant material (such as black knot fungus)
• Plant pots (such as terra cotta or plastic)
• Garden netting and liners
• Painted, treated, or stained wood
• Dead animals or carcasses
• Animal waste 
• Liquids
• Cigarette butts and ashes
• Plastic bags, film, or wrappers (such as soil or mulch bags)
• Foil- or plastic-coated paper plates, bowls, or cups
• Glass, metal, Styrofoam
• Hazardous material 

Visit the Composting web page for other composting options. 

Compost

Compost, made from local yard and food waste, is sold in large or small quantities at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center. When available, the compost costs $20 per ton with a $2 minimum. Landfill staff can load your truck or trailer with an endloader. For smaller amounts, bring a container and a shovel to self-load.

Wood Chips

The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center has coarse-ground wood chip mulch available at no cost. Landfill staff can load your truck or trailer, including semi trailers. For small quantities, bring your own container and a pitchfork or shovel to self-load.

Residential Hazardous Material

Visit the Hazardous Material web page for more information.

No cost to residents. The Hazardous Material Collection Facility is open Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.

Bring these items: 

• Cleaning products
  • Examples: abrasive cleaner, aerosols, carpet cleaner, disinfectant, drain cleaner, dry cleaning solution, fabric softener, floor care product, furniture polish, glass cleaner, grout or tile cleaner, metal polish, mildew remover, oven cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, soap scum remover, stain remover, toilet bowl cleaner
• Garage and workshop products
  • Examples: adhesive, glue, antifreeze, battery acid, brake fluid, engine degreaser, gasoline/oil, kerosene, lighter fluid, oil-based paint (limit of 20 gallons per visit), paint thinner, resin, solvent, stain, stripper, transmission fluid, varnish
• Lawn and outdoor products
  • Examples: bug spray, fertilizer, fogger, fungicide, insecticide, insect repellent, pesticides, pool chemicals, rodent killer, weed killer
• Batteries 
  • Examples: alkaline, cell phone, computer, hearing aid, lithium, lithium-ion, nickel cadmium, rechargeable, sealed lead-acid, auto or boat
  • For more information on safe disposal options, visit the Batteries web page. 
• Sharps and syringes
  • Examples: lancet needles, microneedle patches, autoinjectors, and similar sharps
  • Staff will only accept sharps and syringes that are properly contained with a secure lid in a medical sharps container or a rigid plastic container such as a laundry detergent bottle. 
• Other
  • Examples: hair remover, medications (non-controlled substances only), mercury thermostat, moth balls, nail polish or remover, photo chemicals, shoe polish, thermometer, fire extinguishers 
    

Do not bring these items: 

• Electric vehicle or electric bike batteries
  • For more information on safe disposal options, visit the Batteries web page. 
• Smoke detectors
  • Remove batteries and place smoke detectors in regular garbage. 
  • Batteries can be safely recycled at the Hazardous Material Collection Facility.
• Electronic thermostats
  • Recycle electronic thermostats via electronics recycling at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center or via ReStore Donations at the East Side Recycling Center. 
• Propane
  • Recycle propane cylinders with Ferrel Gas or A-1 Propane.
  • Recycle residential-sized propane tanks for $1 per tank via appliance recycling at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center.
• Helium tanks
  • Recycle helium tanks for $1 per tank (residential-sized tanks only) via appliance recycling at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center.
• Controlled substance medications
  • Several drop-off locations are available in Johnson County to properly dispose of controlled substances and other types of medication. For an updated list of locations, use the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) search tool.
• Ammunition and explosives
• Radioactive materials
• Infectious medical waste

Business Hazardous Material

If your business generates hazardous material, you may be eligible for the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) program, which allows businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous material per month, and store less than 1,000 pounds, to safely dispose of hazardous material.

To participate, businesses must:

1. Email jeckrich@iowa-city.org to receive the VSQG Business Packet.
2. Schedule an appointment to bring a load. Contact Resource Management at 319-887-6112 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our hazardous material disposal services.

Sharps and syringes are not accepted from businesses at the Hazardous Material Collection Facility.  Please contact GRP or Stericycle directly for disposal services, or call 319-887-6112 for more information.

Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center closes at noon on Saturdays (effective January 2025) 

This impacts all services available at the landfill including trash disposal, recycling, yard and food waste drop-off, household hazardous materials, and wood chip and composting sales. Monday through Friday hours remain 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Questions? Please reach out to Jen Jordan, Resource Management Superintendent, at 319-887-6160 or jejordan@iowa-city.org.

Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center's Compost Facility minimum fee required (effective July 2025)

A $5 minimum fee is applied to all residential and commercial loads of organic material, including food scraps and yard waste, brought to the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center's Compost Facility.

The minimum fee covers loads weighing up to 400 pounds. Loads exceeding that amount will continue to be charged at the standard organic material rate of $24 per ton, consistent with the existing commercial pricing structure.

Additional items to note:

• Yard waste was banned in Iowa landfills by the State Legislature in 1991 and should not be placed in the garbage.
• Open burning of yard waste and garbage is prohibited in Iowa City.

Resources: 

• Information about Iowa City curbside collection services: www.icgov.org/curbside   
• Information about composting at home: www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home 

Questions?

Please reach out to Jen Jordan, City of Iowa City Resource Management Superintendent, at 319-887-6110 or jejordan@iowa-city.org. 

• Sturgis Ferry Park Recycling Center, 1700 South Riverside Drive
  • Visit the Recycling web page for a complete list of accepted items at this location. 
• East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd. SE
  • Visit the East Side Recycling Center web page for a complete list of accepted items at this location. 
• Light bulbs
  • Visit the Hazardous Material web page for a complete list of locations.
• Batteries
  • Visit the Batteries web page for a complete list of locations.
• Glass
  • Visit the Recycling web page for a complete list of locations. 

Construction and demolition waste results from remodeling, construction, and demolition projects. For a variety of construction materials that are unused or in good condition, we recommend checking with Habitat for Humanity ReStore or Friends of Historic Preservation Salvage Barn to determine if items can be donated for reuse. When dealing with historical construction materials, please visit the City's Historic Preservation web page for resources. 

Fees at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center: 

• Regular garbage
  • Iowa City: $14 for any garbage load less than 600 pounds; approximately 50 cents for each additional 20 pounds over 600 pounds. Charge per ton is $47.50.
  • Non-Iowa City (Johnson County, and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside only): $15 for any garbage load less than 600 pounds; approximately 50 cents for each additional 20 pounds over 600 pounds. Charge per ton is $52.50.
• Special wastes
  • Iowa City: $95/ton (minimum charge)
  • Non-Iowa City (Johnson County, and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside only): $105/ton (minimum charge)
  • This includes but is not limited to loads of dust, railroad ties, telephone poles, concrete, and tree root balls. Other items may be charged as special waste if special handling is required.
• Compost Facility (located at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center)  
  • $5 minimum fee covers loads weighing up to 400 pounds. Loads exceeding that amount will be charged at the standard organic material rate of $24/ton.
  • Note: Large stumps and stumps with root balls are charged as special waste. 

Disposal guidance per material category (view associated fees above): 

• Appliances and electronics
  • Electronics and small appliances: recycle at the Iowa City Landfill or East Side Recycling Center
    • Computers: $20 each (fee includes components)
    • Televisions: $20 each (fee includes components)
    • Other electronic items: $3 each
      • Examples: printers, central processing units (CPU), VCR devices without a CRT screen/monitor, ink or toner cartridges, cell phones, DVD players, cameras, stereos, toys, radios, electric bike batteries, electric scooters
    • Holiday light strands and electronic cords: no cost
    • Small appliances: $3 each
      • Examples: vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks, toasters, blenders, coffee makers, lamps, irons, ceiling fans, humidifiers
  • Large appliances: recycle at the Iowa City Landfill
    • 12.50 per appliance or $1 per cubic foot for large commercial appliances
      • Examples: microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, dryers, lawn mowers, water heaters, freezers, air conditioners, heaters/furnaces, dehumidifiers
    • Grills: $3 each
    • Exercise equipment: $3 each
• Propane or helium tanks: $1 each (residential-sized tanks only) via appliance recycling at the Iowa City Landfill
• Asbestos
  • 24-hour notice is required for any asbestos. Call 319-356-5151.
    • Iowa City:
      • Non-friable is $100/ton with $100 minimum fee
      • Friable is $100/cubic yard with $100 minimum fee
    • Non-Iowa City (Johnson County, and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside only):
      • Non-friable is $105/ton with $105 minimum fee
      • Friable is $105/cubic yard with $105 minimum fee
• Asphalt roof shingles: $30/ton
  • In conjunction with LL Pelling, the landfill recycles shingles for use in asphalt paving. Loads of shingles for recycling must be clean. A clean load contains asphalt roof shingles only (nails are allowed). Loads cannot contain wood (including wood shingles), metal flashing and gutters, plastic wrap, buckets, or paper. Any contaminated loads containing these items or trash will be charged the regular trash fee. Ask your roofer or contractor to recycle shingles at the landfill.
• Bricks      
  • Good condition or usable: check with ReStore or Salvage Barn on donation options
  • Past use: regular garbage
• Cardboard
  • Recycle small amounts at City drop-off recycling locations including East Side Recycling Center, Sturgis Ferry Park Recycling Center, and Iowa City Landfill.
  • With large loads of cardboard, contact ABC Disposal Systems in Iowa City at 319-395-0904.
  • Cardboard is banned from the landfill and must be recycled. 
• Carpet: regular garbage
• Ceiling tile: regular garbage
• Concrete: special waste, or recycle via: 
  • Rock Hard Concrete Recycling, 319-631-3903
  • S and G Materials, 319-354-1667
  • River Products Company, 319-338-1184
  • Boomerang Corp., 319-975-8691
• Contaminated soil: $50/ton (3-ton minimum)
• Fiberglass insulation: regular garbage; must be bagged
• Gypsum/wallboard: regular garbage
• Lumber      
  • Good condition or usable: check with ReStore or Salvage Barn on donation options
  • Past use: 
    • Treated or painted lumber: regular garbage
    • Untreated: compost at the Compost Facility
• Oil
  •  Examples: motor oil, vegetable oil, oil filters
    • Bring liquid in sealed, labeled plastic bottles (must be less than 5-gallon size) with secure lids, and leave in the Oil Recycling Shed at the Iowa City Landfill or East Side Recycling Center.
• Paint
  • Dispose of oil-based paint at the Hazardous Material Collection Facility at the Iowa City Landfill. Latex paint can be hardened and disposed of in the regular trash.
    • Residential drop-off: no cost during weekly open hours on Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon
    • Commercial drop-off: appointment required; call 319-887-6112
• Pallets      
  • Good condition or usable: check with ReStore on donation options
  • Past use: compost at the Compost Facility
• Particle board: regular garbage
• Plastic film/wrap: regular garbage
• Railroad ties: special waste
• Scrap metal
  •  Recycle small amounts at the Iowa City Landfill at no cost, or recycle scrap metal at Petersen Iron and Metal or Muscatine Metals (319-338-1450).
• Styrofoam: regular garbage
• Telephone poles: special waste, or contact the Iowa Waste Exchange (319-365-9941) for options
• Tires: recycle for $0.15/pound ($3 minimum) at the Iowa City Landfill
• Tree root balls: special waste
• Vinyl siding: regular garbage

Over 23,000 tons of construction and demolition materials end up in the Iowa City Landfill every year. By recycling, composting, and reusing materials as much as possible, we can preserve landfill space, save natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Contact the Recycling Coordinator (email: recycling@iowa-city.org; phone: 319-887-6110) with questions about construction and demolition materials disposal. 

The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center is designated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as an Environmental Management System (EMS). Being an EMS includes setting an Environmental Policy Statement, goals, and targets.

The EMS framework focuses on continuous improvement in six key areas set up by the Iowa State Legislature:

• Environmental Education
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction
• Household Hazardous Material
• Recycling Services
• Water Quality Improvement
• Organics Waste Management

Tank trucks can be filled at three bulk water stations in Iowa City. This water is not to be used for drinking or cooking, only for contractors.

To use this service, tokens must be purchased during office hours at Iowa City Transit, 1200 S. Riverside Dr., or from the Revenue Counter at City Hall, 410 E. Washington St. Tokens are 50 cents per 100 gallons of water.

It is illegal to connect to a fire hydrant in Iowa City without proper application for and approval of a Hydrant Meter Permit (found in the building permits on the CSS Portal).

Station Locations

Iowa City Transit
1200 S. Riverside Dr.
Available 24/7, except for winter months

East Side Recycling Center
2401 Scott Blvd. SE
Available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center
3900 Hebl Ave. SW
Available Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon