Iowa City, IA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Iowa City's organics program is run by the Resource Management Division within the Department of Public Works and aligns with the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (adopted 2018; 'Accelerating Iowa City's Action Plan' adopted to meet a 45% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050). The City offers curbside composting for yard waste, food waste, and other organics to single-family and up-to-4-unit residential properties at $3.50/month on the utility bill, using 95-gallon or 25-gallon yellow-top composting carts. As of July 1, 2025, a $2 yard waste sticker is required for each paper bag or compostable bundle placed at the curb for collection. Iowa state law prohibits landfilling of yard waste, and Iowa City prohibits open burning of yard waste within city limits. The City operates a drop-off Compost Facility for residents at the Iowa City Landfill site. Mulch and finished compost are available to residents. Backyard composting is permitted on private residential lots and does not require a city permit; Iowa State University Extension publishes recommended practices including locating bins at reasonable setback from property lines, using rodent-resistant designs, balancing carbon (browns) and nitrogen (greens), and excluding meat, dairy, oils, and pet waste. The Iowa City compost program supports the Climate Action Plan's waste-diversion targets and helps reduce methane emissions from organics in landfill — consistent with statewide goals under the Iowa Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act and Iowa Code Chapter 455B/455D administered by the Iowa DNR.