Maya Ellison
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue in Iowa, with plastic increasingly filling landfills and oceans. While some states and cities across the US have restricted the use of plastic bags or banned plastic straws, Iowa has taken a different approach. In 2018, Iowa passed a law prohibiting cities and counties from banning plastic bags. As a result, plastic bags have become the second-most landfilled category of items in the state, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution. Iowa has various recycling centers and programs in place to manage plastic waste, such as the Can Shed Redemption Center and curbside recycling in Iowa City. Additionally, Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Inc. manufactures products from recycled plastic, showcasing the state's efforts to address the plastic problem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Recycling in Iowa | Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Inc. manufactures products from recycled plastic |
| Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Inc. manufactures car stops, speed bumps, landscape timbers, posts, park benches, picnic tables, etc. from recycled plastic | |
| Can Shed Redemption Center recycles plastic bottles and containers | |
| Plastic Recycling Centers in Iowa City | East Side Recycling Center |
| Sturgis Ferry Park Recycling Center | |
| Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center | |
| Robert A. Lee Recreation Center parking lot | |
| Plastic Accepted for Recycling | Plastic bottles and jugs |
| Plastic bags or wrap | |
| Styrofoam | |
| Clamshell plastic containers | |
| Motor oil and fertilizer bottles | |
| Bulky plastic items | |
| Plastic wrap with metallic, glitter, or plastic coating | |
| Plastic containers | |
| Plastic Bags Accepted for Recycling | Iowa City accepts #1 - #5 and #7 plastics |
| Benton Street Recycling Center in Iowa City accepted plastic bags for recycling |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Inc
The product line includes benches, picnic tables, car stops, speed bumps, landscape timbers, posts, park benches, and other large profile products. The company's recycled plastic products offer several benefits over traditional materials such as wood. The products are low-maintenance, require no painting or staining, and are designed to withstand harsh conditions. The coloring and UV stabilizers are molded right into the products, preventing UV degradation and ensuring that the material is unaffected by water.
One notable example of the durability of their products is a recycled plastic table that was vandalized and rolled into a river. The table was retrieved from the river and placed back in its original location, showcasing its resilience even in harsh conditions. The company's products are also aesthetically pleasing, with designs like the Malibu Bench, which offers classic elegance and functional seating.
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Plastic pollution in Iowa
Plastic pollution is a significant issue in Iowa, with plastic increasingly filling landfills and oceans. A state survey of Iowa landfills in 2017 revealed that plastic film, wrap, and bags were the second-most landfilled category of items, marking a 15% increase since 2011. This trend is not unique to Iowa; plastic pollution is a global issue, with plastic straws and single-use bags being a significant contributor.
In Iowa, the issue is exacerbated by a state law prohibiting cities and counties from banning plastic bags. This has resulted in an abundance of plastic bags ending up in landfills. For instance, the Metro Waste Authority's landfill in Polk County saw an increase in plastic waste from 10% in 2002 to 18% in 2017. The Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency faces a similar challenge, with plastic bags requiring three layers of fencing to prevent them from blowing away and needing temporary workers on windy days to walk the fence line and collect them.
The impact of plastic pollution extends beyond landfills, as evidenced by Project AWARE, a volunteer initiative in Iowa that focuses on waterway cleanup. Between 2014 and 2017, the pounds of plastic collected by volunteers more than doubled, highlighting the growing presence of plastic pollution in Iowa's waterways.
Despite these challenges, there are efforts to address plastic pollution in Iowa. For instance, during Earth Month in April, the Metro Waste Authority in Des Moines encouraged residents to swap their plastic bags for reusable totes. Additionally, some companies in Iowa, such as Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Inc., are dedicated to manufacturing products from recycled plastic, including park benches, picnic tables, and speed bumps. These products are designed to withstand harsh conditions and are used by various organizations, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and major companies throughout the U.S.
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Plastic bag recycling in Iowa City
The city's website mentions that certain types of plastic bags are accepted for recycling at local participating stores. However, it is always good to check with the store before dropping off plastic bags for recycling.
Some alternatives for recycling plastic bags in Iowa City include Fareway, which has a receptacle for plastic grocery bags, and Stuff and Goodwill, which may accept plastic bags. Additionally, North Dodge Hy-Vee takes plastic bags, although they may not be equipped to handle large quantities.
It is worth noting that Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center charges $1 per tank for recycling residential-sized propane and helium tanks. The city also provides 65-gallon blue-top recycling carts to curbside customers for recycling, composting, and garbage collection.
While plastic bag recycling is important, it is even more crucial to minimise the use of single-use plastics and advocate for extended producer responsibility to hold manufacturers accountable for the waste they generate.
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Plastic recycling centres in Iowa
Plastic bottles can be recycled at several locations in Iowa. The Can Shed Redemption Center, for example, accepts plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminum cans. The center has locations in Cedar Rapids, Marion, Iowa City, Hiawatha, and Manchester. Operating hours vary by location, with most locations open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays.
The Solid Waste Agency is another option for recycling plastics in Iowa. The agency accepts recyclables at 1954 County Home Road in Marion, Iowa. It is important to note that customers are responsible for unloading items from their vehicles or trailers, and all recyclables must be empty, clean, and dry.
In addition to these centers, Iowa offers various local government and public works recycling programs. For instance, Bremer County Public Works Departments manage recycling programs, including curbside collection of recyclable materials such as paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic. They also provide information on recycling programs, drop-off locations, and any associated fees.
West Central Iowa Solid Waste also provides free residential recycling services at all of their locations, with the materials then transferred to the Carroll Recycling Center for processing. Carroll & Shelby Counties also offer rural Recycling Trailers during normal business hours for drop-off recycling.
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Plastic recycling processes in Iowa
Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Inc. is a key player in the state's plastic recycling processes. The company began processing mixed-plastic and manufacturing products from commingled plastic material in 1986. It manufactures and sells products made from commingled, post-consumer and/or post-industrial recycled plastic, with the finished product containing a minimum of 96% recycled plastic by weight. The company's product line includes car stops, speed bumps, landscape timbers, posts, park benches, and picnic tables.
Iowa City also has several recycling centers that accept plastic for recycling. Curbside recycling in Iowa City is single-stream, meaning residents do not need to sort their recyclables. The City provides 65-gallon blue-top recycling carts to curbside customers for this purpose. The East Side Recycling Center, Sturgis Ferry Park Recycling Center, and Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center are some of the drop-off locations for plastic recycling.
However, it is important to note that Iowa City does not accept all types of plastic for recycling. Plastic bags, for example, are not accepted for recycling in the city, as mentioned in a 2018 announcement. Residents are advised to refer to the city's website or contact the Recycling Coordinator to determine which items are accepted for recycling.
Additionally, Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Inc. has faced some challenges with vandalism. There have been incidents where recycled plastic products, such as picnic tables, were targeted by vandals and damaged. Despite this, the company remains committed to manufacturing quality, durable, and environmentally friendly products, and has received recognition for its contributions to the state and its communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Iowa City no longer accepts plastic bags for recycling.
Recycled plastic is taken to Republic Services of Iowa in southwest Cedar Rapids.
Plastic can be recycled into carpet or plastic deck material, among other things.
Plastic bottles and jugs, plastic containers, plastic wrap, and clamshell plastic containers can be recycled in Iowa City.
Plastic bags, plastic straws, and plastic wrap are not accepted for recycling in Iowa City.
