Trash, Recycling, & Yard Waste

Recycling

Recycling and proper disposal services for many household items are managed and provided locally by the Mahaska County Solid Waste Management Commission, regional collection centers, and private companies.

Common household recyclables

• Licensed haulers must provide Oskaloosa residents with containers for separation and curbside collection of household recyclable materials such as cardboard, paper, and metal and plastic containers.
• Cardboard, mixed paper, plastic/metal/tin containers, glass containers, and aluminum cans may be dropped off for recycling at the Mahaska County landfill located at 2979 Highway 63.  Free to all Mahaska county/city residents.
• Plastic shopping bags may be placed in collection bins at the Mahaska County landfill, Southern Iowa Fairgrounds, and local grocery stores.

Electronics

• Small batteries may be dropped off at any Mahaska Communication Group (MCG) office for recycling.
• Rechargeable batteries (lithium or nickel cadmium) may be dropped off at the Mahaska County landfill scale office or True Value Hardware for recycling. 
• Computers and electronics may be dropped off for recycling at the following sites:
  • Mahaska County landfill.  TVs and monitors are accepted for a small fee. Most other electronics including cell phones, computers, printers, copiers, and audio/video equipment are accepted at no cost.  Visitors should park on the scale, inform the attendant of their items, and proceed to the collection bins.
  • Goodwill of Central Iowa locations including Ottumwa, Indianola, and Des Moines metro area stores.
  • An annual community e-cycling event is held in late April at Mahaska Communication Group (MCG) in Oskaloosa.

Hazardous household waste

• Appliances and tires may be dropped off for recycling at the Mahaska County landfill for a small fee.  Most local haulers will also allow you to schedule a curbside pickup for a service fee.
• Motor oil may be dropped off at O’Reilly Auto Parts and Walmart Auto Center at no charge.  Some auto service mechanics also accept used oil.
• Scrap metal and salvage vehicles may be sold for recycling at area dealers including J&E Cernic Scrap in Hedrick, Alter Metal Recycling in Ottumwa, and Doug's 4 Wheelers in Pella.
• Water-based latex paint and coatings may be disposed of with your household trash when dried and solidified.
• Oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, cleaners, waxes, gasoline, oil, and diesel additives are accepted at the Ottumwa Regional Collection Center by appointment.  Call 641-683-0685 to schedule a drop-off.  
  • These items plus antifreeze, mercury thermometers/thermostats, sharps/needles, light bulbs and other hazardous or toxic materials may also be dropped off at the Metro Waste Authority’s Regional Collection Center in Bondurant. Batteries and electronics are also accepted. Some items may include a small fee.