The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center’s Compost Facility (3900 Hebl Ave. SW, Iowa City) will begin construction to improve and expand the facility in April 2026.

Construction activities will result in temporary program changes at the Landfill including adjusted traffic patterns and drop-off areas. If visiting the Landfill for services, please follow all posted signage, ask staff for assistance, and check the City website for regular updates. The construction project is anticipated to be completed this fall. 

The Compost Facility expansion is possible through a $4 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will expand the physical footprint of the compost processing area from five to seven acres. The funds come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was passed by Congress and the Biden Administration in 2021. The EPA grant funding and a $100,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) have also helped fund the purchase of a self-propelled, ride-over windrow turner to increase organic material processing efficiency. 

The larger facility footprint and more efficient processing will increase incoming organic material (yard waste and food waste) capacity from 15,000 to 20,000 tons per year allowing the City of Iowa City to broaden accessibility to composting programs in the Landfill's service area. The City of Iowa City sincerely appreciates the generous funding support from the EPA and IDNR making this facility and program expansion possible.

Construction Project Timeline

Construction is anticipated to begin in April and be completed in fall 2026. The project will be done in phases: 

• Phase One (shown in red on map) will include: 
  • Mobilization of the general contractor
  • Setup of the construction site
  • Removal of existing surfaces on east side of the site
  • Construction of the new basin and storm sewers
  • Access roadways and final paving
• Phase Two (shown in blue on map) will include: 
  • Access roadways and final paving
• Phase Three (shown in green on map) will include: 
  • Access roadways and final paving
  • A temporary gravel roadway will be established in this phase to maintain access to the previously completed improvements.

Contact Information

• With construction project questions, please contact Joseph Welter, Senior Engineer:
  • Email: JWelter@iowa-city.org
  • Phone: 319-356-5144
  • Construction Projects web page 
• With composting and recycling program questions, please contact Jane Wilch, Recycling Coordinator: 
  • Email: JWilch@iowa-city.org 
  • Phone: 319-887-6110
• With Iowa City Landfill questions, please call 319-356-5185.

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 on the shelf in the Oil Recycling Shed. Customers are not permitted to pour oil. Oil must be left in a container with a secure lid. 
  • 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

The Iowa City Landfill and East Side Recycling Center are out of compost until further notice. 

Compost, made from local yard and food waste, is sold in large or small quantities at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center while supplies last. When available, the compost costs $20 per ton with a $2 minimum.

For large quantities, Landfill staff can load your truck or trailer, including semi trailers. For small quantities, bring a container and a shovel to self-load.

How to use compost:

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

"You can add compost to your flower and vegetable beds, window boxes, and container gardens; incorporate it into tree beds; mix it with potting soil for indoor plants; or spread it on top of the soil in your yard.

Compost can be used as a soil amendment or as a mulch. As a soil amendment, mix in two to four inches of compost to the top six to nine inches of your soil. As a mulch, loosen the top two to three inches of soil and add a three-inch layer of compost on the surface, a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks. 

Adding finished compost to your soil:

• Improves the structure and health of your soil by adding organic matter.
• Helps the soil retain moisture and nutrients.
• Attracts beneficial organisms to the soil and reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
• Reduces the potential for soil erosion.
• Sequesters carbon in the soil.
• Builds resiliency to the impacts of natural disasters."

For more information, visit the EPA web pages: 

• Composting At Home
• Benefits of Using Compost

Wood Chips

The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center has coarse-ground wood chip mulch available at no cost.

For large quantities, 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.

Small batches of wood chips are also available at the East Side Recycling Center (2401 Scott Blvd. SE, Iowa City) during spring, summer, and fall for 50 cents per five gallons. This service is not available in winter. 

How to pay at East Side Recycling Center: 

Please pay by using the ParkMobile program in one of three ways once at East Side Recycling Center (note: the following directions are also posted on site): 

• Download the ParkMobile phone application
• Scan the QR code to pay on the website
• Text “Park” to 77223

Customers can pay cash for these products at ReStore's check-out counter during their open hours, Wed. to Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

Customers must bring items in containers with secure lids to be left at the facility. Empty containers cannot be returned to customers. 

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. 
• Oil
  • Bring liquid in sealed, labeled plastic bottles (must be less than 5-gallon size) with secure lids, and leave on the shelf in the Oil Recycling Shed. Customers are not permitted to pour oil. Oil must be left in a container with a secure lid. 
• Other
  • Examples: hair remover, medications (non-controlled substances only), mercury thermostat, moth balls, nail polish or remover, photo chemicals, shoe polish, thermometer, fire extinguishers, nicotine vape devices
    

Do not bring these items: 

• Electric vehicle or electric bike batteries
  • For more information on safe disposal options, visit the Batteries web page. 
• THC vape devices 
• Smoke detectors
• 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.

• 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
  • 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 on the shelf in the Oil Recycling Shed. Customers are not permitted to pour oil. Oil must be left in a container with a secure lid. 

• 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

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.