Special Waste Authorization

The intent of a special waste authorization from the department, is to assist in providing safe and proper management for disposal of wastes which present a threat to human health or the environment or a waste with inherent properties which make the disposal of the waste in a sanitary landfill difficult to manage. 

A waste may be a special waste because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or biological characteristics which may also require special handling, trained people, and/or special disposal methods.

State Laws & Rules for Special Waste Authorizations

• IAC Chapter 567-109: Special Waste Authorizations

Application and Reporting Documents

• Special Waste Authorization Application (542-3216) 
• Special Waste Acceptance Criteria Form (542-8036)

Assistance for Businesses

The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) and Pollution Prevention Services provide confidential non-regulatory environmental technical assistance to Iowa businesses and industry, institutions and government agencies at no cost.  The IWRC works with companies of up to 200 employees and Pollution Prevention Services works with companies of 100 employees or more.

• Contact information for IWRC: 800-422-3109
• Contact information for Pollution Prevention Services: 515-322-9928

The Iowa Waste Exchange is designed to keep waste out of the landfills and in production. Many industry, business and even local governments dispose of items others can use. Representatives are available to help anyone who is looking for a specific item or has items they are willing to give away.

• Contact information for IWE: 515-240-6048 

SWA Resources

• SWA Frequently Asked Questions
• Environmental Laboratory Certification - Laboratories reporting environmental data to the Iowa DNR must be certified. 
• What makes a hazardous waste – EPA fact sheet
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• 40 CFR 261.24 TCLP Chart
• Medicine and Sharps Disposal
• Animal Mortality
  • Animal Mortality Survey Results 2020
  • Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) SWAC

Find Hazardous Waste Regulations

Statutory Authority: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Hazardous and solid waste amendments (HSWA). RCRA regulations are found as a subset of subchapter I, “Solid Wastes,” 40 CFR 239-299. 

Regulations: Iowa has not received authorization from the US EPA to operate its hazardous waste program in lieu of the federal program.  EPA’s hazardous waste program is enforced by EPA’s Region VII office which is located in Lenexa, KS.  To contact EPA’s Region VII office regarding Iowa hazardous waste issues, please contact:

US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
11201 Renner Blvd
Lenexa, KS 66219
Phone: 913-551-7003
Toll Free: 800-223-0425
iowa.notifications@epa.gov