What is an RCC?

A regional collection center is a secured site or facility at which collection, sorting as to type, and packaging of hazardous materials from urban and rural households and conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQGs) will be accomplished prior to collection and transportation of these wastes to a final disposal site.

What is an EMS?

Ottumwa/Wapello County Solid Waste Commission is one of 11 Solid Waste Agencies approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to use an Environmental Management System (EMS) for solid waste management. EMS is a set of management processes and procedures developed by an organization to proactively manage its environmental impacts. It is based on the continual improvement cycle of “plan, do, check and act”. Many organizations use an EMS to not only identify and evaluate environmental legal requirements, but to reduce overall environmental impacts and associated regulatory compliance risks. An EMS can also be used to reduce costs and inefficiencies, prevent work disruptions, and improve worker morale. The Iowa EMS for solid waste management focuses on six areas aimed at increasing diversion and/or protecting the environment:

  • Recycling
  • Household Hazardous Waste
  • Yard Waste Management
  • Water Quality
  • Greenhouse Gas Reduction
  • Environmental Education

Pollution Stats

Air Pollution70%
Water Pollution40%
Land Pollution60%

EMS Environmental Policy Statement

The Ottumwa/Wapello County Solid Waste Commission is committed to continual environmental stewardship by implementing and maintaining an Environmental Management System. We will demonstrate this by changing the focus from solid waste disposal management to environmental resource management. 

  • Prevention of Pollution – We will prevent or minimize pollution in all areas of our operations, wherever feasible.
  • Evaluation – We will establish, implement, measure and report objectives and targets annually.
  • Regulatory compliance – We will meet or exceed applicable environmental laws and regulations.
  • Continual Improvement – We will study and identify alternative solid waste management methods, customer needs, and provide for the implementation of services to fill identified voids. Encourage informed sustainable waste reduction and resource conservation alternatives to landfilling.

Updated by Ottumwa/Wapello County Solid Waste Commission February 20, 2019.

To prevent any type of waste from blowing onto area roadways and into ditches, we have adopted a policy that all loads delivered to the landfill shall be fully covered or secured. Covers that are shredded or tied so loosely as to allow materials to fall or blow out will be considered non-compliant. Failure to comply with this requirement shall result in a surcharge: 

  • Private individuals: $10.00 for the first time, and up to $25.00 for subsequent violations.
  • Commercial haulers: $25.00 for the first time, $50.00 for the 2nd time, and $75.00 from there on. There will be consistent enforcement.

Exception: If not mixed with other types of waste, concrete, logs, or branches without leaves do not need to be covered. However, they must be secured in such a way that they will not fall or blow out of the delivery vehicle.
This policy conforms to the STATE OF IOWA STATUTE 321.460 which states: A vehicle shall not be driven or moved on any highway, by any person, unless such vehicle is constructed or loaded or the load securely covered, as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping, or its load covering, from dropping from the vehicle.
This policy has been adopted by the Ottumwa/Wapello County Landfill Commission, at their regular meeting on March 20, 2013, and is now in effect.
Landfill Phone Number 641-683-0644
Hours: Mon—Fri 7am—4pm & Sat. 7am—Noon