Johnson County Waste Reduction

and Recycling Guide

Reduce.
Reuse.
Recycle.
Compost.
Buy recycled.

Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center

3900 Hebl Avenue SW
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-356-5185
2008

wpd/landfill/waste.recyclingguide
Do-it-yourself:
• DO NOT pour paint down the drain or throw it in the trash in liquid
form.
• Small amounts of latex (water-based) paint can be dried in its
container or spread on cardboard lined with newspaper and left to dry
in well-ventilated area away from any ignition sources. When dried,
throw it away as trash.
• If paint has separated and cannot be mixed, place liquids in small
amount of absorbent material in cardboard box, such as clay-based
kitty litter or shredded newspaper.
• Let material dry in well-ventilated area away from any ignition
sources. Let sludge at bottom dry, too. Once all dry, it can be thrown
away as trash.
Pallets
IC Landfill & Recycling Center
Styrofoam (packing peanuts, etc.)
Mailboxes of Iowa City, 319-354-2113
Plastic containers (#1-#7)
Johnson County drop-off recycling sites (see page 16)
Plastic Grocery Bags
Hy-Vee — 1720 Waterfront Drive, Iowa City, 354-7601
1201 N. Dodge, Iowa City, 354-9223
812 South 1st Ave, Iowa City, 338-9758
Lantern Park Plaza, Coralville, 351-5523
Wal-Mart & Wal-Mart Super Center —
1001 Hwy. 1 W., Iowa City, 337-3116
2801 Commerce Dr., Coralville, 545-6400
Televisions & Electronics
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (see e-waste information on page 5)
Midwest Electronic Recovery, 100 3rd St. N, Walford, 319-845-2001,
www.ewasterecycle.com
Tires
IC Landfill & Recycling Center [$0.07 per pound OR ($3 minimum)]
Firestone Tire & Service Center, 231 E. Burlington St., Iowa City, 338-
5649, $2/tire
Linder Tire Service ($2 per tire, prices subject to change)
632 S. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, 337-4163
55 Commercial Drive, North Liberty, 626-8980
Toner Cartridges
Iowa Recycling Association, 2742 SE Market St., Des Moines, 50317,
515-265-1596, contact for postage-paid return envelopes. http://www.
iowarecycles.org/
32
Thanks for checking out the Johnson County Waste Reduction
and Recycling Guide. Besides useful information about recycling
options in Iowa City, Johnson County, and the communities of
Riverside and Kalona, this guide contains helpful information
about other waste disposal policies and services available at
the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center. If you have any
questions, please feel free to check out the landfill link on the
World Wide Web at www.icgov.org/landfill, call the landfill at 319-
356-5185, or call the recycling coordinator at 319-887-6160.
Specific questions about Iowa City curbside collection of
trash, recycling, and yardwaste may be directed to the Refuse
Department at 319-356-5180, or see http://www.icgov.org/garbage/
index.htm.
Individual communities in Johnson County may also have websites
with specific collection information for your community.
http://www.coralville.org
http://www.north-liberty.com
http://www.solon-iowa.com
http://www.hills-ia.org/
http://www.tiffinia.net/
http://www.university-heights.org/
http://www.swisheria.org/
http://www.lonetreeiowa.com/
http://www.kalonaiowa.org/
Johnson County Refuse, Inc., owned by Steve and Kandy Smith,
can also provide information about recycling and refuse collection
in many small communities in Johnson County. http://www.
johnsoncountyrefuse.com/index.html or 319-665-4498.
1
Clothing Table of Contents
Goodwill Stores Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center Location and Hours..................5
985 E. Pepperwood Plaza, Iowa City, 337-3548 Items Accepted at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center.............6
2551 Heartland Pl., Coralville. 545-6581 Available Products...................................................................................6
Salvation Army, 1116 Gilbert Court, Iowa City, drop box in parking lot Johnson County Solid Waste Management Activities ............................7
open 24 hours Landfill Reduction Goals.........................................................................8
See “Consignment” in the telephone book Landfill bans set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.............8
Amount and Composition of Garbage in Johnson County .....................9
Computers & Electronics Why does waste reduction, reuse, and recycling matter? .....................10
Fostering Technology, Inc., REDUCE… ......................................................................................... 11
http://www.fosteringtechnology.org/index.html REUSE… . ...........................................................................................12
(computers only) RECYCLE….........................................................................................13
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (see e-waste information on page 6) CLOSE THE LOOP…buy recycled! . .................................................13
Midwest Electronic Recovery, 100 3rd St. N, Walford, 319-845-2001, Waste Reduction and Recycling in Iowa City.......................................14
www.ewasterecycle.com Off-site services.....................................................................................14
WiderNet Project (University of Iowa), 319-335-2200, East Side Recycling Center....................................................................15
http://www.widernet.org/
Johnson County drop-site recycling locations.......................................16
(computers only)
Other Services associated with the Landfill & Recycling Center..........17
Salvage Barn
Corrugated Cardboard
Furniture Project
Johnson County drop-off recycling sites (see page 16)
ReStore
Household Hazardous Waste.................................................................19
Electronics
What is Household Hazardous Waste?............................................19
Fostering Technology, Inc.,
http://www.fosteringtechnology.org/index.html How to use the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.........20
(computers only) Other HHW Services.......................................................................20
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (see e-waste information on page 7) Acceptable Items....................................................................................21
Midwest Electronic Recovery, 100 3rd St. N, Walford, 319-845-2001, Prescription Medications.................................................................22
www.ewasterecycle.com Sharps and Non-Infectious Medical Waste.....................................22
WiderNet Project (University of Iowa), 319-335-2200, Recipes for Alternative Cleaning Solutions...........................................23
http://www.widernet.org/ Reducing hazardous waste from home gardening.................................25
(computers only) Home Composting.................................................................................26
Vermicomposting...................................................................................27
Furniture/Housewares Illegal Waste Dumping...........................................................................28
Furniture Project (see page 17) Other Recycling Options........................................................................29
Goodwill Stores Eliminate Junk Mail...............................................................................33
985 E. Pepperwood Plaza, Iowa City, 337-3548
2551 Heartland Pl., Coralville. 545-6581

30 3
 inclement weather or high winds.
NOTE: the landfill will close in the event of a
not given in this case.
Illegal Waste Dumping Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center Location and
Illegal dumping is an offense that can carry fines up Hours
to $10,000 with jail time. 3900 Hebl Avenue SW
2 miles west of Iowa City on Melrose
What is it? Avenue (County Road F-46)
Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste anywhere Phone: 319-356-5185
other than the landfill. This includes anything from Fax: 319-356-5186
yard waste to residential waste, old appliances to www.icgov.org/landfill
junk cars, tires to demolition waste.
Why does it matter? Hours:
According to the organization Keep Iowa Beautiful: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday
Not sure what to do when you get to the La
Besides costing Iowa taxpayers millions of dollars each year for cleanup, through Saturday If you’re visiting the Landfill & Recycling Ce
illegal dumping also poses a threat to both the environment and public Closed on all major holidays. the scale and when it’s your turn, pull up to th
health and safety. Objects dumped along roadways can be hazardous to At the discretion of landfill staff, the landfill may close on days with
ask any questions you might have. The scalem
travel. Hazardous waste streams can seep into the ground and eventually
into water sources. Dumping sites can become breeding grounds for in- exceptionally inclement weather or highdifferent
winds. materials.
sects and rodents. And, they diminish the beauty and quality of life near NOTE: the landfill will close in the event of a tornado warning;
these areas. See www.keepiowabeautiful.com. notification of closure is not given in this case.
Landfill service area
How do I report illegal dumping or littering? Not sure what to do when you get Johnson County
Call the No Litter Hotline to the Landfill? City of Kalona
City of Riverside
You can now help Keep Iowa Beautiful by reporting littering and illegal If you’re visiting the Landfill & No waste will be accepted from outside this se
dumping to the 1-888-No-Littr (665-4887) hotline. The hotline also Recycling Center for the first time, from other DNR-approved comprehensive pla
offers information on how to adopt a roadway, park, river, lake or other just join the line for the scale and All wastes produced in this service must be di
public area.
when it’s your turn, pull up to the Recycling Center (ICLF) unless written autho
County and rural communities silver silo to talk to the scalemaster DNR-approved comprehensive plan areas has
Contact the Sheriff’s Office routine business line at 319-356-6020. and ask any questions you might have. The scalemaster will direct you
where you go with different materials.
Coralville
Contact the Coralville Police Department at 319-248-1800.
Landfill service area
Coralville Lake
Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 319-338-3543. Johnson County
City of Kalona
Iowa City City of Riverside
Contact the Iowa City Police Department’s routine business line at 319-
356-5275. No waste will be accepted from outside this service area unless written
authorization from other DNR-approved comprehensive plan areas has
Lake MacBride
Contact the Environmental Protection Division at 319-653-2135. been received in advance.

For more information see the following websites All wastes produced in this service area must be disposed of at the Iowa
http://www.iowadnr.com/waste/sw/illdump.html City Landfill & Recycling Center (ICLF) unless written authorization
www.keepiowabeautiful.com from ICLF and the destination DNR-approved comprehensive plan areas
has been received in advance.

28 5
Items Accepted at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center
(as of January 1, 2007)
Trash disposal:
$38.50 per ton (Iowa City residents)
Minimum: $3 for any load less than 140 pounds
(approximately $0.50 for each additional 20 pounds over
140 pounds)
$43.50 per ton (Non-Iowa City residents)
Minimum: $3.25 for any load less than 140 pounds
Other disposal or recycling:
Appliances $12.50 per appliance
$1 per cubic foot for large commercial appliances
$30 per crushed appliance
Asbestos—Friable City: $100 per cubic yard
County: $105 per cubic yard
$100 minimum
Asbestos—Non-friable City: $100 per ton
County: $105 per ton
$100 minimum
Compostable materials $24 per ton for commercial haulers or businesses
$2 minimum for untreated lumber
Contaminated soil $15 per ton ($150 minimum)
Electronic waste $5.00 per computer or TV with 18” screen or
smaller
$10.00 per computer or TV with larger than 18”
screen
$0.25/lb. bulk e-waste (including monitors)
*$2.00 minimum: miscellaneous without a monitor
Tires $0.07 per pound OR ($3 minimum)
Wood Waste $24 per ton must be clean and untreated ($2
minimum)
Free disposal for residents
Yard waste Where can I get worms?
Recycling: paper, glass, metal, plastic, cardboard
Scrap iron
Used oil
Household hazardous waste: by appointment only
Available Products
Bulk compost $10 per ton; minimum charge $1 (200 lb.)
Bulk wood chip mulch no charge; customer may need to load your own
Paints, cleaners, etc. no charge; located at Swap Shop
6 27
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is the use of worms to break down organic materials
such as food waste from the kitchen. Red worms (eisenia foetide), which
are related to earthworms (lumbricus terrestris), digest organic material
into excellent compost. Red worms naturally live in decaying leaf
matter, compost piles, or manure just above the ground’s surface.
Vermicomposting at home:
Red worms prefer darkness, so keep worms in a dark
container with a lid. A shallow plastic storage bin about 8-12
inches deep with drainage holes works best. The best bedding
for red worms is shredded newspaper; white paper can also be
used but avoid glossy advertisements and magazines. Keep
the newspaper moist but not soggy. The bedding should be at
least 6 inches deep after moistening. Holes on the bottom of the bin will
allow excess water to drain out. This water, or “compost tea,” can be
used as a natural concentrated fertilizer for plants.
Worms have gizzards and need a small amount of gritty material to help
grind up food waste, so add several cups of soil to the bin. Two thousand
worms weighing about two pounds can digest up to one pound of food
waste per day. Any plant food waste can be put into the bin, but avoid
placing animal products (meats, bones, cheese, dairy) into the bin. Stick
to the one pound of food per day so as not to overload the system.
What can I feed my worms?
vegetable trimmings or peelings apple cores
banana peels spoiled leftovers (except dairy or
coffee grounds with filter meat)
NOTE: Too much citrus fruit scraps or peelings may be harmful to your
worms—it’s better to avoid feeding citrus fruit scraps to worms.
Red worms can be purchased online, at many local bait shops, or at the
D&D Worm Ranch in Swisher, Iowa. D&D Worm Ranch is currently the
only commercial vermicomposting facility in Iowa.
D&D Worm Ranch
Deb Hoffman
1450 Squirrel Ridge Rd NW
Swisher, IA 52338
319-857-478
www.dndwormranch.com
Home Composting

City picks up branches for no charge

What is compost?

$1 sticker for 33-gallon bag OR

$1 sticker for 33-gallon bag OR

$1.25 sticker per 39-gallon bag

2 day Christmas tree pick up in

$1.25 sticker for 33-gallon bag

$1.25 sticker for 33-gallon bag

$1.25 sticker for 33-gallon bag
Compost is organic material broken down through the decay of plant or

$1 sticker for 40-gallon bag

vegetable matter such as that from kitchen scraps and grass clippings. It

2 day leaf pick-up in fall

improves the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and can

City contracts service

1 bundle brush/week
be used as a soil amendment in flower beds, vegetable gardens, around new

$20 annual sticker

$20 annual sticker

$1 sticker per bag

varies by hauler
trees or shrubs, or for starting seeds. Compost also helps conserve moisture,
prevents erosion and reduces weed growth.

Yard Waste

No charge:

January
How do I make compost?
1. First you need a compost bin. It can be made from snow fence, woven
wire, blocks of brick, pallets, or even from a barrel with the bottom cut
out and holes in the side for circulation.

$8.50/month on sewer bill

$4.20/ month on utility bill

included in garbage rates

included in garbage rates

included in garbage rates

no fee for residents (paid

$3.10/month on utility bill

$4.50/month on utility bill

$4.05/month on utility bill
$4.50/month on utility bill
2. Aim for a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 25 to 1. For a carbon source, add
6 inches of leaves, shredded cardboard, or other woody materials. To

for by City of U.H.)

speed decomposition, chop or shred the materials.

varies by hauler
3. Add water until the materials are saturated.

Recycling
4. For a nitrogen source, add 2-3 inches of grass clippings, vegetable
scraps, garden waste, or manure.
5. To ensure rapid bacteria multiplication, mix the 2 layers. Then cover it
with 2 inches of dirt. This adds microorganisms and controls odors.
6. Repeat the layering/watering process until pile is 4 feet high.

$0.50 sticker for 15-gallon bag OR

$9.35/month for 1 container/week

7. Mix /turn the pile weekly and periodically sprinkle it with water to keep

$1 sticker for 33-gallon bag OR

$1 sticker for 20-gallon bag OR

$9.90 per month (2 cans/week)

(larger bags require 2 stickers)

$0.95 sticker for 20-gallon bag
larger bags require 2 stickers

larger bags require 2 stickers

larger bags require 2 stickers

larger bags require 2 stickers

larger bags require 2 stickers

$9.00 per month on utility bill
$1 sticker for each add'l bag
it moist. Within 3-6 months the compost pile is ready to use.

$1 sticker per 33 gallon bag

$1 sticker for 20-gallon bag

$1 sticker for 20-gallon bag

up to $45 for annual sticker

$1 sticker for 20-gallon bag

$52 annual sticker for can

8. You may want to have several piles going at once ensure compost is
ready when you need it.

$10 per month AND

Compostable materials

varies by hauler
Johnson County Solid Waste Management Activities
Brown (carbon) Green (nitrogen)

(50 lb. limit)

wood chips grass clippings

Garbage
sawdust garden trimmings
dried leaves fresh hay
chopped cornstalks kitchen scraps
shredded cardboard vegetable trimmings
straw tea bags, coffee grounds

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse
individually contracted
NOTE: Composting meat, fats, oils, greases, or dairy products may attract
animals or pests. If you choose to compost these materials, cover the pile
City of Coralville

City of Iowa City

with leaves, grass clippings, or a thin layer of dirt to avoid pests and odors.
How is compost applied?
Hauler

• Add 1-2 inches of compost to top 6-8 inches of topsoil; mix in to

improve soil quality.
• Apply a 3-6 inch layer of compost around base of new trees or shrubbery.

U. Heights
Shueyville
Lone Tree
Coralville

Iowa City

Swisher
• Use compost as a mulch to add nutrients and improve soil structure.

Liberty

Oxford

Solon
North

Tiffin
See www.mastercomposter.com for more information
City

Hills

26 7
Landfill Reduction Goals
Iowa’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Act of 1989 provided for the
prohibition of yard waste, oil, lead acid batteries, and tires from landfills.
It also established solid waste reduction goals of 25% by July 1, 1994,
and 50% by July 1, 2000. The waste reduction goals are based on the
amount of solid waste entering the landfill as of July 1, 1988. Since this
date the Iowa City Landfill has reduced its waste by approximately 35%,
meeting the 1994 goal. We continue to work towards the goal of 50%
and beyond.
Landfill bans set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Appliances
Lead acid batteries (auto)
Oil
Tires
Yard waste
The ICLF takes these materials but does not landfill them. Recycling or
proper disposal options exist for each material. Citizens may bring ap-
pliances, batteries, oil, tires, and yard waste for disposal at any time; the
scalemaster will direct you where each item goes.
Reducing hazardous waste from home gardening
Studies have shown that synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and
fertilizers are a significant source of hazardous waste from
households. You can reduce the amounts of these chemicals
on your lawn by using organic gardening techniques. Organic
gardening methods include:
• using natural predators and other biological controls
• planting pest-resistant, climate-friendly and native species
• using natural fertilizer
• using least-toxic pesticides selectively and only when
necessary
Check the internet or your local library for sources with valuable
information on synthetic chemical free gardening.

Special Wastes, including asbestos-containing materials and petro-

leum-contaminated soil

Please call at least ONE WORKING DAY in advance if you have special
waste, including asbestos-containing materials and petroleum-contami-
nated soil for procedures and information.

8 25
Insect Repellent Amount and Composition of Garbage in Johnson County
ANTS: wash counter, floors, etc., with a mixture of ½ vinegar and ½ water. You In 2006, the Iowa City Landfill took in 123,966.48 tons of trash. Based
can also grow pennyroyal, southernwood or tansy around your home. Page
on 9the
(in2005
place of “estimated
Department tonsResource’s
of Natural of material landfill
statewide in 2005…”)
characterization
FLEAS & TICKS: add 1 tsp. vinegar to 1 quart water per 40 lbs. pet weight to of waste, the following breakdown is a good estimate of amounts of each
bathe pet. type of waste.
MOSQUITOES: plant tansy or basil around your yard. Burn citronella candles
or wear citronella. Encourage natural predators such as dragonflies.
Mildew Cleaner
Scrub with baking soda or borax; for extended mold inhibition, do not rinse off.
Oven Cleaner
• Scrub with 2 tbsp. or more of baking soda or borax in 1 gallon water, using
very fine steel wool. Wear gloves. For very baked-on spots, try scrubbing
with pumice (available at hardware stores).
• As a last resort, use a non-aerosol oven cleaner that says “no caustic fumes”
and “no lye.”
Rug and Upholstery Cleaner
Use the All-Purpose Household Cleaner.
Scouring Powder
Use baking soda or a non-chlorinated commercial scouring powder.
Spot Removers
ALL PURPOSE: Mix ¼ cup borax in 2 cups cold water; soak stain, wash as
usual.
BLOOD: pour 3% hydrogen peroxide solution directly on stain, rinse with water,
wash
INK: Apply a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar; allow it to dry, wash as Some waste highlights:
usual.
Stain Removers (page 14: all33%
new text,
Papernew graph)
products, including tons of recyclable paper
RUST: scrub with lemon juice mixed with salt Waste Reduction and Recycling in Iowa make
and unwaxed cardboard, City up a full one-third of
GRASS: scrub with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wash thoroughly materials going into the Iowa City Landfill.
BLOOD: sponge immediately with cold water or club soda. In 2006, the City of Iowa City recycled approximately 2,027.5 tons of materia
CHOCOLATE: before washing, soak in club soda, rub shortening into stain, and 15% Plastics make up 15% of the waste stream. Much of
wash as usual. Apply milk to stain to keep it from setting. curb-side collection these
and numerous drop-off sites located around the communit
16,890 tons of material are recyclable.
PERSPIRATION: sponge stains with white vinegar or lemon juice; or soak in (excluding the privately-owned City Carton site). For a list of the drop-off site
water with two dissolved aspirins. 16. Following11%
is a monthly
Institutions such as schools
breakdown and nursing
of recycling homes,
in Iowa City.
STAINLESS STEEL SINKS: rub with olive oil to remove streaks grocery stores, restaurants, and homes contribute
12,000 tons of food waste annually to the landfill.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
With2006
few exceptions,
Iowa Citythis material is compostable.
Recycling
Scrub with baking soda or mild detergent.
8% While some wood is treated with chemicals that make
Tub/Tile Cleaner
Use scouring powder or baking soda. 200 it unsafe to burn, much of the 9,068 tons of wood the
landfill receives each year could be used as fuel or
WARNING: Borax is the most caustic of the cleaners on this list. Store it with ground for mulch.
special care in cabinets out of the reach of children and use it well diluted. 150
onnage

Latex gloves are advisable. DROP SITES

24 100 9
CURBSIDE
Why does waste reduction, reuse, and recycling matter?
• Waste reduction, recycling, and composting save landfill space.
Every ton of material recycled saves landfill space, valued at
approximately $25 per cubic yard. Each time a new area of the
landfill, called a “cell,” is excavated and lined to receive waste, it
costs millions of dollars. Saving space delays new cells, therefore
saving money for the City and you.
• Save yourself money…if everyone were allowed to have unlimited
trash picked up at the curb, the City would have to charge much
more for trash collection and disposal.
• Most of the materials we throw away are recyclable. So, we pay to
purchase these materials, then we pay to throw them away.
• Keeping materials in the “loop” by recycling means less excavation
of new “virgin” materials such as ore for metals, bauxite for
aluminum, trees for paper, and petroleum for plastics. This means
less environmental degradation and energy use for excavation and
processing; using less energy results in less global climate change.
• Global climate change. Keeping materials out of the landfill reduces
methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times stronger than carbon dioxide.
Methane is produced as materials break down in oxygen-depleted
environments, such as in the landfill. Less trash means less methane
to contribute to global climate change.
So what can you do to help? Where are the recycling facilities nearest
you? What else can you do?
Read on…
10
Recipes for Alternative Cleaning Solutions
Air Freshener
• Leave open boxes of baking soda in refrigerators, closets and
bathrooms.
• Open doors and windows for good ventilation. Use stove fan when
cooking.
• Use flowers, herbs and spices to add subtle fragrances to indoor air.
All-Purpose Household Cleaner
1 quart warm water 1 tsp. liquid soap
1 tsp. borax squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar
This solution can be used for a multitude of cleaning jobs including
countertops, floors, walls, rugs and upholstery.
Degreaser (engine and tool)
Use a water-based cleaner in place of kerosene, turpentine or commercial
degreaser.
Degreaser (kitchen)
Use a non-chlorinated scouring powder with abrasive scouring pad or fine
steel wool.
Disinfectant
Use ½ cup borax in 1gallon hot water. To inhibit mold and mildew, do
not rinse off borax solution.
Drain Opener
½ cup baking soda 1 cup vinegar boiling water
Dissolve baking soda and vinegar in boiling water, and pour the solution
down the drain. Continue to flush with hot tap water until the clog
breaks.
Floor Cleaner
VINYL: ½ cup vinegar or ¼ cup borax with 1 gallon water. Polish with
club soda.
WOOD: damp mop with mild vegetable oil soap.
Furniture Polish
Use mineral oil or mixture of 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp white vinegar and 1
qt. warm water; apply and wipe dry.
Glass Cleaner
¼ cup vinegar in 1 quart warm water. (Do not use this as a windshield
wiper solution as it may damage the pump - use plain water for this
purpose.)
23
Prescription Medications
Expired or unused medications may be disposed of with household
hazardous waste by calling the Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Facility at the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center at 356-5185 to
make an appointment.
Sharps and Non-Infectious Medical Waste
Americans use over one billion sharp objects in their homes. If not
disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, they pose a risk to trash
handlers and to the environment. To help prevent injury, illness, and
pollution, please follow these steps when disposing of sharp objects.
Place:
• Needles
• Syringes
• Lancets and other sharp objects
in a hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on or tightly secure
lid. The container should be clearly marked, puncture resistant, and
leakproof. Usable containers include coffee cans with reinforced or
taped lids, commercial sharps containers, or plastic detergent bottles
with screw caps. Contact your local pharmacy for a commercial sharps
container.
Sharps may be disposed of as household hazardous waste by calling the
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at the Iowa City Landfill
& Recycling Center at 356-5185 to make an appointment.
Please place non-infectious medical waste, such as:
• Soiled bandages
• Disposable sheets
• Medical gloves
in securely fastened plastic bags before you put them in the garbage can
with other trash.
22
REDUCE…
Waste reduction is the BEST way to keep materials out of the landfill,
keep the environment intact, and keep money in your pocket! Reduce or
eliminate the need to deal with waste by working to incorporate the fol-
lowing habits into your routine.
• Use alternative cleaning solutions instead of chemicals (see pages
23-24 for more information and recipes for alternatives)
• Use tote bags at the store to reduce the use of disposable plastic or
paper bags.
• Purchase reusable items over disposable items:
m Plates, cups, and cutlery at home and work
m Diapers
m Napkins
m Refill packets
• Buy in bulk to avoid excess packaging (definitely avoid single-
serving packaging!).
• For special occasions, give one or two meaningful gifts instead of a
host of things no one will use or play with.
• Eliminate junk mail (see page 33 for more information!)
11

REUSE…
Reusing and sharing items with others to reuse can keep tons of durable
goods out of the waste stream.
• Use comics or material scraps to wrap gifts instead of purchasing
wrapping paper (most of which cannot be recycled) or save gift bags
to use next year.
• Use rechargeable batteries.
• Use both sides of paper (then recycle or compost it!).
• Use a regular coffee cup or travel mug at work or school.
• Reuse jars or coffee cans as storage containers for sewing supplies,
board game pieces, nuts and bolts, etc.
• Try your hand at crafts by making things out of material scraps.
“Crazy quilts” made from odd-shaped pieces of material can be a
great family project.
• Visit the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore to purchase
reusable building materials, used appliances, and many other great
finds! See page 18.
• Visit the Salvage Barn to purchase reusable and historical building
materials. See page 17.
12
Acceptable Items:
Hazardous products can be found throughout the home. Look in the
kitchen, bathroom, basement, and garage for the following items:
Bathroom Kitchen Lawn/Garden
toilet bowl cleaner floor care products weed killer
mildew remover furniture polish pesticides
abrasive cleaners metal polish bug spray
disinfectant oven cleaner fertilizer
hair remover stain remover
prescription medications drain cleaner
sharps (see page 20)
non-infectious medical waste (see page 20)
Workshop Garage Miscellaneous
paint brake fluid photo developers
adhesives transmission fluid pool chemicals
glue engine degreaser shoe polish
resin battery acid art supply chemicals
solvents lighter fluid moth balls
strippers kerosene nail polish and remover
varnishes, stains gasoline syringes
thinners re-chargeable batteries
Dispose of empty containers (fuel, pesticide, paint) and non-hazardous
wastes as trash.
Items NOT Accepted
There are a few materials the collection facility cannot accept:
Propane cylinders
Ammunition and explosives
Radioactive materials
Infectious medical waste
Fire extinguishers
Call 319-356-5185; Landfill staff will help you find a place to dispose of
these items.
21
How to use the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility:
The facility accepts hazardous materials free of charge from both urban
and rural residents of Johnson County. Residents of the communities of
Kalona and Riverside are also eligible to use the facility at no cost. The
facility is open by appointment only. Follow these steps:
• Take a quick inventory of items you want to dispose.
• Call the landfill office at 356-5185 (M-Sa, 7:00-4:30) to make an
appointment.
• Appointments are scheduled Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays, 7
a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Keep items in original containers; never mix materials together.
• Label unmarked containers.
• Transport materials in sturdy, leak-proof containers, preferably in the
trunk or truck bed. Cushion glass or breakable containers.
• Arrive at your appointment on time, pull up to the collection facility,
and remain in your vehicle.
• Landfill staff will be ready to serve you.
• Fill out the short survey.
THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE.
Other HHW Services
Landfill staff is available to schedule HHW mobile collection events
for groups such as neighborhood associations, Scout troops, church
or community groups, and communities or subdivisions in Johnson
County. Please call the recycling coordinator at 319-887-6160 for more
information regarding HHW mobile collection events.
Small businesses may call the Landfill at 356-5185 for more information
about using the HHW collection facility or to discuss mobile collections.
20
RECYCLE…
Recycling can keep materials out of the landfill, conserve valuable
natural resources, and save the energy it would take to excavate and
process new resources.
• Use City curb-side collection services or drop-off sites around town.
• Take scrap metal to the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center or
contact a scrap metal dealer.
• Encourage friends and neighbors to recycle.
• Take unwanted clothing and housewares to second-hand stores.
• Organize a neighborhood garage sale.
• Donate unwanted furniture to the Furniture Project. See page 17.
• Donate historically significant building materials to the Salvage
Barn. See page 17.
• Donate reusable appliances and building materials to the ReStore.
See page 18.
CLOSE THE LOOP…
buy recycled!
• Purchase items that have high post-consumer recycled content
(this means that the materials in the item have been reprocessed
from other materials, such as those collected curbside in many
communities across the country).
• Buy recycled paper towels, Kleenex, and bathroom tissue.
• Check out second-hand shops, garage sales, the ReStore, and the
Salvage Barn!
• Buy items that are not over-packaged.
13
Waste Reduction and Recycling in Iowa City Household Hazardous Waste
In 2006, the City of Iowa City recycled approximately 2,027.5 tons of The Household Hazard Waste Regional Collection Center is located
(page 14: all new text, new graph) at the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center. See the following
materials using
Waste curb-side
Reduction and collection
Recycling in and
Iowanumerous
City drop-off sites located
around the community (excluding the privately-owned City Carton site). information on the web: www.icgov.org/documents/ichhmbroc.pdf
In of
For a list 2006,
thethedrop-off
City of Iowa Citysee
sites, recycled
pageapproximately
16. 2,027.5 tons of materials using
curb-side collection and numerous drop-off sites located around the community, Make your home safer…
(excluding the privately-owned City Carton site). For a list of the drop-off sites, see page
Following
16. is a monthly
Following breakfodwn
is a monthly of ofrecycling
breakdown recycling ininIowa
Iowa City.
City. Proper disposal of household hazardous materials is important to the
safety of your home, as well as the environment. Reduce the risk of
poisonings, fires, and toxic chemical fumes by getting rid of unused or
2006 Iowa City Recycling unnecessary chemicals from your home. The collection facility accepts
200
items usually found in your basement and garage or under the kitchen
sink.
150
What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Tonnage

DROP SITES
100
CURBSIDE
Many products used in homes contain hazardous materials. Improper
50 disposal of these products may result in injury to people, pets, or
0
wildlife; cause fires; or contaminate groundwater. Products are
considered hazardous when they contain one or more of the following
Nov
Jan

June

July
Mar
Apr
Feb

Aug
Sept
Oct
May

Dec
characteristics:
Month
• Toxic – able to cause severe injury or death when inhaled, ingested
or absorbed through the skin. Examples include mothballs and
pesticides.
Off-site services • Corrosive – capable of burning or destroying living tissue or material
by a chemical reaction. Examples include bleach, drain cleaner,
Special events recycling oven cleaner, and pool chemicals.
The ICLF offers the use of • Reactive – capable of exploding when exposed to heat, sudden
recycling containers for special shock, pressure, or incompatible substances. An example is a mixture
events. Please call the recycling of chlorine bleach and ammonia.
coordinator for more information at 319-887-6160. • Combustible – capable of being easily set on fire. Examples include
Household Hazardous Waste mobile collection events thinner, nail polish, and aerosol products. Most problems associated
with the use, storage, and disposal of a household hazardous material
The ICLF offers mobile collection events for neighborhoods and
can be avoided by following these steps:
surrounding communities. A two-month planning time is required. m Read the label before you buy the item. Look for safer, non-
Please call the recycling coordinator at 887-6160 for more details or toxic alternatives and avoid labels with words like DANGER,
to plan a mobile event. WARNING, and CAUTION.
CESQG mobile collections m Buy only the amount you need. Use the product according to

The ICLF offers mobile collection events for qualifying small label directions and completely use it up. Give unused portions to
someone who can use it.
businesses in Johnson County, Kalona, and Riverside. Please call the
m Store the item properly. Keep items in their original, labeled
landfill at 319-356-5185 for more information. containers and store away from children and pets.
Education: waste reduction and recycling m Dispose of hazardous products safely by calling the Household
Please call the recycling coordinator at 319-887-6160 to arrange for Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at the Iowa City Landfill &
waste reduction and recycling education presentations. Recycling Center at 356-5185 to make an appointment.

14 19
 City of Iowa City in 2006 to provide a site for citizens to reuse and recycle materials and
to learn about waste- and stormwater-related issues. The City will also use the space to
ReStore display urban stormwater best management practices and to host severalEast localSide
non-profit
Recycling Center
338-5687 agencies that play a role in waste reduction in the community. http://www.icgov.org/garbage/eastside.htm
http://www.ivhfh.org/restore/index.php
Currently, a recycling drop site is available. Anyone may recycle cardboard,
2401 Scott Blvd. SE, Iowa City The East Side Recycling Center, located at 2401 Scott Blvd. SE, was
paper/newspaper/magazines, brown/green glass, clear glass, #1-7 plastic (except
Sales hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday-Friday-Saturday purchased by the City of Iowa City in 2006 to provide a site for citizens
Styrofoam
Donations hours: and to
9:00 a.m. plastic bags),
4:00 p.m. and metal
Tuesday through(steel and aluminum cans). The site
Saturday alsoand
to reuse hosts the materials and to learn about waste- and stormwater-
recycle
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore (see page 18). related issues. The City will also use the space to display urban
Visit the ReStore to find great bargains on donated new and used building stormwater best management practices and to host several local non-
Future Plans for Development
materials. Proceeds benefit the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s profit agencies that play a role in waste reduction in the community.
home-building
Theprojects in eventually
site will Johnson, Cedar,
offerand Iowa environmental
a green Counties. education building,Currently, a recycling drop site is available. Anyone may recycle
an oil waste
Donations are tax deductible. See the website for a list of what the cardboard,
drop-off site, an electronic waste drop-off site, a pick-up station for compost and wood paper/newspaper/magazines, brown/green glass, clear glass,
ReStore is currently accepting.
chips, the Furniture Project and the Salvage Barn. #1-7 plastic (except Styrofoam and plastic bags), and metal (steel
and aluminum cans). The site also hosts the Iowa Valley Habitat for
Humanity’s ReStore (see page 18).

Future Plans for Development

Photo for page 18 The site will eventually offer a green environmental education building,
an oil waste drop-off site, an electronic waste drop-off site, a pick-
up station for compost and wood chips, the Furniture Project and the
Salvage Barn.

18 15
Johnson County drop-site recycling Other Services associated with the Iowa City Landfill
locations: & Recycling Center
24-hour drop-off sites Salvage Barn
Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center, 351-1875
3900 Hebl Avenue SW, Iowa City http://www.ic-fhp.org/salvagebarn.html
Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines email: salvagebarn@ic-fhp.org.
Cardboard Hours:
Glass (clear, brown and green) April through October: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., each Saturday
#1-#7 plastics November through March: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., first and third
Scrap metal Saturdays of the month
East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd. SE, Iowa City
Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines The Salvage Barn is a project of the non-profit organization Friends of
Cardboard Historic Preservation. The Salvage Barn sells salvaged architectural
Glass (clear, brown and green) materials ranging from hardware to staircases to clawfoot bathtubs! It is
#1-#7 plastics located at the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center. See the website or
Metal/tin cans call for more information.

Hy-Vee, 1201 N. Dodge, Iowa City Furniture Project

Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines 358-6800
Cardboard http://www.icgov.org/garbage/furnitureproject.htm
Glass (clear, brown and green)
#1-#7 plastics The Furniture Project is a program that collects and places good used
Metal/tin cans furniture, such as beds, dressers, tables and chairs, in local households
Hy-Vee Drugstore, at Rochester and 301 N. 1st Avenue, Iowa City in need at no cost. The program is managed by Successful Living, a
Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines local non-profit agency, and sponsored by the Iowa City Landfill and
Cardboard Recycling Center. Charitable tax receipts are available for donations.
#1-#7 plastics
Eastdale Plaza, 1st Ave. & Lower Muscatine, Iowa City If you’d like to donate items to the Furniture Project, you may do one of
Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines the following:
#1-#7 plastics 1. Call the Furniture Project/Successful Living to make an appointment
City Carton Recycling, Inc., 3 E. Benton, Iowa City to drop off furniture.
Newspaper 2. Call Furniture Project/Successful Living to schedule a pick-up
Mixed paper service for donated furniture. An appointment is needed and the cost
Cardboard, chipboard is $10.00.
Glass (clear, brown and green) 3. Take donated furniture to the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling
#1-#7 plastics Center. If you wish assistance in unloading, or, would like a
Telephone books charitable tax receipt, be sure to come to the Landfill before 3:00
Magazines PM. The regular landfill fee is waived for any furniture delivered for
the Furniture Project.

16 17
Johnson County drop-site recycling Other Services associated with the Iowa City Landfill
locations: & Recycling Center
24-hour drop-off sites Salvage Barn
Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center, 351-1875
3900 Hebl Avenue SW, Iowa City http://www.ic-fhp.org/salvagebarn.html
Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines email: salvagebarn@ic-fhp.org.
Cardboard Hours:
Glass (clear, brown and green) April through October: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., each Saturday
#1-#7 plastics November through March: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., first and third
Scrap metal Saturdays of the month
East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd. SE, Iowa City
Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines The Salvage Barn is a project of the non-profit organization Friends of
Cardboard Historic Preservation. The Salvage Barn sells salvaged architectural
Glass (clear, brown and green) materials ranging from hardware to staircases to clawfoot bathtubs! It is
#1-#7 plastics located at the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center. See the website or
Metal/tin cans call for more information.

Hy-Vee, 1201 N. Dodge, Iowa City Furniture Project

Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines 358-6800
Cardboard http://www.icgov.org/garbage/furnitureproject.htm
Glass (clear, brown and green)
#1-#7 plastics The Furniture Project is a program that collects and places good used
Metal/tin cans furniture, such as beds, dressers, tables and chairs, in local households
Hy-Vee Drugstore, at Rochester and 301 N. 1st Avenue, Iowa City in need at no cost. The program is managed by Successful Living, a
Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines local non-profit agency, and sponsored by the Iowa City Landfill and
Cardboard Recycling Center. Charitable tax receipts are available for donations.
#1-#7 plastics
Eastdale Plaza, 1st Ave. & Lower Muscatine, Iowa City If you’d like to donate items to the Furniture Project, you may do one of
Newspaper/mixed paper/magazines the following:
#1-#7 plastics 1. Call the Furniture Project/Successful Living to make an appointment
City Carton Recycling, Inc., 3 E. Benton, Iowa City to drop off furniture.
Newspaper 2. Call Furniture Project/Successful Living to schedule a pick-up
Mixed paper service for donated furniture. An appointment is needed and the cost
Cardboard, chipboard is $10.00.
Glass (clear, brown and green) 3. Take donated furniture to the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling
#1-#7 plastics Center. If you wish assistance in unloading, or, would like a
Telephone books charitable tax receipt, be sure to come to the Landfill before 3:00
Magazines PM. The regular landfill fee is waived for any furniture delivered for
the Furniture Project.

16 17
 City of Iowa City in 2006 to provide a site for citizens to reuse and recycle materials and
to learn about waste- and stormwater-related issues. The City will also use the space to
ReStore display urban stormwater best management practices and to host severalEast localSide
non-profit
Recycling Center
338-5687 agencies that play a role in waste reduction in the community. http://www.icgov.org/garbage/eastside.htm
http://www.ivhfh.org/restore/index.php
Currently, a recycling drop site is available. Anyone may recycle cardboard,
2401 Scott Blvd. SE, Iowa City The East Side Recycling Center, located at 2401 Scott Blvd. SE, was
paper/newspaper/magazines, brown/green glass, clear glass, #1-7 plastic (except
Sales hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday-Friday-Saturday purchased by the City of Iowa City in 2006 to provide a site for citizens
Styrofoam
Donations hours: and to
9:00 a.m. plastic bags),
4:00 p.m. and metal
Tuesday through(steel and aluminum cans). The site
Saturday alsoand
to reuse hosts the materials and to learn about waste- and stormwater-
recycle
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore (see page 18). related issues. The City will also use the space to display urban
Visit the ReStore to find great bargains on donated new and used building stormwater best management practices and to host several local non-
Future Plans for Development
materials. Proceeds benefit the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s profit agencies that play a role in waste reduction in the community.
home-building
Theprojects in eventually
site will Johnson, Cedar,
offerand Iowa environmental
a green Counties. education building,Currently, a recycling drop site is available. Anyone may recycle
an oil waste
Donations are tax deductible. See the website for a list of what the cardboard,
drop-off site, an electronic waste drop-off site, a pick-up station for compost and wood paper/newspaper/magazines, brown/green glass, clear glass,
ReStore is currently accepting.
chips, the Furniture Project and the Salvage Barn. #1-7 plastic (except Styrofoam and plastic bags), and metal (steel
and aluminum cans). The site also hosts the Iowa Valley Habitat for
Humanity’s ReStore (see page 18).

Future Plans for Development

Photo for page 18 The site will eventually offer a green environmental education building,
an oil waste drop-off site, an electronic waste drop-off site, a pick-
up station for compost and wood chips, the Furniture Project and the
Salvage Barn.

18 15
Waste Reduction and Recycling in Iowa City Household Hazardous Waste
In 2006, the City of Iowa City recycled approximately 2,027.5 tons of The Household Hazard Waste Regional Collection Center is located
(page 14: all new text, new graph) at the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center. See the following
materials using
Waste curb-side
Reduction and collection
Recycling in and
Iowanumerous
City drop-off sites located
around the community (excluding the privately-owned City Carton site). information on the web: www.icgov.org/documents/ichhmbroc.pdf
In of
For a list 2006,
thethedrop-off
City of Iowa Citysee
sites, recycled
pageapproximately
16. 2,027.5 tons of materials using
curb-side collection and numerous drop-off sites located around the community, Make your home safer…
(excluding the privately-owned City Carton site). For a list of the drop-off sites, see page
Following
16. is a monthly
Following breakfodwn
is a monthly of ofrecycling
breakdown recycling ininIowa
Iowa City.
City. Proper disposal of household hazardous materials is important to the
safety of your home, as well as the environment. Reduce the risk of
poisonings, fires, and toxic chemical fumes by getting rid of unused or
2006 Iowa City Recycling unnecessary chemicals from your home. The collection facility accepts
200
items usually found in your basement and garage or under the kitchen
sink.
150
What is Household Hazardous Waste?
Tonnage

DROP SITES
100
CURBSIDE
Many products used in homes contain hazardous materials. Improper
50 disposal of these products may result in injury to people, pets, or
0
wildlife; cause fires; or contaminate groundwater. Products are
considered hazardous when they contain one or more of the following
Nov
Jan

June

July
Mar
Apr
Feb

Aug
Sept
Oct
May

Dec
characteristics:
Month
• Toxic – able to cause severe injury or death when inhaled, ingested
or absorbed through the skin. Examples include mothballs and
pesticides.
Off-site services • Corrosive – capable of burning or destroying living tissue or material
by a chemical reaction. Examples include bleach, drain cleaner,
Special events recycling oven cleaner, and pool chemicals.
The ICLF offers the use of • Reactive – capable of exploding when exposed to heat, sudden
recycling containers for special shock, pressure, or incompatible substances. An example is a mixture
events. Please call the recycling of chlorine bleach and ammonia.
coordinator for more information at 319-887-6160. • Combustible – capable of being easily set on fire. Examples include
Household Hazardous Waste mobile collection events thinner, nail polish, and aerosol products. Most problems associated
with the use, storage, and disposal of a household hazardous material
The ICLF offers mobile collection events for neighborhoods and
can be avoided by following these steps:
surrounding communities. A two-month planning time is required. m Read the label before you buy the item. Look for safer, non-
Please call the recycling coordinator at 887-6160 for more details or toxic alternatives and avoid labels with words like DANGER,
to plan a mobile event. WARNING, and CAUTION.
CESQG mobile collections m Buy only the amount you need. Use the product according to

The ICLF offers mobile collection events for qualifying small label directions and completely use it up. Give unused portions to
someone who can use it.
businesses in Johnson County, Kalona, and Riverside. Please call the
m Store the item properly. Keep items in their original, labeled
landfill at 319-356-5185 for more information. containers and store away from children and pets.
Education: waste reduction and recycling m Dispose of hazardous products safely by calling the Household
Please call the recycling coordinator at 319-887-6160 to arrange for Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at the Iowa City Landfill &
waste reduction and recycling education presentations. Recycling Center at 356-5185 to make an appointment.

14 19
How to use the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility:
The facility accepts hazardous materials free of charge from both urban
and rural residents of Johnson County. Residents of the communities of
Kalona and Riverside are also eligible to use the facility at no cost. The
facility is open by appointment only. Follow these steps:
• Take a quick inventory of items you want to dispose.
• Call the landfill office at 356-5185 (M-Sa, 7:00-4:30) to make an
appointment.
• Appointments are scheduled Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays, 7
a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Keep items in original containers; never mix materials together.
• Label unmarked containers.
• Transport materials in sturdy, leak-proof containers, preferably in the
trunk or truck bed. Cushion glass or breakable containers.
• Arrive at your appointment on time, pull up to the collection facility,
and remain in your vehicle.
• Landfill staff will be ready to serve you.
• Fill out the short survey.
THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE.
Other HHW Services
Landfill staff is available to schedule HHW mobile collection events
for groups such as neighborhood associations, Scout troops, church
or community groups, and communities or subdivisions in Johnson
County. Please call the recycling coordinator at 319-887-6160 for more
information regarding HHW mobile collection events.
Small businesses may call the Landfill at 356-5185 for more information
about using the HHW collection facility or to discuss mobile collections.
20
RECYCLE…
Recycling can keep materials out of the landfill, conserve valuable
natural resources, and save the energy it would take to excavate and
process new resources.
• Use City curb-side collection services or drop-off sites around town.
• Take scrap metal to the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center or
contact a scrap metal dealer.
• Encourage friends and neighbors to recycle.
• Take unwanted clothing and housewares to second-hand stores.
• Organize a neighborhood garage sale.
• Donate unwanted furniture to the Furniture Project. See page 17.
• Donate historically significant building materials to the Salvage
Barn. See page 17.
• Donate reusable appliances and building materials to the ReStore.
See page 18.
CLOSE THE LOOP…
buy recycled!
• Purchase items that have high post-consumer recycled content
(this means that the materials in the item have been reprocessed
from other materials, such as those collected curbside in many
communities across the country).
• Buy recycled paper towels, Kleenex, and bathroom tissue.
• Check out second-hand shops, garage sales, the ReStore, and the
Salvage Barn!
• Buy items that are not over-packaged.
13

REUSE…
Reusing and sharing items with others to reuse can keep tons of durable
goods out of the waste stream.
• Use comics or material scraps to wrap gifts instead of purchasing
wrapping paper (most of which cannot be recycled) or save gift bags
to use next year.
• Use rechargeable batteries.
• Use both sides of paper (then recycle or compost it!).
• Use a regular coffee cup or travel mug at work or school.
• Reuse jars or coffee cans as storage containers for sewing supplies,
board game pieces, nuts and bolts, etc.
• Try your hand at crafts by making things out of material scraps.
“Crazy quilts” made from odd-shaped pieces of material can be a
great family project.
• Visit the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore to purchase
reusable building materials, used appliances, and many other great
finds! See page 18.
• Visit the Salvage Barn to purchase reusable and historical building
materials. See page 17.
12
Acceptable Items:
Hazardous products can be found throughout the home. Look in the
kitchen, bathroom, basement, and garage for the following items:
Bathroom Kitchen Lawn/Garden
toilet bowl cleaner floor care products weed killer
mildew remover furniture polish pesticides
abrasive cleaners metal polish bug spray
disinfectant oven cleaner fertilizer
hair remover stain remover
prescription medications drain cleaner
sharps (see page 20)
non-infectious medical waste (see page 20)
Workshop Garage Miscellaneous
paint brake fluid photo developers
adhesives transmission fluid pool chemicals
glue engine degreaser shoe polish
resin battery acid art supply chemicals
solvents lighter fluid moth balls
strippers kerosene nail polish and remover
varnishes, stains gasoline syringes
thinners re-chargeable batteries
Dispose of empty containers (fuel, pesticide, paint) and non-hazardous
wastes as trash.
Items NOT Accepted
There are a few materials the collection facility cannot accept:
Propane cylinders
Ammunition and explosives
Radioactive materials
Infectious medical waste
Fire extinguishers
Call 319-356-5185; Landfill staff will help you find a place to dispose of
these items.
21
Prescription Medications
Expired or unused medications may be disposed of with household
hazardous waste by calling the Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Facility at the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center at 356-5185 to
make an appointment.
Sharps and Non-Infectious Medical Waste
Americans use over one billion sharp objects in their homes. If not
disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, they pose a risk to trash
handlers and to the environment. To help prevent injury, illness, and
pollution, please follow these steps when disposing of sharp objects.
Place:
• Needles
• Syringes
• Lancets and other sharp objects
in a hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on or tightly secure
lid. The container should be clearly marked, puncture resistant, and
leakproof. Usable containers include coffee cans with reinforced or
taped lids, commercial sharps containers, or plastic detergent bottles
with screw caps. Contact your local pharmacy for a commercial sharps
container.
Sharps may be disposed of as household hazardous waste by calling the
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at the Iowa City Landfill
& Recycling Center at 356-5185 to make an appointment.
Please place non-infectious medical waste, such as:
• Soiled bandages
• Disposable sheets
• Medical gloves
in securely fastened plastic bags before you put them in the garbage can
with other trash.
22
REDUCE…
Waste reduction is the BEST way to keep materials out of the landfill,
keep the environment intact, and keep money in your pocket! Reduce or
eliminate the need to deal with waste by working to incorporate the fol-
lowing habits into your routine.
• Use alternative cleaning solutions instead of chemicals (see pages
23-24 for more information and recipes for alternatives)
• Use tote bags at the store to reduce the use of disposable plastic or
paper bags.
• Purchase reusable items over disposable items:
m Plates, cups, and cutlery at home and work
m Diapers
m Napkins
m Refill packets
• Buy in bulk to avoid excess packaging (definitely avoid single-
serving packaging!).
• For special occasions, give one or two meaningful gifts instead of a
host of things no one will use or play with.
• Eliminate junk mail (see page 33 for more information!)
11
Why does waste reduction, reuse, and recycling matter?
• Waste reduction, recycling, and composting save landfill space.
Every ton of material recycled saves landfill space, valued at
approximately $25 per cubic yard. Each time a new area of the
landfill, called a “cell,” is excavated and lined to receive waste, it
costs millions of dollars. Saving space delays new cells, therefore
saving money for the City and you.
• Save yourself money…if everyone were allowed to have unlimited
trash picked up at the curb, the City would have to charge much
more for trash collection and disposal.
• Most of the materials we throw away are recyclable. So, we pay to
purchase these materials, then we pay to throw them away.
• Keeping materials in the “loop” by recycling means less excavation
of new “virgin” materials such as ore for metals, bauxite for
aluminum, trees for paper, and petroleum for plastics. This means
less environmental degradation and energy use for excavation and
processing; using less energy results in less global climate change.
• Global climate change. Keeping materials out of the landfill reduces
methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times stronger than carbon dioxide.
Methane is produced as materials break down in oxygen-depleted
environments, such as in the landfill. Less trash means less methane
to contribute to global climate change.
So what can you do to help? Where are the recycling facilities nearest
you? What else can you do?
Read on…
10
Recipes for Alternative Cleaning Solutions
Air Freshener
• Leave open boxes of baking soda in refrigerators, closets and
bathrooms.
• Open doors and windows for good ventilation. Use stove fan when
cooking.
• Use flowers, herbs and spices to add subtle fragrances to indoor air.
All-Purpose Household Cleaner
1 quart warm water 1 tsp. liquid soap
1 tsp. borax squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar
This solution can be used for a multitude of cleaning jobs including
countertops, floors, walls, rugs and upholstery.
Degreaser (engine and tool)
Use a water-based cleaner in place of kerosene, turpentine or commercial
degreaser.
Degreaser (kitchen)
Use a non-chlorinated scouring powder with abrasive scouring pad or fine
steel wool.
Disinfectant
Use ½ cup borax in 1gallon hot water. To inhibit mold and mildew, do
not rinse off borax solution.
Drain Opener
½ cup baking soda 1 cup vinegar boiling water
Dissolve baking soda and vinegar in boiling water, and pour the solution
down the drain. Continue to flush with hot tap water until the clog
breaks.
Floor Cleaner
VINYL: ½ cup vinegar or ¼ cup borax with 1 gallon water. Polish with
club soda.
WOOD: damp mop with mild vegetable oil soap.
Furniture Polish
Use mineral oil or mixture of 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp white vinegar and 1
qt. warm water; apply and wipe dry.
Glass Cleaner
¼ cup vinegar in 1 quart warm water. (Do not use this as a windshield
wiper solution as it may damage the pump - use plain water for this
purpose.)
23
Insect Repellent Amount and Composition of Garbage in Johnson County
ANTS: wash counter, floors, etc., with a mixture of ½ vinegar and ½ water. You In 2006, the Iowa City Landfill took in 123,966.48 tons of trash. Based
can also grow pennyroyal, southernwood or tansy around your home. Page
on 9the
(in2005
place of “estimated
Department tonsResource’s
of Natural of material landfill
statewide in 2005…”)
characterization
FLEAS & TICKS: add 1 tsp. vinegar to 1 quart water per 40 lbs. pet weight to of waste, the following breakdown is a good estimate of amounts of each
bathe pet. type of waste.
MOSQUITOES: plant tansy or basil around your yard. Burn citronella candles
or wear citronella. Encourage natural predators such as dragonflies.
Mildew Cleaner
Scrub with baking soda or borax; for extended mold inhibition, do not rinse off.
Oven Cleaner
• Scrub with 2 tbsp. or more of baking soda or borax in 1 gallon water, using
very fine steel wool. Wear gloves. For very baked-on spots, try scrubbing
with pumice (available at hardware stores).
• As a last resort, use a non-aerosol oven cleaner that says “no caustic fumes”
and “no lye.”
Rug and Upholstery Cleaner
Use the All-Purpose Household Cleaner.
Scouring Powder
Use baking soda or a non-chlorinated commercial scouring powder.
Spot Removers
ALL PURPOSE: Mix ¼ cup borax in 2 cups cold water; soak stain, wash as
usual.
BLOOD: pour 3% hydrogen peroxide solution directly on stain, rinse with water,
wash
INK: Apply a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar; allow it to dry, wash as Some waste highlights:
usual.
Stain Removers (page 14: all33%
new text,
Papernew graph)
products, including tons of recyclable paper
RUST: scrub with lemon juice mixed with salt Waste Reduction and Recycling in Iowa make
and unwaxed cardboard, City up a full one-third of
GRASS: scrub with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wash thoroughly materials going into the Iowa City Landfill.
BLOOD: sponge immediately with cold water or club soda. In 2006, the City of Iowa City recycled approximately 2,027.5 tons of materia
CHOCOLATE: before washing, soak in club soda, rub shortening into stain, and 15% Plastics make up 15% of the waste stream. Much of
wash as usual. Apply milk to stain to keep it from setting. curb-side collection these
and numerous drop-off sites located around the communit
16,890 tons of material are recyclable.
PERSPIRATION: sponge stains with white vinegar or lemon juice; or soak in (excluding the privately-owned City Carton site). For a list of the drop-off site
water with two dissolved aspirins. 16. Following11%
is a monthly
Institutions such as schools
breakdown and nursing
of recycling homes,
in Iowa City.
STAINLESS STEEL SINKS: rub with olive oil to remove streaks grocery stores, restaurants, and homes contribute
12,000 tons of food waste annually to the landfill.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
With2006
few exceptions,
Iowa Citythis material is compostable.
Recycling
Scrub with baking soda or mild detergent.
8% While some wood is treated with chemicals that make
Tub/Tile Cleaner
Use scouring powder or baking soda. 200 it unsafe to burn, much of the 9,068 tons of wood the
landfill receives each year could be used as fuel or
WARNING: Borax is the most caustic of the cleaners on this list. Store it with ground for mulch.
special care in cabinets out of the reach of children and use it well diluted. 150
onnage

Latex gloves are advisable. DROP SITES

24 100 9
CURBSIDE
Landfill Reduction Goals
Iowa’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Act of 1989 provided for the
prohibition of yard waste, oil, lead acid batteries, and tires from landfills.
It also established solid waste reduction goals of 25% by July 1, 1994,
and 50% by July 1, 2000. The waste reduction goals are based on the
amount of solid waste entering the landfill as of July 1, 1988. Since this
date the Iowa City Landfill has reduced its waste by approximately 35%,
meeting the 1994 goal. We continue to work towards the goal of 50%
and beyond.
Landfill bans set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Appliances
Lead acid batteries (auto)
Oil
Tires
Yard waste
The ICLF takes these materials but does not landfill them. Recycling or
proper disposal options exist for each material. Citizens may bring ap-
pliances, batteries, oil, tires, and yard waste for disposal at any time; the
scalemaster will direct you where each item goes.
Reducing hazardous waste from home gardening
Studies have shown that synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and
fertilizers are a significant source of hazardous waste from
households. You can reduce the amounts of these chemicals
on your lawn by using organic gardening techniques. Organic
gardening methods include:
• using natural predators and other biological controls
• planting pest-resistant, climate-friendly and native species
• using natural fertilizer
• using least-toxic pesticides selectively and only when
necessary
Check the internet or your local library for sources with valuable
information on synthetic chemical free gardening.

Special Wastes, including asbestos-containing materials and petro-

leum-contaminated soil

Please call at least ONE WORKING DAY in advance if you have special
waste, including asbestos-containing materials and petroleum-contami-
nated soil for procedures and information.

8 25
Home Composting

City picks up branches for no charge

What is compost?

$1 sticker for 33-gallon bag OR

$1 sticker for 33-gallon bag OR

$1.25 sticker per 39-gallon bag

2 day Christmas tree pick up in

$1.25 sticker for 33-gallon bag

$1.25 sticker for 33-gallon bag

$1.25 sticker for 33-gallon bag
Compost is organic material broken down through the decay of plant or

$1 sticker for 40-gallon bag

vegetable matter such as that from kitchen scraps and grass clippings. It

2 day leaf pick-up in fall

improves the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and can

City contracts service

1 bundle brush/week
be used as a soil amendment in flower beds, vegetable gardens, around new

$20 annual sticker

$20 annual sticker

$1 sticker per bag

varies by hauler
trees or shrubs, or for starting seeds. Compost also helps conserve moisture,
prevents erosion and reduces weed growth.

Yard Waste

No charge:

January
How do I make compost?
1. First you need a compost bin. It can be made from snow fence, woven
wire, blocks of brick, pallets, or even from a barrel with the bottom cut
out and holes in the side for circulation.

$8.50/month on sewer bill

$4.20/ month on utility bill

included in garbage rates

included in garbage rates

included in garbage rates

no fee for residents (paid

$3.10/month on utility bill

$4.50/month on utility bill

$4.05/month on utility bill
$4.50/month on utility bill
2. Aim for a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 25 to 1. For a carbon source, add
6 inches of leaves, shredded cardboard, or other woody materials. To

for by City of U.H.)

speed decomposition, chop or shred the materials.

varies by hauler
3. Add water until the materials are saturated.

Recycling
4. For a nitrogen source, add 2-3 inches of grass clippings, vegetable
scraps, garden waste, or manure.
5. To ensure rapid bacteria multiplication, mix the 2 layers. Then cover it
with 2 inches of dirt. This adds microorganisms and controls odors.
6. Repeat the layering/watering process until pile is 4 feet high.

$0.50 sticker for 15-gallon bag OR

$9.35/month for 1 container/week

7. Mix /turn the pile weekly and periodically sprinkle it with water to keep

$1 sticker for 33-gallon bag OR

$1 sticker for 20-gallon bag OR

$9.90 per month (2 cans/week)

(larger bags require 2 stickers)

$0.95 sticker for 20-gallon bag
larger bags require 2 stickers

larger bags require 2 stickers

larger bags require 2 stickers

larger bags require 2 stickers

larger bags require 2 stickers

$9.00 per month on utility bill
$1 sticker for each add'l bag
it moist. Within 3-6 months the compost pile is ready to use.

$1 sticker per 33 gallon bag

$1 sticker for 20-gallon bag

$1 sticker for 20-gallon bag

up to $45 for annual sticker

$1 sticker for 20-gallon bag

$52 annual sticker for can

8. You may want to have several piles going at once ensure compost is
ready when you need it.

$10 per month AND

Compostable materials

varies by hauler
Johnson County Solid Waste Management Activities
Brown (carbon) Green (nitrogen)

(50 lb. limit)

wood chips grass clippings

Garbage
sawdust garden trimmings
dried leaves fresh hay
chopped cornstalks kitchen scraps
shredded cardboard vegetable trimmings
straw tea bags, coffee grounds

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse

Johnson County Refuse
individually contracted
NOTE: Composting meat, fats, oils, greases, or dairy products may attract
animals or pests. If you choose to compost these materials, cover the pile
City of Coralville

City of Iowa City

with leaves, grass clippings, or a thin layer of dirt to avoid pests and odors.
How is compost applied?
Hauler

• Add 1-2 inches of compost to top 6-8 inches of topsoil; mix in to

improve soil quality.
• Apply a 3-6 inch layer of compost around base of new trees or shrubbery.

U. Heights
Shueyville
Lone Tree
Coralville

Iowa City

Swisher
• Use compost as a mulch to add nutrients and improve soil structure.

Liberty

Oxford

Solon
North

Tiffin
See www.mastercomposter.com for more information
City

Hills

26 7
Items Accepted at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center
(as of January 1, 2007)
Trash disposal:
$38.50 per ton (Iowa City residents)
Minimum: $3 for any load less than 140 pounds
(approximately $0.50 for each additional 20 pounds over
140 pounds)
$43.50 per ton (Non-Iowa City residents)
Minimum: $3.25 for any load less than 140 pounds
Other disposal or recycling:
Appliances $12.50 per appliance
$1 per cubic foot for large commercial appliances
$30 per crushed appliance
Asbestos—Friable City: $100 per cubic yard
County: $105 per cubic yard
$100 minimum
Asbestos—Non-friable City: $100 per ton
County: $105 per ton
$100 minimum
Compostable materials $24 per ton for commercial haulers or businesses
$2 minimum for untreated lumber
Contaminated soil $15 per ton ($150 minimum)
Electronic waste $5.00 per computer or TV with 18” screen or
smaller
$10.00 per computer or TV with larger than 18”
screen
$0.25/lb. bulk e-waste (including monitors)
*$2.00 minimum: miscellaneous without a monitor
Tires $0.07 per pound OR ($3 minimum)
Wood Waste $24 per ton must be clean and untreated ($2
minimum)
Free disposal for residents
Yard waste Where can I get worms?
Recycling: paper, glass, metal, plastic, cardboard
Scrap iron
Used oil
Household hazardous waste: by appointment only
Available Products
Bulk compost $10 per ton; minimum charge $1 (200 lb.)
Bulk wood chip mulch no charge; customer may need to load your own
Paints, cleaners, etc. no charge; located at Swap Shop
6 27
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is the use of worms to break down organic materials
such as food waste from the kitchen. Red worms (eisenia foetide), which
are related to earthworms (lumbricus terrestris), digest organic material
into excellent compost. Red worms naturally live in decaying leaf
matter, compost piles, or manure just above the ground’s surface.
Vermicomposting at home:
Red worms prefer darkness, so keep worms in a dark
container with a lid. A shallow plastic storage bin about 8-12
inches deep with drainage holes works best. The best bedding
for red worms is shredded newspaper; white paper can also be
used but avoid glossy advertisements and magazines. Keep
the newspaper moist but not soggy. The bedding should be at
least 6 inches deep after moistening. Holes on the bottom of the bin will
allow excess water to drain out. This water, or “compost tea,” can be
used as a natural concentrated fertilizer for plants.
Worms have gizzards and need a small amount of gritty material to help
grind up food waste, so add several cups of soil to the bin. Two thousand
worms weighing about two pounds can digest up to one pound of food
waste per day. Any plant food waste can be put into the bin, but avoid
placing animal products (meats, bones, cheese, dairy) into the bin. Stick
to the one pound of food per day so as not to overload the system.
What can I feed my worms?
vegetable trimmings or peelings apple cores
banana peels spoiled leftovers (except dairy or
coffee grounds with filter meat)
NOTE: Too much citrus fruit scraps or peelings may be harmful to your
worms—it’s better to avoid feeding citrus fruit scraps to worms.
Red worms can be purchased online, at many local bait shops, or at the
D&D Worm Ranch in Swisher, Iowa. D&D Worm Ranch is currently the
only commercial vermicomposting facility in Iowa.
D&D Worm Ranch
Deb Hoffman
1450 Squirrel Ridge Rd NW
Swisher, IA 52338
319-857-478
www.dndwormranch.com
 inclement weather or high winds.
NOTE: the landfill will close in the event of a
not given in this case.
Illegal Waste Dumping Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center Location and
Illegal dumping is an offense that can carry fines up Hours
to $10,000 with jail time. 3900 Hebl Avenue SW
2 miles west of Iowa City on Melrose
What is it? Avenue (County Road F-46)
Illegal dumping is the disposal of waste anywhere Phone: 319-356-5185
other than the landfill. This includes anything from Fax: 319-356-5186
yard waste to residential waste, old appliances to www.icgov.org/landfill
junk cars, tires to demolition waste.
Why does it matter? Hours:
According to the organization Keep Iowa Beautiful: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday
Not sure what to do when you get to the La
Besides costing Iowa taxpayers millions of dollars each year for cleanup, through Saturday If you’re visiting the Landfill & Recycling Ce
illegal dumping also poses a threat to both the environment and public Closed on all major holidays. the scale and when it’s your turn, pull up to th
health and safety. Objects dumped along roadways can be hazardous to At the discretion of landfill staff, the landfill may close on days with
ask any questions you might have. The scalem
travel. Hazardous waste streams can seep into the ground and eventually
into water sources. Dumping sites can become breeding grounds for in- exceptionally inclement weather or highdifferent
winds. materials.
sects and rodents. And, they diminish the beauty and quality of life near NOTE: the landfill will close in the event of a tornado warning;
these areas. See www.keepiowabeautiful.com. notification of closure is not given in this case.
Landfill service area
How do I report illegal dumping or littering? Not sure what to do when you get Johnson County
Call the No Litter Hotline to the Landfill? City of Kalona
City of Riverside
You can now help Keep Iowa Beautiful by reporting littering and illegal If you’re visiting the Landfill & No waste will be accepted from outside this se
dumping to the 1-888-No-Littr (665-4887) hotline. The hotline also Recycling Center for the first time, from other DNR-approved comprehensive pla
offers information on how to adopt a roadway, park, river, lake or other just join the line for the scale and All wastes produced in this service must be di
public area.
when it’s your turn, pull up to the Recycling Center (ICLF) unless written autho
County and rural communities silver silo to talk to the scalemaster DNR-approved comprehensive plan areas has
Contact the Sheriff’s Office routine business line at 319-356-6020. and ask any questions you might have. The scalemaster will direct you
where you go with different materials.
Coralville
Contact the Coralville Police Department at 319-248-1800.
Landfill service area
Coralville Lake
Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 319-338-3543. Johnson County
City of Kalona
Iowa City City of Riverside
Contact the Iowa City Police Department’s routine business line at 319-
356-5275. No waste will be accepted from outside this service area unless written
authorization from other DNR-approved comprehensive plan areas has
Lake MacBride
Contact the Environmental Protection Division at 319-653-2135. been received in advance.

For more information see the following websites All wastes produced in this service area must be disposed of at the Iowa
http://www.iowadnr.com/waste/sw/illdump.html City Landfill & Recycling Center (ICLF) unless written authorization
www.keepiowabeautiful.com from ICLF and the destination DNR-approved comprehensive plan areas
has been received in advance.

28 5
Other Recycling Options
The following pages contain information about where to take specific
items or materials for reuse or recycling. Please call the recycling
coordinator at 319-887-6160 with any questions.

Aluminum cans (redeemable)

Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, accepts donated redeemable
aluminum cans; 338-5687, http://www.ivhfh.org/cans.php
Can Shed LLC, www.canshed.com
Iowa City: 611 Hollywood Blvd., 319-887-7055
Cedar Rapids: 4121 16th Ave. SW, 319-366-1300
Aluminum cans (non-redeemable)
Johnson County drop-off sites (see page 16)
Appliances
IC Landfill & Recycling Center: recycling and disposal of old or broken
appliances
ReStore (Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity): see page 18 for informa-
tion on how to donate working appliances
Architectural Salvage
Salvage Barn at IC Landfill & Recycling Center: 351-1875 (see page 17)
Auto Salvage
Johnson County Auto Recyclers
1160 Hwy. 1, Iowa City, 338-1003
4042 Izaak Walton Rd SE, IC, 351-9581
Russell Company, 2750 S. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, 338-8679
Batteries, automotive (lead acid)
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (see HHW information on page 19)
Firestone Tire & Service Center, 231 E. Burlington St., Iowa City, 338-
5649
Sears Automotive Center, 1491 27th Ave, Coralville, 625-2728
Batteries, household (including Ni-Cad, Lithium, rechargeable)
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (see HHW information on page 19)
++note: alkaline batteries may be thrown away with regular trash.
Cellular telephones
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (see HHW information on page 19)
Check with local cellular stores

29
Clothing Table of Contents
Goodwill Stores Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center Location and Hours..................5
985 E. Pepperwood Plaza, Iowa City, 337-3548 Items Accepted at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center.............6
2551 Heartland Pl., Coralville. 545-6581 Available Products...................................................................................6
Salvation Army, 1116 Gilbert Court, Iowa City, drop box in parking lot Johnson County Solid Waste Management Activities ............................7
open 24 hours Landfill Reduction Goals.........................................................................8
See “Consignment” in the telephone book Landfill bans set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.............8
Amount and Composition of Garbage in Johnson County .....................9
Computers & Electronics Why does waste reduction, reuse, and recycling matter? .....................10
Fostering Technology, Inc., REDUCE… ......................................................................................... 11
http://www.fosteringtechnology.org/index.html REUSE… . ...........................................................................................12
(computers only) RECYCLE….........................................................................................13
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (see e-waste information on page 6) CLOSE THE LOOP…buy recycled! . .................................................13
Midwest Electronic Recovery, 100 3rd St. N, Walford, 319-845-2001, Waste Reduction and Recycling in Iowa City.......................................14
www.ewasterecycle.com Off-site services.....................................................................................14
WiderNet Project (University of Iowa), 319-335-2200, East Side Recycling Center....................................................................15
http://www.widernet.org/
Johnson County drop-site recycling locations.......................................16
(computers only)
Other Services associated with the Landfill & Recycling Center..........17
Salvage Barn
Corrugated Cardboard
Furniture Project
Johnson County drop-off recycling sites (see page 16)
ReStore
Household Hazardous Waste.................................................................19
Electronics
What is Household Hazardous Waste?............................................19
Fostering Technology, Inc.,
http://www.fosteringtechnology.org/index.html How to use the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.........20
(computers only) Other HHW Services.......................................................................20
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (see e-waste information on page 7) Acceptable Items....................................................................................21
Midwest Electronic Recovery, 100 3rd St. N, Walford, 319-845-2001, Prescription Medications.................................................................22
www.ewasterecycle.com Sharps and Non-Infectious Medical Waste.....................................22
WiderNet Project (University of Iowa), 319-335-2200, Recipes for Alternative Cleaning Solutions...........................................23
http://www.widernet.org/ Reducing hazardous waste from home gardening.................................25
(computers only) Home Composting.................................................................................26
Vermicomposting...................................................................................27
Furniture/Housewares Illegal Waste Dumping...........................................................................28
Furniture Project (see page 17) Other Recycling Options........................................................................29
Goodwill Stores Eliminate Junk Mail...............................................................................33
985 E. Pepperwood Plaza, Iowa City, 337-3548
2551 Heartland Pl., Coralville. 545-6581

30 3
Salvation Army, 1116 Gilbert Court, Iowa City, drop box in parking lot
open 24 hours
See “Consignment” in the telephone book

Glass
Johnson County drop-off recycling sites (see page 16)

Magazines
Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St., Iowa City, 356-5200, www.
icpl.org
Local doctor/dentist offices
Systems Unlimited, 156 1st Avenue S., Iowa City, 338-9212, ask for
Rosemary
Johnson County drop-off recycling sites (see page 16)

Metals (tin cans)

Peterson’s Iron & Metal Co., 420 First Avenue, Coralville, 351-1331
Any metals, especially aluminum, copper, and tin.
Ace Auto Recyclers, 2752 S. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, 338-7828. (all
metals)
Russell Salvage & Recycling, 2750 S. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, 338-
8679
Johnson County drop-off recycling sites (see page 16)

Newspaper
Johnson County drop-off recycling sites (see page 16)

Oil, (used automotive) and Oil Filters

IC Landfill & Recycling Center

Jiffy Lube (up to 2 gallons)

Hwy. 6 West, Coralville, 351-0045
1335 Hwy. 1 Este, IC, 358-9798

Paint (to reuse)

Potential users:
Regina High School, 2150 Rochester Ave, Iowa City, 338-5436, please
call first
University of Iowa Arts Department, 335-2694
IC Community Theatre, 414 Fairgrounds, 338-0443
Systems Unlimited, 1556 1st Avenue S., Iowa City, 338-9212, please call
first

Paint (disposal)
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (limit 20 gallons) (see HHW disposal,
pages 19)

31
Do-it-yourself:
• DO NOT pour paint down the drain or throw it in the trash in liquid
form.
• Small amounts of latex (water-based) paint can be dried in its
container or spread on cardboard lined with newspaper and left to dry
in well-ventilated area away from any ignition sources. When dried,
throw it away as trash.
• If paint has separated and cannot be mixed, place liquids in small
amount of absorbent material in cardboard box, such as clay-based
kitty litter or shredded newspaper.
• Let material dry in well-ventilated area away from any ignition
sources. Let sludge at bottom dry, too. Once all dry, it can be thrown
away as trash.
Pallets
IC Landfill & Recycling Center
Styrofoam (packing peanuts, etc.)
Mailboxes of Iowa City, 319-354-2113
Plastic containers (#1-#7)
Johnson County drop-off recycling sites (see page 16)
Plastic Grocery Bags
Hy-Vee — 1720 Waterfront Drive, Iowa City, 354-7601
1201 N. Dodge, Iowa City, 354-9223
812 South 1st Ave, Iowa City, 338-9758
Lantern Park Plaza, Coralville, 351-5523
Wal-Mart & Wal-Mart Super Center —
1001 Hwy. 1 W., Iowa City, 337-3116
2801 Commerce Dr., Coralville, 545-6400
Televisions & Electronics
IC Landfill & Recycling Center (see e-waste information on page 5)
Midwest Electronic Recovery, 100 3rd St. N, Walford, 319-845-2001,
www.ewasterecycle.com
Tires
IC Landfill & Recycling Center [$0.07 per pound OR ($3 minimum)]
Firestone Tire & Service Center, 231 E. Burlington St., Iowa City, 338-
5649, $2/tire
Linder Tire Service ($2 per tire, prices subject to change)
632 S. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, 337-4163
55 Commercial Drive, North Liberty, 626-8980
Toner Cartridges
Iowa Recycling Association, 2742 SE Market St., Des Moines, 50317,
515-265-1596, contact for postage-paid return envelopes. http://www.
iowarecycles.org/
32
Thanks for checking out the Johnson County Waste Reduction
and Recycling Guide. Besides useful information about recycling
options in Iowa City, Johnson County, and the communities of
Riverside and Kalona, this guide contains helpful information
about other waste disposal policies and services available at
the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center. If you have any
questions, please feel free to check out the landfill link on the
World Wide Web at www.icgov.org/landfill, call the landfill at 319-
356-5185, or call the recycling coordinator at 319-887-6160.
Specific questions about Iowa City curbside collection of
trash, recycling, and yardwaste may be directed to the Refuse
Department at 319-356-5180, or see http://www.icgov.org/garbage/
index.htm.
Individual communities in Johnson County may also have websites
with specific collection information for your community.
http://www.coralville.org
http://www.north-liberty.com
http://www.solon-iowa.com
http://www.hills-ia.org/
http://www.tiffinia.net/
http://www.university-heights.org/
http://www.swisheria.org/
http://www.lonetreeiowa.com/
http://www.kalonaiowa.org/
Johnson County Refuse, Inc., owned by Steve and Kandy Smith,
can also provide information about recycling and refuse collection
in many small communities in Johnson County. http://www.
johnsoncountyrefuse.com/index.html or 319-665-4498.
1
Eliminate Junk Mail
Request to have your name removed from the following lists. When
contacting these firms, be sure to give all the spelling variations of your
name.

Mailing lists:
National Demographics and ADVO Systems, Inc.
Lifestyles Director of List Maintenance
List Order Service 239 West Service Road
1621 18th Street, #300 Hartford, CT 06120-1280
Denver, CO 80202 1-510-489-6577

Mail Preference Service Donnelly Marketing

Direct Marketing Association 1235 North Avenue
PO Box 9008 Nevada, IA 50201
Farmington, NY 11735-9008

Reverse phone book publications:

Haines and Company, Inc.
Criss-Cross Director
2382 E. Walnut Avenue East
Fullerton, CA 92631

R.L. Polk and Company

List Services
6400 Monroe Blvd.
Taylor, MI 48180
1-800-873-7655

Catalogs:
http://www.catalogchoice.org

Coupon Mailings, ads, samples:

Val-Pak Coupons: 800-825-7257
Carol Wright: 800-345-5866

Credit card offers/applications:

800-OPT-OUT (800-567-8688)

33