Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency

The Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency, established in 1972, stands as the sole integrated solid waste management facility serving Clinton County, Iowa. Formed under a 28E Agreement, the agency shares ownership among all the cities and counties in the Clinton County area. Its primary mission was to develop a centralized, regionalized landfill system, replacing the previous method where each city managed its own waste disposal area. The Agency launched its operations with two landfill sites: one at the current location, 4292 220th St. in Clinton, Iowa, and another in Welton, Iowa, conveniently located on old US Highway 61 North. The Welton site ultimately closed in 1989.

Evolution of Recycling Programs

Alongside the establishment of landfills, Clinton County witnessed the emergence of comprehensive recycling programs. Initially, materials such as tires, yard waste, and appliances faced restrictions on disposal in the landfill. This marked the beginning of a conscious effort to reduce waste and promote resource recovery.

In 1991, the Recycling Center opened its doors, ushering in a new era of curbside recycling within Clinton County. Residents could now conveniently dispose of valuable materials like plastic, cardboard, newspaper, and tin cans, preventing them from ending up in the landfill. These materials embarked on a journey to be transformed into new products, including milk jugs, plastic lumber, floor matting, and various metal-based items.

The Single Stream Transfer Station

A significant milestone arrived in 2019 when the Recycling Center transformed into a single-stream transfer station for recyclable materials. This streamlined process allowed for the efficient sorting and handling of commingled recyclables, further enhancing the county's recycling efforts.

Addressing Hazardous Waste

In 1995, the Regional Collection Center was established to address the growing concern of household hazardous waste. This center, serving Cedar, Clinton, and Jackson Counties, provided a safe and convenient solution for disposing of paints, cleaners, home improvement products, and automobile-related waste.

Modernization for Environmental Protection

September 2007 marked a turning point in landfill management practices when the agency opened its first Subtitle D Compliant landfill cell. This innovative step involved constructing an alternately lined landfill cell, allowing for the efficient collection and treatment of leachate - the potentially harmful water produced when rainfall seeps through the landfill. This system effectively protects groundwater and the surrounding environment.

Citizen Convenience with Public Drop-off Area

The commitment to public convenience extended further in 2014 with the opening of the agency's first citizen's convenience public drop-off (PDO) area. Utilizing the repurposed tipping floor of a former bio-reactor solid waste composting vessel, this PDO offered small vehicles a designated space for waste disposal, keeping them separate from the larger trucks accessing the landfill. The PDO also presented a valuable opportunity for the agency to retrieve any missed recyclable materials during routine waste hauling.

The Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency has come a long way from the days of open dumps. We take immense pride in establishing environmentally sound and efficient waste management programs for our valued residents in Clinton County, Iowa.

Affordable Landfill Rates & Operation Policies

Recognizing the importance of budget-conscious choices for our residents, the Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency offers competitive landfill rates. A minimum fee of $10 is applied to the first 440 pounds of waste or yard waste. Any weight exceeding 440 pounds is charged at a rate of $44 per ton. Specialized waste, such as railroad ties or telephone poles, is charged at a rate of $90 per ton. To ensure the safety and efficiency of our operations, a $100 fee applies to uncovered or unsecured loads. Large pieces of debris, such as rubble or concrete, are also accepted, with the condition that they are less than one cubic foot in size. These larger items are assessed at a rate of $5 per ton.

Several facility rules are in place to maintain a safe and organized environment. Liquids are prohibited, along with scavenging within the facility. Hazardous materials cannot be accepted. For the safety of our patrons and staff, children and pets must remain in vehicles at all times. Operations may be temporarily suspended during inclement weather or high wind conditions, based on safety considerations.