Divert it and convert it
One of the nation’s premiere materials exchange programs.
FIND YOUR AREA RESOURCE SPECIALIST
NO-COST
NON-REGULATORY
CONFIDENTIAL
Why a Materials Exchange in Iowa?
There are two big reasons why the Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) is important for Iowa. First, our landfills are overcrowded, and reducing waste load is good for the planet. Second, there’s a huge market for waste materials and by-products — and exchanging waste materials is good for your bottom line.
Participants can:
- Obtain low- or no-cost materials
- Reduce disposal costs
- Reduce materials’ purchase costs
- Generate revenue from waste materials
- Free up storage space
- Help divert waste from our landfills
4.5 MILLION
tons of material material diverted since 1990
87,360
companies helped by IWE reps
$142 MILLION
cost savings since program inception
Whether you want to list available materials, find items for reuse or learn more about our services from a regional specialist, IWE is your confidential partner in responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.
When you divert it and convert it with the IWE, nothing goes to waste!
Learn more about what we do
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Save disposal costs, free up space and get questions answered.
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Learn about education programs, free waste audits and more.
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Iowa Waste Exchange Success Stories
Commerce. Collaboration. Creativity. There’s much more to materials waste exchange than meets the eye. Read about some of IWE’s recent exchanges and see how everyone wins.
DNR Expands Food Waste Diversion Efforts: Iowa Waste Exchange Ready to Help
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to advance statewide efforts to reduce food waste through its Increased Food Storage Capacity Grant Program.
Read More
The Drive-by that Drove Change: A Student's Quick Action Sparked a Waste Diversion Win
It all started with a simple drive down University Avenue in Ames, when Iowa State graduate student Elizabeth Ortiz spotted something that sparked an idea
Read More
Iowa Waste Exchange Assists North Liberty Community Pantry in Relocation Usable Equipment to Local Nonprofits
When the North Liberty Community Pantry
began preparing to relocate, staff faced a
challenge familiar to many organizations—what to do with surplus equipment that was still in good condition but no longer needed.
Read More
Exploring Waste Reduction Solutions for Colleges
In February 2025, Sydney Eiselt, Area 3 Resource Specialist with the Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE), was invited to speak at the Dubuque College Sustainability Coalition meeting
Read More
Stay Connected with Iowa Waste Exchange
Recent news, newsletter, social media and more are great ways to keep up with all IWE-related goings on.
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Iowa Waste Exchange
Proudly serving the entire State of Iowa.
This week, Iowa Waste Exchange joined waste educators from across Iowa for a meeting with the Iowa Waste Reduction Center. We had the opportunity to see emerging technology in action at the Landfill of North Iowa in Cerro Gordo County.![]()
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John DeGroote of the UNI GeoTREE Center demonstrated the use of a thermal infrared drone system to identify and monitor potential landfill hotspots — providing a safer, faster and more precise way to detect subsurface heat anomalies before they become larger operational concerns.![]()
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The side-by-side imagery from the demonstration highlights how thermal imaging can reveal patterns and heat signatures that are nearly invisible under standard visual conditions. As landfills continue exploring new tools for safety, monitoring and environmental management, technologies like these may become increasingly valuable resources for operators across Iowa.![]()
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The Iowa Waste Exchange appreciates the opportunity to participate in these conversations and connect with partners working at the intersection of waste management, research and applied technology.![]()
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#iowawasteexchange #wastereduction #LandfillManagement #ThermalImaging #dronetechnology #EnvironmentalMonitoring #sustainability #uni #geotree #iowarecycling #wastediversion
As we wrap up Earth Month, we’re reflecting on the many opportunities we had to connect with communities across Iowa and celebrate reuse, waste reduction, and sustainability in action. 🌎♻️![]()
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Throughout April, the Iowa Waste Exchange team joined events, presentations, and hands-on activities that inspired Iowans to rethink waste and build a more sustainable future — all while enjoying a little Earth Month Bingo fun! Congratulations again to our winner, Pete Kosmicki! 🎉![]()
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A huge thank you to our incredible partners:![]()
🌳 Brenton Arboretum![]()
💧 Des Moines Water Works Foundation![]()
🌿 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden![]()
♻️ Iowa Department of Natural Resources Social Committee![]()
🥕 Wheatsfield Cooperative![]()
🎓 Iowa Western Community College![]()
🎓 Des Moines Area Community College![]()
🎓 St. Ambrose![]()
🥕 Freight House Farmers Market![]()
🥕 Progressive Action for the Common Good![]()
🎓 Samuelson Elementary![]()
🎓 Urbandale Public Library Sustainability Fair, Urbandale![]()
💧 Rain Campaign - Walnut Creek Watershed Festival, Urbandale![]()
♻️Keystone of Ames, Ames![]()
♻️Dubuque Climate Action Summit![]()
♻️City of Cedar Falls Earth Fair![]()
🌿 Black Hawk County Solid Household Hazardous Materials take-back event![]()
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Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared ideas, and celebrated sustainability with us. Together, we’re building a stronger, greener Iowa — one reused resource at a time. 💚
Thank you all for helping us celebrate Earth Month with our Earth Month BINGO!!! 🌎💚 It was so much fun seeing all your smiling faces and the energy you brought to this event!![]()
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🎉 AND NOW FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT... (You'll want to turn your sound up.) www.facebook.com/share/v/18mgSor42z/ 🎉![]()
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We’re so grateful to everyone who participated and helped make this celebration such a success. A special thank you to our anonymous donor for the generous $100 gift certificate to ShopIowa.com—what an amazing way to give back!![]()
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Stay tuned for more fun ways to connect, learn, and support our communities. ♻️
05
Nov
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
“One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure” highlights how the Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) is redefining what’s possible for surplus materials across the state
Read More
08
Oct
Iowa Waste Exchange sees recycling challenges shift
Tackling the next generation of recycling challenges head-on as material streams shift and new, complex waste items emerge
Read More
Read all stories
