Welcome to City of Ames! Check here for rates, holiday scheduling, and the next steps for Resource Recovery and Recycling!
To deliver trash, go to 410 E 2nd St (North side of building)
To deliver glass or food, go to 420 E 2nd St
Resource Recovery Plant
Moving? Want to donate some stuff? Throw some away? Check MOVING2
(PDF, 173KB)
Curbside Recycling Public Input Survey
Waste to Energy and Recycling
The Arnold O. Chantland Resource Recovery Plant (RRP), opened in 1975, was the first municipally owned and operated waste-to-energy facility in the nation. For decades, it has provided an innovative approach to solid waste management, diverting materials from the landfill by recovering metals and converting a portion of waste into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) for energy production. Through this effort, thousands of tons of waste have been processed annually, preserving more than 80 acres of Iowa farmland and providing electricity to over 4,600 homes each year.
What's Next for Recycling and Waste Disposal in Ames
The City of Ames is entering a new era of waste management with the development of the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C). While we are proud of our history with Waste to Energy technology, this method is being phased out due to high operating costs, aging equipment, and regulatory challenges. This transition reflects our growing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and modern resource management.
The new R3C will receive solid waste, recyclables, and yard waste. Solid waste will be consolidated and transported to a landfill; recyclables will be forwarded to processors; and yard waste will be composted on-site or hauled off-site.
The City has secured 9.5 acres along Freel Drive for the R3C, with geotechnical and environmental studies confirming the site’s suitability. A conceptual design and financial model have been completed, with a target opening in July 2027. Review the Resource Recovery and Recycling Conceptual Design Report.(PDF, 15MB)
As part of this new approach, Ames will adopt waste diversion measures to reduce per-ton disposal fees. Curbside recycling is anticipated to help achieve these goals, as outlined in a conceptual report presented to City Council on August 12, 2025. Read more on the Residential Curbside Recycling.(PDF, 80KB)
The R3C will emphasize reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover—prioritizing landfill diversion through advanced recycling, material recovery, and waste minimization. Metals will continue to be recovered, and waste volumes reduced to improve landfill transport efficiency. Looking ahead, the focus is on maximizing material recovery and sustainability by processing more items for reuse or recycling before disposal.