Recycling drop-off center

Ames Resource Recovery Plant

410 E 2nd St, Ames, IA 50010

Call before you go

We link to where each detail came from. Hours, fees and rules can change, so check with the place before you make the trip.

Plan your visit

Operator: City of Ames
Hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-noon
Appointments: Not listed
Visit fees: Not listed. Ask about fees before you go.
Who can use it: Not listed.
Phone: 515-239-5137

Official website (opens in new tab)Directions (Google Maps) (opens in new tab)

What it accepts

Items we’ve recorded so far. The operator accepts other materials too; see its own list for everything else.

Couches

AcceptedFees apply

Fees for couches
Couch	$10.00 each

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.

Mattresses

AcceptedFees apply

Fees for mattresses
Mattress	$10.00 each

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.

Box springs

AcceptedFees apply

Fees for box springs
Box spring	$10.00 each

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.

Tires

AcceptedFees apply

Fees for tires
Car or truck tire	$7.00 each
Semi or skid loader tire	$25.00 each
Rim charge	$5.00 each

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.

Televisions

AcceptedFees apply

Fees for televisions
TV under 40 inches	$30.00 each
TV over 40 inches	$40.00 each
Projection or console TV	$60.00 each

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.
Limit: Two TVs or monitors per residential customer per day.

Computers

Accepted with conditionsFees apply

Fees for computers
Monitor under 40 inches	$30.00 each

Only computer monitors are listed.
Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.
Limit: Two TVs or monitors per residential customer per day.

Refrigerators and freezers

AcceptedFees apply

Fees for refrigerators and freezers
Appliance	$30.00 each

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.

Washers and dryers

AcceptedFees apply

Fees for washers and dryers
Appliance	$30.00 each

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.

Microwaves

AcceptedFees apply

Fees for microwaves
Appliance	$30.00 each

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.

Batteries

AcceptedFree (documented)

Rechargeable and lead-acid batteries; alkaline batteries are not taken (they can go in the trash).
Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-noon; cash, check, debit or credit.

Paint

Accepted with conditionsCost unknown

Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.

Oil- and lead-based paint only; latex paint is not accepted.
Preparation: Call 515-239-5137 for an appointment first.

Cardboard

AcceptedCost unknown

Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.

Flattened cardboard at the 24/7 drop-off recycling area on the north side.

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

Resource Recovery System (opens in new tab) · City of Ames Resource Recovery System
- The Resource Recovery Plant is at 110 Chantland Ave. (formerly 110 Center Ave.), Ames, IA 50010; trash is delivered at 410 E 2nd St on the north side of the building. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-noon. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Resource Recovery phone: 515-239-5137. Checked October 26, 2026.
Resource Recovery Rates (opens in new tab) · City of Ames Resource Recovery System
- Payment is accepted in cash, check, debit and most major credit cards. Checked October 26, 2026.
- July 2026 rates: mattress or box spring $10 each, couch $10. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Tire rates: car or truck $7, semi or skid loader $25, sandbox or large tractor $60, plus $5 rim charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
- TVs and monitors cost $30 under 40 inches, $40 over 40 inches and $60 for projection or console TVs. Checked October 26, 2026.
Appliances (opens in new tab) · City of Ames Resource Recovery System
- Appliances including washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers and microwaves are taken at the Resource Recovery Plant for $30 each. Checked October 26, 2026.
Electronics (opens in new tab) · City of Ames Resource Recovery System
- TVs and monitors are accepted, with a limit of two units per residential customer per day. Checked October 26, 2026.
Drop-Off Recycling (opens in new tab) · City of Ames Resource Recovery System
- The drop-off recycling center on the north side of the plant lets residents recycle flattened cardboard and other materials 24/7. Checked October 26, 2026.
Batteries (opens in new tab) · City of Ames Resource Recovery System
- Lithium-ion, NiCad, NiMH, small sealed lead-acid and car/boat lead-acid batteries can be dropped off at Resource Recovery at no charge. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Ames says alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries can safely go in the trash. Checked October 26, 2026.
Household Hazardous Materials (opens in new tab) · City of Ames Resource Recovery System
- Household hazardous materials, including oil- and lead-based paint, are accepted by appointment only; call 515-239-5137. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Oil- and lead-based paint, paint thinner and stain are on the appointment list; latex paint is not accepted. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Latex paint is not accepted; dried out in the can it becomes regular garbage. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Businesses and farms are referred to the Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bondurant or may call Resource Recovery. Checked October 26, 2026.
Iowa DNR: Regional Collection Centers & Grants (opens in new tab) · Iowa Department of Natural Resources
- DNR lists the City of Ames (110 Center Ave.) as a satellite RCC for Story County, with Metro Waste Authority as the main RCC. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

How we check our information

Listing this place doesn’t mean we partner with it.