Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Drop-Off: Hours, Map
Use this Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center guide to confirm today’s hours, Saturday gate rules, windy-day closures, service-area limits, landfill fees, recycling fees, accepted drop-off items, electronics disposal, appliances, tires, compost, hazardous material hours, payment options and map directions to 3900 Hebl Avenue SW before you load your vehicle.
🧭 Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center Open Today: What to Confirm First
The iowa city landfill & recycling center is the official landfill, recycling, composting and hazardous-material drop-off location at 3900 Hebl Avenue SW in Iowa City. It serves residential and commercial customers in Johnson County and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside. The landfill cannot accept materials from outside that service area.
The normal landfill and recycling center schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon. The center is closed on City holidays and may close early on windy days to control blowing litter and meet permit requirements. Saturday is especially strict because the entrance gate closes at noon, and vehicles waiting outside the gate must return during open hours.
Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Drop-Off Overview
The iowa city landfill & recycling center is more than a garbage disposal site. It is also a recycling drop-off location, compost facility, household hazardous material collection site, electronics recycling point, appliance disposal option and self-service recycling area for several materials. Because so many programs operate at the same address, users must check the correct hours, fees and preparation rules for the exact item they are bringing.
The landfill serves residents and businesses in Johnson County and within the city limits of Kalona and Riverside. This service-area rule matters. If your material comes from outside that service area, the landfill cannot accept it. Do not make a long drive with a truckload of waste unless your location and material type qualify under official rules.
Visitors should separate garbage from recycling and composting materials before arrival. Iowa City’s official guidance says cardboard, appliances, TV and computer monitors, oil, batteries, yard waste and tires are not allowed to be landfilled. Those materials have separate recycling, composting, hazardous material or fee-based disposal routes at the site or through linked programs.
Quick Facts Before Visiting Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center
| Question | Official / Practical Answer | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the landfill? | 3900 Hebl Avenue SW, Iowa City. | Use the verified map section before driving. |
| What are today’s hours? | Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Saturday 7:00 a.m.–noon. | Check City holidays and windy-day closure notices. |
| What is the phone number? | 319-356-5185. | Call for closure, fee, service-area or item-specific questions. |
| Who can use it? | Residential and commercial customers in Johnson County and within Kalona/Riverside city limits. | Do not bring materials from outside the service area. |
| What payment is accepted? | Cash, checks and credit cards including Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Apple Pay and Tap to Pay. | Use lane 2 and pay at the Scalehouse when required. |
| Are electronics accepted? | Yes, with fees for computers, TVs, other electronics and small appliances; cords and holiday light strands are no cost. | Pay at the Scalehouse where required. |
| Is hazardous material accepted? | Residential drop-off is Thursday and Friday 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and Saturday 7:00 a.m.–noon. | Bring items in secure-lid containers that will be left at the facility. |
| Are yard waste and food waste accepted? | Yes, through the Compost Facility with a $5 minimum fee for loads up to 400 pounds. | Do not put yard waste in landfill garbage. |
Iowa City Landfill Open Today, Open Now and Saturday Gate Rule
Searches like “Iowa City landfill open today” and “Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center open now” should be checked against the official schedule first. The normal schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon. The site is closed on City holidays and windy days.
Weekday Drop-Off Hours
On normal weekdays, the landfill and recycling center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is the best window for larger loads, garbage disposal, recycling with fees, compost, and questions that require the Scalehouse. Busy days can create lines, so arrive with time to pay, unload and follow staff directions.
Saturday Drop-Off Hours and Noon Gate Closure
Saturday access is from 7:00 a.m. to noon. The entrance gate closes at noon. Official guidance says vehicles waiting outside the gate at noon will need to return during open hours. That means Saturday trips require planning, especially if you have a trailer, mixed load, electronics, appliances, tires or hazardous material.
Office Not Open to the Public
The landfill office is not open to the public, so most customer interactions happen through the Scalehouse, site directions, posted signage and phone contact. If your question involves unusual waste, asbestos, business hazardous material or service-area eligibility, call before you drive.
Iowa City Landfill Holiday Schedule and Windy-Day Closures
The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center is closed on City holidays. It may also close early on windy days to prevent and control blowing litter. Windy-day closures are not cosmetic. The landfill must meet litter-control standards, and closing during wind events helps staff contain and remove wind-blown material.
City Holiday Closures
Before visiting near New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas or any City-observed holiday, check the official Iowa City page or call 319-356-5185. Holiday closures can affect garbage disposal, recycling, yard and food waste drop-off, household hazardous material, and compost or wood-chip sales.
Windy-Day Closure Rule
Official Iowa City guidance says the landfill may close early on windy days depending on wind direction and speed. If the weather is windy, do not assume the landfill will remain open until its normal closing time. Check the landfill page or call before driving with a full load.
Busy-Day Lines and Last-Minute Trips
On busy days, you may have to wait in line. If you arrive close to closing, especially on Saturday, you may not get through the gate. Trailer loads, mixed loads, commercial loads and items needing Scalehouse payment should be planned earlier in the day.
| Closure / Delay Type | Why It Matters | Best Action |
|---|---|---|
| City holidays | The landfill and recycling center is officially closed on City holidays. | Check the City holiday schedule before visiting. |
| Windy days | The landfill may close early to control blowing litter and meet permit requirements. | Call 319-356-5185 before driving during windy conditions. |
| Saturday noon gate closure | Vehicles waiting outside the gate at noon must return during open hours. | Arrive well before noon on Saturdays. |
| Compost construction or traffic changes | Drop-off areas and traffic flow may change during facility work. | Follow posted signage and staff directions on site. |
| Heavy traffic days | Lines can delay Scalehouse payment and unloading. | Sort loads before arrival and avoid last-minute trips. |
Iowa City Landfill Fees, Recycling Fees and Compost Charges
The iowa city landfill & recycling center has different fees for different material categories. Garbage, special wastes, electronics, appliances, tires, shingles and compost are not priced the same. Some recycling items are free, while others require payment at the Scalehouse in lane 2.
Regular Garbage Disposal Fees
For regular garbage, Iowa City customers are charged $14 for any garbage load under 600 pounds, with additional weight charged after that, and a listed per-ton rate of $47.50. Non-Iowa City customers within the allowed service area are charged $15 for any garbage load under 600 pounds, with additional weight after that, and a listed per-ton rate of $52.50.
Electronics and Appliance Fees
Electronics and small appliances have item fees. Computers are $20 each, televisions are $20 each, other electronic items are $3 each, and small appliances are $3 each. Holiday light strands and electronic cords are no cost. Large appliances are $12.50 per appliance, while large commercial appliances are listed at $1 per cubic foot. Grills and exercise equipment are $3 each.
Tires, Shingles and Compost
Tires are listed at $0.15 per pound with a $3 minimum. Asphalt roof shingles are listed at $30 per ton when clean and accepted for recycling. The Compost Facility has a $5 minimum fee for residential and commercial organic loads up to 400 pounds. Loads over 400 pounds are charged at the standard organic material rate of $24 per ton. Finished compost, when available, is listed at $20 per ton with a $2 minimum.
| Material / Service | Listed Fee / Rule | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City regular garbage | $14 for loads under 600 pounds; $47.50 per ton listed rate. | Additional weight is charged after 600 pounds. |
| Allowed non-Iowa City garbage | $15 for loads under 600 pounds; $52.50 per ton listed rate. | Only Johnson County and Kalona/Riverside city limits are served. |
| Computers | $20 each. | Fee includes components. |
| Televisions | $20 each. | Fee includes components. |
| Other electronic items | $3 each. | Examples include printers, CPUs, VCR devices without CRT screens, cell phones, DVD players, cameras, stereos, toys and radios. |
| Small appliances | $3 each. | Examples include vacuum cleaners, toasters, blenders, coffee makers, lamps, irons and humidifiers. |
| Large appliances | $12.50 per appliance. | Large commercial appliances are listed at $1 per cubic foot. |
| Residential propane/helium tanks | $1 each. | Residential-sized tanks only. |
| Cardboard, glass, paper, plastics, metal cans, scrap metal | No cost. | Must meet accepted-item preparation rules. |
| Tires | $0.15 per pound with $3 minimum. | Do not place tires in landfill garbage. |
| Compost facility organic loads | $5 minimum up to 400 pounds; $24 per ton over 400 pounds. | Applies to residential and commercial organic material loads. |
| Finished compost | $20 per ton with $2 minimum, when available. | Bring container and shovel for small self-load quantities. |
Accepted Recycling Drop-Off Items at Iowa City Landfill
The landfill and recycling center accepts a wide range of recycling materials, but each category has preparation rules. Do not put materials into garbage simply because they are inconvenient to sort. Iowa City specifically says cardboard, appliances, TV and computer monitors, oil, batteries, yard waste and tires are not allowed to be landfilled.
No-Cost Recycling Items
No-cost recycling categories include cardboard, glass, metal cans and foil, oil, paper, plastic bottles, jugs, jars and round tubs, scrap metal, bicycles, books, holiday light strands and electronic cords. These items must still be prepared correctly. For example, cardboard should be flattened and sized to a maximum of two by two feet, containers should be empty and rinsed, and oil must be in sealed, labeled plastic bottles under five gallons with secure lids.
Plastic, Paper, Glass and Metal Recycling Rules
Accepted plastic includes bottles, jugs, jars and round tubs. Caps should be left on. Accepted paper includes newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, paperboard, telephone books, paperback books, waxy cartons and aseptic packaging. Glass includes food and beverage bottles and jars. Metal cans and foil should be empty and rinsed, and foil should be in at least a two-inch ball.
Items With Fees or Special Directions
Electronics, small appliances, large appliances, propane or helium tanks, tires, shingles, commercial light bulbs and some hazardous or special waste categories have fees or extra rules. If your item is not listed or you are unsure, contact the Recycling Coordinator at recycling@iowa-city.org or 319-887-6110.
| Accepted Category | Examples / Rule | Preparation Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | Corrugated cardboard, no cost. | Flatten and size each piece to a maximum of two by two feet. |
| Glass | All colors of glass bottles and jars, no cost. | Do not include mirrors, ceramics or light bulbs as glass recycling. |
| Metal cans and foil | Metal drink/food cans, aluminum pie pans and foil, no cost. | Empty and rinse; aluminum foil should be at least a two-inch ball. |
| Paper | Newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, paperboard and waxy cartons, no cost. | Keep paper dry and out of plastic bags. |
| Plastic bottles, jugs, jars and round tubs | Accepted at no cost. | Empty and rinse; leave caps on. |
| Oil | Motor oil, vegetable oil and oil filters, no cost. | Bring liquid in sealed, labeled plastic bottles under five gallons. |
| Scrap metal | Iron, steel, aluminum, brass and copper, no cost. | Separate from garbage and nonmetal contamination. |
| Books | Hardcover and softcover books, no cost. | Use the container in the electronics recycling garage bay. |
| Bicycles | Accepted at no cost. | Ask staff where to place bikes if signage is unclear. |
Electronics, TVs, Computers and Appliance Recycling in Iowa City
Electronics and appliances are major reasons residents search for the iowa city landfill & recycling center. The landfill accepts electronics and small appliances with item fees, and large appliances with separate appliance fees. These items should not be landfilled as ordinary garbage.
Computer and TV Recycling Fees
Computers are listed at $20 each, and televisions are listed at $20 each. The fee includes components. If you are bringing a computer, laptop, tablet, phone, storage device or other data-bearing device, remove personal data before drop-off. Recycling is not the same as guaranteed data destruction.
Other Electronics and Small Appliances
Other electronic items are listed at $3 each. Examples include printers, CPUs, VCR devices without a CRT screen or monitor, ink or toner cartridges, cell phones, DVD players, cameras, stereos, toys, radios, electric bike batteries and electric scooters. Small appliances such as vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks, toasters, blenders, coffee makers, lamps, irons, ceiling fans and humidifiers are also listed at $3 each.
Large Appliances, Grills and Exercise Equipment
Large appliances are $12.50 per appliance, while large commercial appliances are $1 per cubic foot. Examples include microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, dryers, lawn mowers, water heaters, freezers, air conditioners, heaters, furnaces and dehumidifiers. Grills and exercise equipment are listed at $3 each.
Compost, Yard Waste, Food Waste and Wood Chips
Iowa City’s landfill page includes a Compost Facility for organic materials such as food waste, yard waste and natural wood. Yard waste is not allowed to be landfilled in Iowa landfills, and open burning is prohibited in Iowa City. Use the compost program instead of placing yard waste into garbage.
Compost Facility Drop-Off Fees
The Compost Facility has a $5 minimum fee for residential and commercial organic material loads up to 400 pounds. Loads over that amount are charged at the standard organic material rate of $24 per ton. Secure your load before driving because unsecured-load violations can create added charges after a warning.
Accepted Compost Materials
Accepted compost materials include food waste, coffee grounds, eggshells, bread and grain products, meat and bones, seafood and shells, non-liquid dairy products, fruits and vegetables, grass clippings, leaves, garden residue, woody yard waste, coffee filters, shredded paper, newspaper, pumpkins, gourds and natural holiday trees with decorations removed.
Compost and Wood Chips for Purchase or Pickup
Finished compost made from local yard and food waste is sold at the landfill when available. The listed price is $20 per ton with a $2 minimum. Coarse-ground wood chip mulch is available at no cost. For small quantities, bring your own container and shovel or pitchfork. For large quantities, staff can load trucks or trailers.
Hazardous Material Collection Facility Hours and Accepted Items
The Hazardous Material Collection Facility at the Iowa City Landfill has different hours from regular landfill access. Residential hazardous material drop-off is open Thursday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon. Business drop-off is by appointment only.
No-Cost Residential Hazardous Material Drop-Off
Residential hazardous material drop-off is listed at no cost to residents during the weekly open hours. Customers must bring items in containers with secure lids, and containers must be left at the facility. Empty containers cannot be returned to customers.
Accepted Hazardous Material Categories
Accepted categories include many cleaning products, garage and workshop products, lawn and outdoor products, batteries, sharps and syringes in proper secure containers, oil and other household hazardous products. Examples include aerosols, drain cleaner, adhesive, antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline or oil, kerosene, oil-based paint, paint thinner, pesticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, rodent killer, rechargeable batteries, lithium batteries, auto or boat batteries and sealed lead-acid batteries.
Business Hazardous Material Drop-Off
Business drop-off is by appointment only. Commercial users should not arrive with business hazardous material without scheduling. For commercial paint or hazardous material questions, use the official contact routes before loading any material.
| Hazardous Material Detail | Official Rule | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Residential hours | Thursday and Friday 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.–noon. | Do not bring HHM outside these hours unless official guidance changes. |
| Residential fee | No cost to residents. | Bring items in secure-lid containers that can be left at the facility. |
| Business drop-off | By appointment only. | Call before bringing any business hazardous material. |
| Oil-based paint | Accepted with a residential limit listed at 20 gallons per visit. | Latex paint can be hardened and disposed of in regular trash. |
| Batteries | Many battery types are accepted through hazardous material guidance. | Do not mix damaged or unsafe batteries with ordinary recycling. |
| Sharps and syringes | Accepted only in proper sharps containers or rigid secure-lid containers. | Do not place loose sharps in trash or recycling. |
Items Not Allowed in Landfill Garbage
The Iowa City landfill page clearly separates what can be landfilled from what must go through another program. Hot ashes, batteries, cardboard, yard waste, oil, electronics, appliances, tires, hazardous material, pressurized containers, explosives and medical waste such as sharps or syringes should not be placed in the garbage.
Why Some Items Cannot Be Landfilled
Some items are recyclable, some are hazardous, some can cause fires and some are banned from Iowa landfills. Yard waste has a separate composting route. Electronics and appliances have dedicated recycling fees. Batteries and hazardous material require safer handling. Tires are charged separately and should not be buried as garbage.
Unsecured Load Warning
Vehicles with unsecured loads receive one warning without charge. Each later violation is listed as a $50 fee. This is not just a paperwork issue. Loose trash can blow out of vehicles, create road hazards and worsen litter conditions around the landfill.
Asbestos and Special Waste
Asbestos requires 24-hour notice. Special wastes can include loads that need special handling, such as dust, railroad ties, telephone poles, concrete and tree root balls. These items may be charged differently from regular garbage, so call before hauling them to the landfill.
Official Portal Confusion: Landfill, East Side Recycling and Sturgis Ferry
Iowa City has several recycling-related locations, which can confuse users searching for “Iowa City landfill recycling drop-off.” The landfill at 3900 Hebl Avenue SW is not the same as East Side Recycling Center at 2401 Scott Blvd. SE or Sturgis Ferry Park Recycling Center at 1700 South Riverside Drive.
Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center
Use the landfill for garbage disposal, recycling with fees, large appliances, electronics, tires, compost facility services, hazardous material collection and broader drop-off categories. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon, closed City holidays and windy days.
East Side Recycling Center
East Side Recycling Center offers cardboard, paper, glass, plastic, metal, oil and wine cork recycling in the parking lot and Oil Recycling Shed at no cost, with several services available 24/7. Electronics, small appliances and light bulb recycling there operate through ReStore Donations during ReStore open hours and have similar electronics fees.
Sturgis Ferry Park Recycling Center
Sturgis Ferry Park Recycling Center is another drop-off option for materials such as cardboard, glass, metal cans and foil, paper and accepted plastics. It is not the landfill and should not be used for garbage, electronics fees, hazardous materials, appliances or landfill services unless an official page says otherwise.
How to Prepare Your Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Load
A clean, sorted and secured load saves time and money. Do not arrive with cardboard, electronics, yard waste, garbage, oil, batteries and hazardous material mixed together. Sorting at home is easier than sorting at the Scalehouse under time pressure.
- Check today’s hours and closure status Confirm normal weekday or Saturday hours, and check City holidays or windy-day notices before driving.
- Confirm service-area eligibility The landfill serves Johnson County and the city limits of Kalona and Riverside. Outside materials are not accepted.
- Separate garbage, recycling and compost Keep landfill garbage separate from cardboard, electronics, oil, batteries, appliances, tires, yard waste and compostable items.
- Secure your load Cover or tie down materials so nothing blows from the vehicle. Unsecured-load violations can lead to fees after a warning.
- Use lane 2 for Scalehouse payment Pull up to the Scalehouse window in lane 2 for payment and directions when required.
- Bring hazardous items only during HHM hours Residential hazardous material drop-off is Thursday and Friday 7 a.m.–2 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.–noon.
Official Iowa City Resources and Related Recycling Guides
Use official City of Iowa City pages for current hours, closure notices, fees, service-area rules and accepted items. Related guides can help with preparation, but the City pages should control final decisions before you drive.
Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center Map and Directions
This is a location-specific Iowa City guide, so the map uses the verified official Landfill and Recycling Center address: 3900 Hebl Avenue SW, Iowa City. Before driving, confirm today’s hours, holiday closure status, windy-day notices, service-area eligibility, accepted items and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center
📍 Where is Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center?
Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center is located at 3900 Hebl Avenue SW, Iowa City. Use the official City page or the map section in this guide before driving.
🕒 What are Iowa City Landfill hours today?
The normal hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon. The center is closed on City holidays and windy days.
📆 Is Iowa City Landfill open on holidays?
No. The landfill is closed on City holidays. Check the official City page or call 319-356-5185 before visiting around holidays or weather-related closure periods.
🌬️ Why does Iowa City Landfill close on windy days?
The landfill may close early on windy days to prevent and contain blowing litter and maintain permit compliance. Check the landfill page or call before driving during windy conditions.
💳 What payment methods are accepted?
The landfill accepts cash, checks and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Apple Pay and Tap to Pay.
💵 What are Iowa City landfill garbage fees?
Iowa City regular garbage loads under 600 pounds are listed at $14, with a $47.50 per-ton rate. Allowed non-Iowa City customers in the service area are listed at $15 for loads under 600 pounds and $52.50 per ton.
💻 Does Iowa City Landfill accept electronics?
Yes. Computers are $20 each, televisions are $20 each, other electronic items are $3 each, holiday light strands and electronic cords are no cost, and small appliances are $3 each.
🧊 Does Iowa City Landfill accept appliances?
Yes. Large appliances are listed at $12.50 per appliance, and large commercial appliances are listed at $1 per cubic foot. Grills and exercise equipment are listed at $3 each.
🛞 Does Iowa City Landfill accept tires?
Yes. Tires are listed at $0.15 per pound with a $3 minimum. Tires are not allowed to be landfilled as ordinary garbage.
☣️ What are hazardous material drop-off hours?
Residential hazardous material drop-off is Thursday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon. Business drop-off is by appointment only.
🌿 Can I bring yard waste and food waste?
Yes. Yard waste and food waste go through the Compost Facility. The current minimum fee is $5 for loads up to 400 pounds, with larger loads charged at the standard organic material rate of $24 per ton.
ℹ️ Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Iowa City Landfill page?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify hours, fees, service-area rules, accepted items and closures with the official City of Iowa City page before visiting.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not the official City of Iowa City, Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center, Johnson County, transfer station, hauler or government page. Hours, City holidays, windy-day closures, fees, accepted materials, service-area rules, compost construction changes, hazardous-material hours, electronics fees and payment rules can change. Always verify directly with the official City of Iowa City landfill page, recycling page, hazardous-material page or phone contact before loading items or driving to the facility.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center
The iowa city landfill & recycling center is located at 3900 Hebl Avenue SW, Iowa City. The normal public hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon. The center is closed on City holidays and may close early on windy days, so official updates matter before every trip.
Use the landfill for eligible garbage disposal, recycling, electronics, appliances, tires, compost, yard waste, food waste and hazardous material through the correct program. The center serves Johnson County and the city limits of Kalona and Riverside only. Materials from outside the service area are not accepted.
Before driving, separate garbage from recycling and composting materials, secure the load, check fees, confirm hazardous-material hours, and use lane 2 at the Scalehouse when payment or directions are required. This simple preparation prevents rejected loads, extra fees and last-minute problems at the gate.