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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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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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
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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.
865
Iowa Waste Exchange
Proudly serving the entire State of Iowa.
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
♻Let's celebrate the Freedom to Reduce, Reuse, and Rethink our waste. ![]()
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Every reusable bottle, coffee mug, shopping bag, and lunch container is a declaration of independence from our throwaway culture.![]()
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✅Freedom isn't just about what we celebrate—it's about the choices we make every day.![]()
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This July, challenge yourself to replace just one single-use item with something built to last.![]()
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☎️Call to Action![]()
What is one single-use item you've eliminated from your routine?![]()
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Reach out to your local Area Resource Specialist to learn more about the Iowa Waste Exchange. www.iowawasteexchange.org
🛠️♻️ Schools across Iowa have partnered with the Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) to obtain reusable scrap wood, plastics, metals, and other surplus materials for vocational and technical education projects. These materials provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in construction and industrial arts programs while helping schools reduce supply costs. By repurposing materials that might otherwise be discarded, IWE supports both environmental stewardship and workforce development, demonstrating how reuse can strengthen education, conserve resources, and prepare students for careers in Iowa’s skilled trades and manufacturing industries.![]()
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Stats:![]()
• Textiles and furniture make up 15–20% of landfill waste, much of it reusable.![]()
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✅Action Steps:![]()
1. Connect with your IWE Area Resource Specialist for ideas. ![]()
2. Pick one item to upcycle (wood pallet, fabric, jars).![]()
3. Host a community swap or DIY workshop.![]()
4. Share before/after photos with #UpcycleIowa.
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
