Construction Debris: What You Can (and Can't) Take to the Dump
Renovating your home? Drywall, lumber, concrete, and roofing materials have different disposal rules than regular trash. Here's what to know.
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A small-town composting site on the edge of Grinnell where residents and farmers drop off yard and kitchen organics. It’s the kind of place locals use when the garden or fields produce more green material than the curb will take.
Drive in off 20th Street and look for a simple entrance with a pull-up area and visible piles of browns and greens. There’s a booth and a compact driveway where vehicles line up to unload, and piles of chipped brush and composting windrows are easy to spot. Plan to back up to the drop-off zone and have loads sorted so unloading is quick. Weekends and spring cleanup times tend to have a line, so expect some wait time during those busy periods.
Facility Information
Before You Go
- Bring gloves, a shovel or pitchfork, and wear clothes that can get dirty-unloading can be dusty or muddy depending on the season.
- Secure and tarp loads for the drive over to avoid losing material on the road and to keep food scraps from attracting critters.
- Use a vehicle or trailer that’s easy to maneuver; tight turns and short backing areas make big rigs awkward to place quickly.
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Disposal Guides
Learn how to properly dispose of common items.
Electronics Recycling: Where to Take Old TVs, Computers, and Phones
E-waste rules vary wildly by state. Some ban electronics from landfills entirely. Here's how to recycle old TVs, computers, and phones properly.
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Hazardous Waste Collection Days: What They Take and How to Prepare
Most counties run free household hazardous waste collection events. Here's what qualifies, how to find your local event, and how to store stuff safely until then.
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