Landfills & Dumps in Iowa

Iowans generate approximately 2.8 million tons of solid waste annually, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulating landfills, transfer stations, and other facilities to protect the state's land, water, and air resources. The DNR Solid Waste Program oversees facility permitting, compliance monitoring, and comprehensive planning while promoting waste reduction and recycling. An interactive landfill map shows all operating and closed facilities, including property boundaries and waste acceptance limits.

Most Iowa counties participate in regional solid waste planning agencies that coordinate services across multiple jurisdictions. These agencies operate landfills, transfer stations, and recycling programs, providing economies of scale that benefit smaller rural communities. Contact your regional planning agency to locate facilities and learn about programs in your area. The DNR Solid Waste Permitting portal provides facility contact information for landfills, transfer stations, composting operations, and household hazardous waste collection centers.

Disposal fees vary by region but typically run $30 to $45 per ton for municipal waste. Residential self-haul loads are often charged flat rates of $15 to $35 depending on vehicle size, with some facilities offering discounts for separated recyclables. Many facilities participate in the tonnage fee system that helps fund state solid waste programs. The State Revolving Fund offers low-interest loans for landfill closure projects and related infrastructure like transfer stations.

Agricultural plastic recycling addresses the substantial volume of grain bags, silage covers, bale wrap, and chemical containers generated by Iowa's farming operations. Several regional programs and agricultural cooperatives accept these materials for recycling. Pesticide and chemical containers must be triple-rinsed before recycling to remove residues. Contact your regional planning agency or local co-op for collection locations and requirements specific to agricultural materials.

Household hazardous waste collection events occur throughout Iowa, typically in spring and fall, with some urban areas maintaining permanent collection sites. These events accept paint, pesticides, automotive chemicals, batteries, and other materials that shouldn't enter regular trash or landfills. Most programs accept materials free from Iowa residents. Regional household hazardous waste collection centers provide year-round options in some areas. Check the DNR website or contact your regional agency for schedules and locations.