Recycling Centers in Washington, IA
Find drop-off recycling locations in Washington, Iowa. View hours, addresses, and phone numbers for each facility.
Washington has 2 recycling centers listed in this directory. Each listing includes the address, phone number, and opening hours where available. Call ahead to confirm accepted materials before making the trip.
Recycling in Washington: A Local Guide
Washington, Iowa — seat of Washington County in the southeast corner of the state — is served by two distinct recycling and redemption facilities. Residents looking to return Iowa deposit cans and bottles for the state's 5-cent refund should visit WCDC Redemption Center at 702 E Washington St, a nonprofit-operated drop-off open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday 9 AM to noon. WCDC (Washington County Development Corporation) employs adults with disabilities to sort and process deposit containers, making every redemption drop-off a direct investment in the local community. The refund rate is Iowa's standard 5 cents per eligible can or bottle. Customers are encouraged to bring containers sorted in large clear bags, which can be purchased at the center for $0.75 each.
For broader household recycling — plastics, metals, cardboard, appliances, and tires — rural Washington County residents should use the Washington County Recycling Center at 2170 Lexington Blvd, a county-operated facility open Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 7:00 AM to noon. The center accepts plastics #1 through #7, aluminum and tin cans, cardboard, paper, batteries, and light scrap metal at no charge for rural county residents. Items with fees include appliances, TVs, computer monitors, fluorescent bulbs, used oil, electronics, and tires. Note that the facility is explicitly for rural Washington County residents — city of Washington residents are not eligible for free household trash disposal here and should use city curbside services instead. Glass is not accepted at the county recycling site.
Washington County sits within easy reach of several neighboring communities with additional recycling resources. Iowa City to the north has the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center and the East Side Recycling Center, which accept a wider range of materials. Mount Pleasant to the south hosts City Carton Recycling. For the deposit bottle bill statewide, the Iowa DNR maintains an approved-redemption-center list that includes WCDC.
When planning a trip to the Washington County Recycling Center on Lexington Blvd, note the early Saturday closing time of noon and the weekday 4 PM cutoff — both earlier than the city's business day ends. Appliance and tire fees vary; call (319) 653-6373 before bringing those items to confirm current charges. WCDC's Thursday extended hours (until 7 PM) are the only evening option in Washington for can redemption, useful for workers who cannot make daytime drop-offs during the week. See the Iowa recycling directory for additional drop-off locations statewide.
All Recycling Centers in Washington
Recycling Centers in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Recycling in Washington
Where can I return deposit cans and bottles in Washington, Iowa?
WCDC Redemption Center at 702 E Washington St pays Iowa's 5-cent deposit refund for eligible cans and bottles. Hours: Mon–Wed and Fri 10 AM–5 PM, Thu 10 AM–7 PM, Sat 9 AM–noon. Call (319) 863-7017 for questions.
Can Washington city residents use the Washington County Recycling Center on Lexington Blvd?
No — the Washington County Recycling Center at 2170 Lexington Blvd is reserved for rural Washington County residents. City of Washington residents are not eligible to dispose of household trash there. City residents have curbside collection and should contact city hall for service details.
Does Washington County Recycling accept glass bottles and jars?
No. Glass is not accepted at the Washington County Recycling Center. For glass deposit bottles, bring them to WCDC Redemption Center at 702 E Washington St if they carry the Iowa deposit mark and qualify for the 5-cent refund.
Are there recycling centers near Washington, Iowa?
Yes. Iowa City to the north has two drop-off facilities with broader material acceptance. Mount Pleasant to the south has City Carton Recycling. The Iowa recycling directory lists additional centers by city and material.