Recycling Centers in Iowa

Find local recycling drop-off locations across Iowa. Browse by city to see nearby facilities with hours and contact information.

164 Centers 82 Cities

Recycling in Iowa

Iowa lists 164 recycling centers across 82 cities, including county drop-off centers, scrap processors, and household hazardous waste sites. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers solid waste and recycling programs under Iowa Code Chapter 455D. Iowa has operated a beverage container deposit law since 1979 — one of the longest-running bottle bills in the country — requiring a 5-cent deposit on glass, plastic, and metal containers for carbonated soft drinks, beer, mineral water, and all alcoholic beverages. A 2022 study by the Container Recycling Institute, released by Iowa DNR, found a 56% recovery rate for PET bottles and a 76% rate for glass under the deposit system. Iowa has no statewide mandatory e-waste law.

The largest recycling concentration is in Des Moines with 24 listed centers, followed by Waterloo (13), Mason City (5), Iowa City (5), Cedar Falls (4), Ames (4), Cedar Rapids (4), and Boone (4). These cities together serve the bulk of Iowa's urban recycling demand through a mix of drop-off sites, redemption centers, and scrap yards.

Iowa bans whole waste tires from landfill disposal (prohibited since July 1, 1991) and prohibits landfill disposal of lead-acid batteries; retailers who sell car batteries must accept old batteries at no charge when a new one is purchased. Appliances that have been discarded must be demanufactured by an Iowa DNR-permitted appliance demanufacturer before disposal, with refrigerant and other hazardous components removed. Beverage containers subject to the deposit law are also banned from landfill disposal by the dealer, distributor, or manufacturer. Electronics recycling is encouraged through voluntary county programs and retail take-back, but Iowa has not passed a statewide mandatory e-waste law.

Top Cities by Number of Centers

Des Moines 24 Waterloo 13 Iowa City 5 Mason City 5 Ames 4 Boone 4 Cedar Falls 4 Cedar Rapids 4

All Cities in Iowa

Algona 1 center Altoona 1 center Ames 4 centers Ankeny 2 centers Baxter 1 center Bondurant 2 centers Boone 4 centers Burlington 2 centers Carroll 1 center Carter Lake 1 center Cedar Falls 4 centers Cedar Rapids 4 centers Centerville 2 centers Chariton 2 centers Clinton 1 center Clive 1 center Coralville 1 center Council Bluffs 1 center Danville 1 center Davenport 2 centers Des Moines 24 centers Evansdale 1 center Fayette 1 center Fort Dodge 3 centers Garrison 1 center Grimes 2 centers Grinnell 1 center Guthrie Center 1 center Humboldt 2 centers Independence 1 center Indianola 2 centers Iowa City 5 centers Iowa Falls 2 centers Jefferson 1 center Jesup 1 center Kellogg 1 center Kensett 1 center Keosauqua 1 center Keota 1 center Knoxville 2 centers Lincoln 1 center Livermore 1 center Malcom 1 center Manly 1 center Marion 3 centers Marshalltown 2 centers Mason City 5 centers Melbourne 1 center Mitchellville 1 center Monroe 1 center Nashua 1 center Nevada 1 center New Sharon 1 center Newton 3 centers North Liberty 1 center Oakland 1 center Oelwein 1 center Oskaloosa 1 center Ottumwa 3 centers Pacific Junction 1 center Panora 1 center Pella 1 center Perry 2 centers Pleasant Hill 1 center Polk City 1 center Readlyn 1 center Sheffield 1 center Spencer 1 center Tracy 1 center Traer 1 center Tripoli 1 center Urbandale 3 centers Walford 2 centers Washington 2 centers Waterloo 13 centers Waverly 1 center Webster City 3 centers Weldon 1 center West Burlington 1 center West Des Moines 1 center West Liberty 1 center Winterset 1 center

Recycling in Iowa — FAQ

How does Iowa's bottle deposit law work?

Iowa's Beverage Containers Control Law (Iowa Code Chapter 455C), enacted in 1979, requires a 5-cent deposit on sealed glass, plastic, and metal containers for carbonated soft drinks, beer, mineral water, and alcoholic beverages sold in Iowa. Containers must be labeled 'Iowa Refund 5¢' or 'IA 5¢.' Consumers redeem empties at stores or redemption centers. Paper cartons are excluded. A 2022 study found a 76% recovery rate for glass under the system.

What materials are banned from Iowa landfills?

Iowa bans whole waste tires (prohibited since 1991), lead-acid batteries, and deposit beverage containers from landfill disposal. Appliances must be demanufactured by a DNR-permitted facility before disposal. Liquid waste and certain hazardous materials are also prohibited under state regulation.

Does Iowa have a mandatory e-waste recycling law?

No. Iowa does not have a statewide mandatory electronics recycling law or a landfill ban on computers, TVs, or monitors. Electronics recycling is voluntary and available through county programs and retail take-back sites. Contact your county solid waste management authority for drop-off options.

Where are the most recycling centers in Iowa?

Des Moines leads with 24 listed centers, followed by Waterloo (13), and then Mason City, Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Ames, Cedar Rapids, and Boone (4–5 each). These cities serve as the state's main hubs for drop-off, redemption, and scrap-metal recycling.