Waste Planning & Recycling

The Financial and Business Assistance (FABA) team at the DNR is committed to helping Iowa’s environmental future in ways that positively impact our economy and society. The team is equipped to work with Iowa citizens, businesses and communities to provide financial and technical assistance resulting in cost-effective improvements, opportunities for increased productivity and positive environmental impacts. Working together, we can achieve a cleaner environment and stronger economy through sustainable use of natural resources and effective waste management and pollution prevention activities.

FABA Factsheet

DNR Contact
Jennifer Wright
515-452-1794
Jennifer.Wright@dnr.iowa.gov

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 Iowa communities with a population of 5,000 and under financial assistance to address the environmental and safety hazards posed by a derelict structure.

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.

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 in six areas of emphasis.

Residential Recycling & Composting

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

Statewide Material Characterization Study

• 2022 Iowa Statewide Material Characterization Study
  • Video from the Waste Sort at Dubuque County Landfill
• 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

• Solid Waste Management - Citizen Awareness & Opinion Survey
• 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

Food Storage Capacity Grant Opportunity

The DNR is offering the Food Storage Capacity Grant Opportunity to help address food waste, an issue that negatively impacts environmental, economic and social sustainability in Iowa and across the country.

This grant opportunity is designed to expand storage and cold storage of recovered food items. Food banks, food pantries and other non-profit organizations receiving food for distribution to food insecure Iowans are eligible to apply.

Food Storage Capacity Grant Application

Iowa Schools Food Waste Minimization Toolkit

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

ICI Food Waste Study

• ICI Food Waste Project Overview

• DNR Request for Proposals
• DNR Press Releases
• Rule Revisions
  
• Solid Waste Fact Sheets
• Landfill Public Notices
• Land Quality Bureau staff are here to provide the assistance you need to protect Iowa's environment and establish a strong economic future. Please contact us with any questions or ideas.
• Land Quality Bureau Factsheet

• Solid Waste
• Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE)
• SWAP Projects