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
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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
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.
♻️🏡 What a successful first event!![]()
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The Iowa Waste Exchange was proud to partner with the City of Robins for its first-ever Clean-Up Day, held following the community-wide garage sales. By working together, we helped give usable items a second chance instead of sending them to the landfill.![]()
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A huge thank you to our amazing partners who made this event possible:![]()
💙 New Covenant Bible Church![]()
🛋️ Central Furniture Rescue![]()
🔨 Habitat for Humanity ReStore![]()
👕 Goodwill of the Heartland![]()
💻 Midwest Electronic Recovery![]()
🚛 ABC Disposal Services![]()
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Together, we diverted more than 9,000 pounds of usable materials from Iowa landfills! 🎉♻️![]()
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Events like this show the power of community partnerships and how small actions can make a big impact. If you'd like to learn more about how the Iowa Waste Exchange can help connect businesses, organizations, and communities with sustainable reuse and recycling solutions, contact your local IWE Resource Speciali#iowawasteexchangeh#wastereductionc#reuseR#recyclingc#communitypartnershipss#landfilldiversionrsion
Did you know your Iowa Waste Exchange Resource Specialist can help you apply for up to $5,000 to support your local food pantry? 🍎![]()
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The Iowa DNR’s Food Storage Capacity Grant Program is available to nonprofit food banks, food pantries, and other organizations that accept and distribute food to food-insecure Iowans.![]()
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💰 Funding is available for:![]()
• Additional dry storage (like shelving) to better manage and display food items![]()
• Expanded cold storage to increase availability of perishable foods and reduce waste![]()
• Walk-in coolers, freezers, and other commercial or industrial equipment![]()
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🔗 Find your local specialist and learn more:![]()
iowawasteexchange.org/![]()
www.iowadnr.gov/media/5126/download?inline
🌎♻️ World Environment Day – June 5![]()
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Summer is here, and the choices we make every day can help reduce waste. Whether you're hosting a picnic, attending a community event, or enjoying time outdoors, consider choosing reusable items instead of disposable paper and plastic products. ![]()
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At Iowa Waste Exchange, our mission is to connect businesses, schools, nonprofits, and communities with reusable materials that might otherwise end up in the landfill.![]()
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How can you help?![]()
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• Choose reusable cups, plates, bottles, and utensils when possible![]()
• Connect with your IWE Area Resource Specialist. www.iowawasteexchange.org![]()
• Identify reusable materials in your workplace![]()
• List surplus materials on IWE's free exchange platform![]()
• Share your commitment to r#iowawasteexchangeteExchange![]()
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Together, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and build a stronger circular economy for Iowa
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
