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.
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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.
Waste isn’t waste… until you waste it. ♻️💚![]()
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At the Iowa Waste Exchange, we connect unwanted, usable materials with people who can give them a second life—turning one business’s discard into another’s resource.![]()
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During a recent Des Moines building cleanout, 17 agencies helped divert nearly 25,000 pounds (12+ tons) of materials into reuse. ![]()
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One organization even furnished an entire office suite—desks, chairs, and storage—using recovered items, saving an estimated $25,000+ in avoided purchasing costs.![]()
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That’s real impact for many people: organizations, landfills, and the community. ♻🌎![]()
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Before you toss it—ask: could this be reused?![]()
www.Iowawasteexchange.org![]()
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Don’t forget your BINGO cards—share what you’ve reused or checked off, in the comments! 👇 BINGO CARD:![]()
drive.google.com/file/d/17f8M9BOYR5Io50xqm4rnKHzfvPHrhoGU/view?usp=sharing![]()
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Don’t waste it—reuse it. 🌱
Iowa Waste Exchange is honored to be mentioned in a KIMT Channel 3 news article.![]()
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We are grateful for the opportunity to share our work and highlight the importance of recycling and sustainability efforts in our communities.![]()
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Thank you to KIMT Channel 3 for the recognition and coverage. ☺️☺️![]()
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Spring cleaning in Iowa? Here's what you can't burn or dump | News |
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🌿 Turning Costs into Community Impact 🌿![]()
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Through a strong partnership between the Iowa Waste Exchange, Oak View Group, and the Iowa Events Center, materials are being redirected from disposal into meaningful reuse.![]()
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A recent example:![]()
40 large concrete flower pots (approximately 5’ in diameter and 21” high) were diverted and repurposed for nonprofit beautification projects across Iowa.![]()
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♻️ ~80,000 pounds diverted from landfill![]()
💰 Approximately $8,000–$10,000 in avoided costs for receiving nonprofits![]()
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Instead of becoming a disposal expense, these materials are now supporting community spaces—helping nonprofits enhance their environments without the added cost of purchasing new.![]()
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This is reuse in action: reducing expenses, extending material life, and creating real value for Iowa communities.![]()
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Visit www.iowawasteexchange.org![]()
to connect with your local Area Resource Specialist and let’s make a match.
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
