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
Get Started Today
I Have Materials Available
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I Have Materials Available
Save disposal costs, free up space and get questions answered.
Connect with a IWE repI’m Looking for Materials
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I Want to Know More
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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
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The Drive-by that Drove Change: A Student's Quick Action Sparked a Waste Diversion Win
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Iowa Waste Exchange Assists North Liberty Community Pantry in Relocation Usable Equipment to Local Nonprofits
Read More
Exploring Waste Reduction Solutions for Colleges
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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.
Last week, nearly 200 volunteers and more than 20 volunteer staff came together for Iowa Project AWARE 2026, spending long days in sweltering heat on the Little Turkey and Turkey Rivers removing debris from the water and surrounding riverbanks. ![]()
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With sweaty smiles and full canoes, volunteers helped maintain nearly 70 river miles of treasured waterways for wildlife and for everyone who enjoys paddling, fishing, and exploring Iowa's rivers. ![]()
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The Iowa Waste Exchange was proud to support the effort by coordinating recycling and beneficial-use opportunities for materials recovered during the cleanup. Working alongside local governments, businesses, conservation organizations, and haulers, materials that might otherwise have been discarded were directed toward more sustainable outcomes. ![]()
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Thanks to these collaborative efforts*:![]()
♻️ More than 100 tires were recovered for recycling.![]()
♻️ Several tons of old, rusty metal were removed from the river and its banks for recycling.![]()
♻️ Recyclable plastics and cardboard were collected and sent to appropriate end markets.![]()
♻️ In partnership with the Fayette County Conservation Board, surplus food from the event was provided to a local farmer for livestock feed, reducing unnecessary food waste.![]()
*Official tonnage available soon! ![]()
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These accomplishments would not have been possible without an incredible network of partners. Thank you to Clayton County Recycling, Fayette County Recycling & Transfer Station, Floyd-Mitchell-Chickasaw Regional Collection Center, Green Current Solutions, KJ Haul Away, Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission, the Fayette County Conservation Board, Iowa Project AWARE organizers, and every volunteer who gave their time and energy to make this cleanup a success. ![]()
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Every tire removed, every piece of scrap metal recovered, and every material diverted from disposal is another step toward healthier rivers and stronger communities. We are grateful to everyone who helped!
Real freedom comes from better habits.![]()
Small choices repeated every day create lasting environmental impact.♻![]()
✅ Repair before replacing.![]()
✅ Borrow before buying.![]()
✅ Buy durable products.![]()
✅ Compost food scraps.![]()
✅Donate usable items.![]()
✅ Purchase products made from recycled materials.![]()
Waste reduction isn't one big decision; it's hundreds of small ones.![]()
This July, start one new habit that future generations will thank you for.![]()
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Call to Action![]()
What new waste-reduction habit are you committing to this month?
This July, Declare Your Independence from Waste!![]()
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Before you throw it away, ask yourself:![]()
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💭 Could someone else use this?![]()
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Office furniture, pallets, equipment, packaging, and surplus materials may no longer work for you—but they could be exactly what another Iowa business, school, or nonprofit needs.![]()
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Through the Iowa Waste Exchange, yesterday's surplus becomes tomorrow's solution.![]()
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This July, break free from the "throw-it-away" mindset and help keep valuable resources in use—not in the landfill.![]()
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Have some material you'd like to offer? Reach out to your Area Resource Specialist at www.iowawasteexchange.org
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
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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
