Waste Planning & Recycling

Comprehensive Planning - Every five years each Planning Area must undergo a Plan Update process requiring evaluation of progress towards goals with input from stakeholders. DNR collaborates with Planning Areas to review Plan Updates to ensure that each meets code requirements.

Derelict Building Program - This program was established to provide small Iowa communities and rural counties financial assistance to address neglected structures in order to improve the appearance of their streets and revitalize local economies.

Household Hazardous Materials - The Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) program offers a variety of guidance and information on the proper management, use and disposal of HHMs to protect public health and safety and the environment.

Iowa Waste Exchange - The Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) is a no-cost, non-regulatory service matching clients that have byproduct materials with other groups interested in using or recycling those materials. IWE representatives coordinate the confidential exchanges.

Mobile Education Exhibit - The Mobile Education Exhibit was created to showcase environmental topics and is an all-inclusive education experience that includes informative displays, touch screen computers with games, flat screen televisions and more.

Pollution Prevention Services - Companies can save money, increase profits, operate more efficiently and improve the environment through Pollution Prevention (P2) Services. P2 Services provides confidential, non-regulatory technical assistance at no cost to Iowa businesses and industries.

Pollution Prevention Intern Program - A nationally recognized program that matches Iowa college students with companies to identify P2 strategies.

Solid Waste Alternatives Program - Through a competitive process any unit of local government, public or private group or individual is eligible to apply for Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) assistance to fund a variety of projects including source reduction, recycling and education.

Solid Waste Environmental Management System (EMS) - Now Iowa has an alternative voluntary program for solid waste planning areas and permitted facility service areas called the Iowa Solid Waste Environmental Management System (EMS) program. EMS encourages responsible environmental management while promoting environmental stewardship and continuous improvement. Iowa's EMS program promotes six areas of emphasis, called Components.

Residential Recycling & Composting

Regulated Facilities - State and federal environmental regulation and compliance assistance for permitted facilities.

Statewide Waste Characterization Study

• 2017 Iowa Statewide Waste Characterization Study
• 2011 Iowa Statewide Waste Characterization Study
• 2005 Iowa Statewide Waste Characterization Study
• 1998 Iowa Statewide Waste Characterization Study

Rural Iowa Hub & Spoke Recycling Project

• Rural Iowa Hub & Spoke Recycling Project Final Report
• Supplemental Map Information
• Iowa Pro Forma Model v9

Additional Studies & Guides

• Iowa Green Meetings & Events - Best Practices Manual
• Community Cleanup Event Guide
• Apartment and Condominium Recycling - Best Practices Manual
• State Park Recycling Study Final Report
• Waste Sort Protocol
• Economic Impacts of Recycling in Iowa
• Hazardous Household Materials & Battery Recycling Study

• ICI Food Waste Study
  • ICI Food Waste Project Overview
• Iowa Food Waste Stakeholder Group: The Iowa Food Waste Stakeholder Group is a collaborative effort of individuals and organizations from varying parts of the food system The group determined a white paper should be developed to increase public awareness and promote discussion on food waste in Iowa. The white paper uses the US Environmental Protection Agency Food Recovery Hierarchy as a guide towards explaining where Iowa stands now and how to move our state to become a leader in food waste reduction and diversion efforts.
  • The white paper can be viewed and downloaded from the Iowa Food Waste Stakeholder Group website
• Iowa Schools Food Waste Minimization Toolkit

Food Storage Capacity Project Awards

The DNR received, reviewed and awarded 35 grants totaling $204,034.94 to eligible applicants across the State of Iowa. Funding was limited to the purchase of Energy Star refrigerators, Energy Star freezers and shelving. These eligible items make it possible to accept additional food donations and to properly store additional perishable and non-perishable food items for longer periods. The increase in food storage capacity allows for well-rounded, nutritious meals for a greater number of Iowans.

Prior to witnessing the impacts of COVID-19, statistics show that 1 out of every 10 Iowans, or more, experience food insecurity. The definition of food insecurity as used by the Food Bank of Iowa: food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. According to Feeding America, food insecurity rates are anticipated to increase across the country and project an overall 15% increase of food insecurity of Iowans. For Iowa children, the increase of food insecurity is expected to increase to 24% to 26%.

Food insecurity could be sporadic and related to employment, unexpected bills, car repairs, health care costs, etc. Food insecurity can also be on-ongoing for many persons such as the elderly, and persons with disabilities and for persons on a fixed income. Individual food pantries may need to limit the amount of food a person may receive or the frequency in which food may be obtained. Food storage capacity expansion addresses these limitations as well as reducing the amount of edible food being landfilled.

Food Storage Capacity Project Award Summaries

Food Storage Capacity Grant Opportunity
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is offering grants to non-profit food banks and food pantries and other non-profit entities receiving donated food for distribution to food insecure Iowans. Up to $150,000 is available to award to selected applicants. Preference will be given to entities not receiving funding assistance through the previous Food Storage Capacity grant offer and projects that will accept additional perishable and non-perishable food donations that otherwise would be declined for lack of storage capacity.

Grant Application for Non-Profit Food Banks and Pantries