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. Rather than sending usable items to the landfill, they turned to the Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) for assistance in finding new homes for their equipment.

Through the Iowa Waste Exchange program, a free, confidential, non-regulatory service of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, administered by Councils of Governments, IWE specialists help businesses and organizations divert usable materials from the waste stream by connecting them with others who can use them. In this case, the partnership between The North Liberty Community Pantry and the IWE demonstrated just how powerful resource sharing can be for both the environment and the community.

Ryan Bobst, Executive Director of the North Liberty Community Pantry contacted Area 4 Resource Specialist Lindsey Given Egli in June, following their move to the new location. He indicated that they had some items available for donation to others, and they set a time to meet. The equipment available from the pantry included freezers, refrigerators, office furniture, televisions, projectors, and a range of office supplies. IWE staff worked to inventory each item, taking photographs and documenting details to share with potential recipients. Using its network of nonprofits, the IWE reached out to local organizations that could make practical use of the materials in their operations.

Once matches were identified, Given Egli coordinated pick-ups to ensure a smooth transfer process and that the NLCP would be out of the space as agreed upon with their landlord and could focus on getting established in the new space. “It was rewarding to watch these items find new life in organizations that truly needed them,” said Given Egli. “Each piece of equipment represents not only a cost savings for the recipient but also an environmental win by keeping valuable resources in use and out of the landfill.”

Eight (8) nonprofits, (not including NLCP), benefited directly from the redistribution effort, acquiring equipment that will help them serve their missions more efficiently. In all, 3,728 pounds of equipment was kept out of our landfills and put to good use. In addition, an estimated $19,255 was saved because of equipment purchases avoided. For example, refrigerators and freezers went to food assistance programs that needed additional cold storage, to accept more donations, and serve more neighbors. One in particular, was grateful for the donations, as they were scrambling to make accommodations for distribution to children for the summer feeding program. “You made this so easy!” said Bobst.

In addition to supporting other nonprofits, the reuse project helped the North Liberty Community Pantry save time and money on disposal costs and reduced the environmental footprint of their relocation. Every
freezer, desk, and chair that found a new home through this initiative contributes to Iowa’s broader goals of waste reduction and resource conservation.

The Iowa Waste Exchange continues to demonstrate how collaboration can turn potential waste into community assets. Since its creation in 1990, the IWE has helped Iowa businesses and organizations divert thousands of tons of material from landfills while fostering partnerships across the state.

This project is a great example of the IWE mission in action. We’re not just helping organizations clean out space—we’re helping them contribute to a more sustainable, connected Iowa. As a result of this project, additional residents have been referred to IWE to help find homes for usable equipment. We can help you, too!

For more information about the Iowa Waste Exchange, or to learn how your organization can participate in similar reuse opportunities, visit www.iowawasteexchange.org or contact your Area IWE representative.

Project Impact at a Glance

North Liberty Community Pantry Equipment Reuse Project

• 8 nonprofits received donated equipment
• pounds of usable materials diverted from landfill
• $19,255 in estimated cost savings for recipient organizations
• Refrigerators & freezers repurposed for food assistance programs
• Office furniture & electronics reused to support nonprofit operations
• Environmental win: reduced disposal costs and carbon footprint
  “You made this so easy!” — Ryan Bobst, NLCP Executive Director