One of the most effective ways you can help manage your waste is by recycling. Recycling
reduces waste in our landfills, saves energy and natural resources, and creates jobs.
According to a 2001 study done by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the recycling
industry generates over $2.4 billion annually and
supports over 11,400 jobs in Iowa.
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– Make wise purchases by buying only what you need
and buying higher quality items. Much of our garbage consists of excess packaging from food
and store items. Purchasing in bulk reduces waste and saves money.
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– Before recycling, think of creative ways to reuse it.
Plastic grocery bags can be used as garbage bags and plastic milk jugs as bird feeders.
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– Look for products made from recycled material such as
plastic lumber, recycled paper, and floor tile made from recycled car tires.
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– Using both sides of a piece of paper, scrap paper
for note pads, and using recycled gift wrap are ideas that can become a daily habit. Try composting to
recycle your yard waste into a nutrient rich soil or fertilizer.
Whether you have curbside recycling or take your recyclables to a designated drop-off site, follow these
basic guidelines when recycling your materials. Remember to follow appropriate guidelines and place
materials in proper location in your area.
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– examples: corrugated boxes, cereal
boxes, shoe boxes. Make sure box is clean of food waste and flattened when recycled.
What is it recycled into? Boxes and paper products such as paper bags.
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– examples: computer paper, junk mail pieces,
envelopes, colored construction paper. Make sure paper is clean of food waste and other contaminates.
Paper that contains a wax coating or crayon needs to be put in the garbage. What is it recycled into? Notebook paper, toilet paper, tissue paper, paper towels.
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– All of these are
recyclable as long as the paper is clean.
What is it recycled into? Insulation, ceiling tile, animal bedding, paper products.
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– examples: tuna can, canned fruits and vegetables,
juices & teas in aluminum cans. You do not need to remove the labels unless otherwise noted.
Wash inside of can and metal lid and recycle.
What is it recycled into? Automobile parts, new cans.
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– examples: juice and tea bottles, salad dressing bottle,
canning jars. Leave the label on, wash inside of jar and then recycle. If the lid is metal, recycle with
other metals.
What is it recycled into? Fiberglass insulation, countertops, new bottles
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– examples: milk jug, detergent bottle, juice bottle, pudding cup,
food tray. First, identify number of plastic by looking on the bottom of the container. The number
will be found in the center of the recycle symbol. Most Plastics #1-7 are recycled locally. If you can not
find a recycle symbol and number, you must discard in the garbage. Leave the label on and wash out the
container before recycling.
What is it recycled into? Plastic lumber, carpet, clothing, picnic tables, toy parts, roofing.
- Recycling one glass bottle saves enough energy to light a 100 watt light bulb for 4 hours.
- In Iowa, 92% of our aluminum cans are recycled thanks to the Bottle Bill.
- Every aluminum beverage can has an average of 51% recycled content.
- 58% of U.S. newspapers are recycled.
- Iowa ranks 4th nationally for percent of waste recycled (41.7%)
- Packaging accounts for more than 30% of your garbage.
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 Drop-off containers for recyclables are available
24 hours a day and a voluntary curb-side recycling program is
also available for residents. Please visit
Waterloo Waste Management Services Department or call #291-4553 for
information regarding drop-off locations, acceptable/non acceptable
items, and the curb-side program.
Visit the
recycling center on State Str. or take your recyclables to several
convenient drop-off locations. For detailed information on items
accepted, hours, and drop-off locations, visit
Cedar Falls Recycling Facility or call
#273-8629.
Drop-off bins are located at the corner of Tower
and Main Str and open 24 hrs. a day. Call #319-822-4247 for further information.
Items Accepted:
- Clear glass bottles and jars
- Plastics #1-7
- Metal cans including tin and aluminum
- Newspaper, magazines, and advertisement inserts
- Cardboard boxes, mixed office paper, brown paper bags, and chipboard (cereal boxes)
Residents can drop off recyclables behind City Hall off of
Lafayette Str. For more information, call #232-0020.
Items Accepted:
- Cardboard
- Plastics #1-7
- Mixed office paper
- Aluminum and tin cans
- Clear glass bottles and jars
Note: All plastics and cardboard must be flattened
Drop-off recycling bins are located at the city Street
Dept. at 130 Brown Str. For further information, call #232-6683.
Items Accepted:
- Newspapers, magazines, catalogs
- Plastics #1-6
- Office paper, junk mail, paper bags, cardboard
- Tin cans and metal lids
- Clear glass jars and bottles
Residents can drop-off recyclables at the recycling
bins located next to the city park ball diamonds. Curbside pick-up is also optional the 1st and 3rd
Tuesday’s of the month. Call city hall at #296-1822 for more information.
Items Accepted:
- Plastics #1-7
- Aluminum and metal cans
- Clear glass
- Cardboard
- Magazines and newspapers
Drop-off bins are located near the city golf course.
For further information call #988-3600.
Items Accepted:
- Plastics #1-7
- Newspapers, magazines, phone books
- Office paper, cardboard
- Clear glass bottles and jars
- Metal lids and cans
Provides curbside recycling the 1st and 3rd
Thursdays of the month. Recyclable materials (except glass) must be at the curb by 7am and can be
placed in one container. A drop-off bin is also located at 4th and Elm Str. For further
information, call #319-342-3396.
Items Accepted:
- Tin and aluminum cans
- Mixed office paper, envelopes, newspaper, magazines, junk mail, phone books, and colored paper.
- Plastics #1-7
- Cardboard and chipboard boxes (cereal boxes)
- Clear glass jars and bottles – Only accepted at drop-off bin
Recyclables can be dropped off on the 2nd and 4th
weekend of each month at the drop-off containers located just south of the Fire Station. For more
information, call city hall at 232-6153.
Items Accepted:
- Clear glass
- Newspaper
- Cardboard
- Used motor oil
- Plastics #2
- Metal cans
For more information or questions, contact Waste Trac at 319-266-TRAC (8722)
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