History of the Buena Vista County Solid Waste Commission

The Buena Vista County Solid Waste Commission was established in 1972 to comply with a new Iowa law requiring every city, town, and county to create a sanitary disposal project by July 1975. This law marked the end of open dumping in Buena Vista County. All open dumps were closed, and the Commission began operating a regulated landfill to meet state environmental standards. The Commission continues to operate under Iowa Code Chapter 28E, which governs intergovernmental cooperation.

Mission and Responsibilities

The Commission is responsible for:

• Providing economical, responsible disposal of all solid waste generated within Buena Vista County

• Ensuring proper collection, transfer, and disposal of waste

• Working with local, state, and federal public health agencies to protect land, water, and air quality

• Compliance with regulations and laws related to the management of solid waste and recycling

Recycling Requirements and the Opening of the Recycle Center

In 1989, the Iowa Legislature passed the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act, requiring every city and county to establish a recycling program. The law set statewide waste‑reduction goals of:

• 25% reduction by 1994

• 50% reduction by 2000

The 25% reduction became a mandate, with higher disposal fees for communities that did not meet the requirement. Baseline waste measurements were taken from 1988 data.

To meet these new requirements, the Commission opened the Harold Rowley Recycle Center—also known as the Buena Vista County Recycle Center—in 1990. The facility manages recyclables from residents, businesses, and communities throughout Buena Vista County.  

Landfill Closure and Long‑Term Monitoring

In 2007, updated state regulations for landfill operations required significant changes statewide. By that time, Buena Vista County’s landfill had reached capacity, and all efforts to secure a suitable site for a new landfill had been exhausted.

As a result, the Buena Vista County Landfill officially closed on October 1, 2007.

Under Iowa law, the Commission is required to monitor and maintain the closed landfill for 30 years following closure to ensure environmental safety.

Current Operations

Although the landfill is closed, the Commission continues to manage all solid waste generated in Buena Vista County. Today:

• All waste is delivered to the Buena Vista County Recycle Center & Transfer Station

• Waste is transferred to the Carroll County Landfill for final disposal

• All operations follow county, state, and federal environmental regulations

The Commission remains committed to providing safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible waste management services for Buena Vista County residents and businesses.