The City of Iowa City and several non-profit partners will offer donation and recycling options at this year’s Donation Drive-Thru event; all Johnson County residents are welcome to participate!
Those interested can drop off donations between noon and 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp in Downtown Iowa City. Donors should enter the ramp through the Washington Street entrance.
Donations received will go directly to our non-profit partners who will put items to vital use for community members in need. This year’s non-profit partners include Antelope Lending Library, Crowded Closet, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Houses into Homes, and Table to Table.
The purpose of the event is to support local residents during lease-turnover time at the end of July by providing a variety of disposal options for common or problematic items when moving. This program not only keeps items from being left behind or sent to the landfill, but also helps our residents access important resources.
Accepted Items:
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- Food (nonperishable and unopened items only)
- Food items could include canned goods, boxed meals, pasta, packaged snacks such as granola bars, etc.
- Toiletry/personal care items (unopened items only)
- Toiletry/personal care item examples include toilet paper, laundry detergent, feminine pads, soap, etc.
- Books (hardcover and softcover)
- Boardgames and puzzles (in good condition)
- Child car seats (in good condition; not expired)
- Microwaves (must be working and in good, clean condition)
- Lamps (must be working and in good condition)
- Twin, double, and queen mattresses and box springs (king beds are not accepted)
- Donate: Gently-used mattresses may be eligible for donation at this event to our partner organization, Houses into Homes, for reuse.
- Recycle: Past use mattresses may be recycled at this event through the City of Iowa City program for $10 per mattress or box spring (cash only).
- Bed frames
- Bookshelves
- Small desks (L-shaped desks are not accepted)
- Couches or loveseats
- Stools
- Tables (end tables, coffee tables, night stands, etc.)
- Chairs (dining, office, upholstered, etc.)
- TV stands
- Outdoor furniture
- Dressers
- Dishware (dinner plates, glasses, silverware, etc.)
- Wall art (empty frames are not accepted)
- Tools (hand tools or working power tools)
- Clothing and shoes
- Purses and accessories
- Household linens (bed sheets or tablecloths)
- Art and craft supplies (gently-used and in good condition)
- School supplies (gently-used and in good condition)
- Used batteries (recycled via City of Iowa City program)
- Used light bulbs (recycled via City of Iowa City program)
- Food (nonperishable and unopened items only)
Donation items must be clean, in good working order, and in good condition (meaning no rips, tears, stains, pet hair, food residue, damage, etc.). Items may be turned away by event staff/volunteers that are not recyclable or suitable for donation. Items that are not included on the accepted items list, will bee rejected. Miscellaneous household items and electronics are examples of items that will not be accepted at the event.
This event is meant to support reuse of quality, gently-used items that have been identified as those most needed by our non-profit partners.
Questions? Reach out to the City’s Recycling Coordinator at jwilch@iowa-city.org or call 319-887-6110. Visit www.icgov.org/donate for all event information.