Environment

INRCOG provides technical assistance, planning, grant writing and grant administration for solid waste issues and opportunities. Staff assists with the region's solid waste needs through the Iowa Waste Exchange, recycling activities, comprehensive planning and retail household waste programs. INRCOG has also assisted with the creation of numerous brochures, booklets, resource guides and various promotions to assist with recycling efforts and promoting the purchase of recycled products.

Available Services

Grant Programs
Each year, INRCOG receives loan and grant funding from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to provide a variety of programs including Retail Signage for Household Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste Alternative Program (SWAP).

Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE)
A waste exchange service is provided for the INRCOG region through a grant provided by the Recycle Iowa Office at the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Iowa Waste Exchange partners include Recycle Iowa, the IDNR, and the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC). Items identified in the waste stream of area businesses are matched with other manufacturers, recyclers and end users who are able to use the by-products, thereby diverting them from the landfill. The IWE program in the INRCOG region has diverted 96,305 tons with a potential cost savings of $1,899,631.

The Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission and Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency each provide a local match and additional coverage within Black Hawk County and Dubuque County for extended activities with the Iowa Waste Exchange program and other service activities to promote the services of the IWE program.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC)
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center, located on the UNI campus, provides technical and direct assistance to local business to assist not only with the Iowa Waste Exchange program but also with toxic chemicals and other items not desired or prohibited from being land filled.

Regional Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan
Assistance is given with the development of the INRCOG Regional Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan which identifies the region's waste stream components and sets goals and objectives for the region. The INRCOG Comprehensive Plan region is one of two regions in the state of Iowa that met and exceeded the Year 1996 and Year 2000 waste reduction goals set by the Iowa Legislature.

Contact
Sydney Eiselt, Environmental Resource Specialist