Junk Removal in Iowa

Before you toss

Iowa disposal laws

Mattresses

Iowa has no statewide mattress recycling law. You can take a mattress to most landfills and transfer stations for the standard bulky-item fee (typically $20–$40), schedule municipal bulk pickup where available, or have a junk-removal company haul it (roughly $70–$120). Most charities will not accept used mattresses. Some cities require mattresses be wrapped in plastic before curbside set-out.

E-waste

Iowa has no comprehensive statewide electronics-recycling law, but landfilling electronics is discouraged and some localities restrict it. Recycle TVs, computers, and monitors through a certified e-waste recycler, a municipal collection event, or retailer take-back programs (such as Best Buy or Staples) rather than placing them in household trash.

Tires

Iowa regulates scrap tires as a special waste. Tire retailers are generally required to accept your old tires when you buy new ones, and a per-tire disposal fee (commonly $1–$5) helps fund cleanup of illegal tire piles. Whole tires are typically banned from landfills; take extras to a tire retailer, an authorized scrap-tire hauler, or a household collection event. Illegal tire dumping carries fines.

Paint

Iowa has no statewide paint stewardship (PaintCare) program. Dry out latex paint (add cat litter or a paint hardener) before placing it in the trash, and take oil-based paint, solvents, and stains to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection site or event — never pour paint down a drain or storm sewer.

Source: editorial, verify before citing · last verified 2026-01

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