Recycling Centers in Burlington, IA
Find drop-off recycling locations in Burlington, Iowa. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
Residents of Burlington, Iowa can use this directory to locate nearby recycling drop-off locations. Whether you have household recyclables or specialty items like electronics or batteries, the facilities listed here can help you dispose of materials responsibly.
Recycling in Burlington: A Local Guide
Burlington, Iowa is served by the Des Moines County Regional Solid Waste Commission (DMC), which has operated the area's recycling infrastructure since 1990. Both recycling centers listed for Burlington — Area Recyclers and Des Moines County Recyclers — are the same physical facility at 1818 W Burlington Ave, operating under two names used in different directories. The facility processes roughly 3,000 tons of recyclable materials a year from curbside routes and eight drop-off sites scattered across Des Moines County.
The facility is open Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month 8:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m., with Sunday closed. Accepted materials include newspapers and mixed paper, corrugated cardboard (flattened and bundled), glass jars and bottles, tin and aluminum cans and foil, and plastic containers marked #1, #2, and #5. Cereal boxes, pizza boxes, and motor-oil bottles are not accepted due to contamination. Large appliances can be dropped off by appointment for a flat $10 fee (cash or check); call 319-753-8126 to schedule. All other curbside-type recyclables are free to drop off.
For household hazardous waste — paint, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, and old televisions — the DMC operates the HazChem Center at 13758 Washington Rd, West Burlington (319-753-8758). TV drop-off runs Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.–noon for $15 per set; most other HHW is accepted by appointment at no charge for households. The campus also includes the Recycled 2 You reuse store (open M–F 8 a.m.–4 p.m.) and the X-Stream portable container rental program for community events. Visit dmcwaste.org for current collection calendars and service maps. For the broader state picture, browse the Iowa recycling hub.
Need recycling options in nearby southeast Iowa? The DMC serves West Burlington as well. Larger cities in the state with their own facilities include Iowa City, Davenport, and Ottumwa.
All Recycling Centers in Burlington
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Burlington
Are Area Recyclers and Des Moines County Recyclers the same place in Burlington?
Yes. Both names refer to the same facility at 1818 W Burlington Ave, operated by the Des Moines County Regional Solid Waste Commission. The same phone (319-753-8126) and hours apply to both. See the Area Recyclers page or the Des Moines County Recyclers page for full details.
Does Burlington have curbside recycling pickup?
Yes, for residents in Burlington and 12 other DMC member communities. Collection runs bi-weekly (every other week) on the same day as garbage. Residents need a labeled DMC green bin. Rural addresses can use the eight drop-off locations in Des Moines County instead.
Where do I take old paint or hazardous chemicals in Burlington, IA?
The DMC's HazChem Center at 13758 Washington Rd, West Burlington accepts household hazardous waste by appointment (319-753-8758). Oil-based paint is free; latex paint has a fee. Televisions drop off during walk-in hours (M–F 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.–noon) for $15 each. The Burlington recycling facility at 1818 W Burlington Ave does not handle HHW.
What plastics are accepted at Burlington's recycling center?
The DMC facility accepts plastics numbered #1, #2, and #5 only. Plastics #3, #4, #6, and #7 are not accepted. Containers must be rinsed clean before drop-off.