Is Styrofoam recyclable?

No. Even though some Styrofoam has a recycling symbol on it along with a ‘number’ (example, 7PS) Styrofoam is not recyclable. This also applies to Styrofoam ‘peanuts’ often found inside packaging.

What about fluorescent light bulbs?

Please do NOT include fluorescent light bulbs with your regular weekly recycling. Instead, Spencer Municipal Utilities accepts these unbroken fluorescent tubes/bulb/lamps during office hours at 712 Grand Ave. SMU office hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., M-F, Phone: (712) 580-5800.

These are then recycled through a special process.

Can an engine oil bottle be recycled?

Yes. See section under ‘Recycling Basics’ for companies which will recycle the plastic bottle.

Can a pizza box be recycled?

Yes, provided the pizza has been removed and the box isn’t overly soiled with grease.

How come I can’t recycle glass?

At this time, glass is not recyclable in Spencer. The city and the committee are working to search for ways to recycle glass.

What do I do with an oven, stove, range, dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer, furnace, air conditioner, hot water heater, freezer, microwave, refrigerator, ice machine, and dehumidifier?

Call 580-7270 to get on the pickup list. Note: Each of the above items requires a $20 sticker for curbside pickup. $20 stickers may be purchased at City Hall.

These items may be delivered to the Transfer Station (located at 3101 W. 18th St.), where they are recycled. White goods delivered to the Transfer Station require a $15 fee at the gate.

What do I do with carpet?

Please call to get on the pickup list (580-7270.) Carpet can be no longer than 4-feet in length and bundled so that one person can pickup and handle the carpet. There is a charge per cubic yard fee for carpet pickup at curbside.

What do I do with furniture I no longer want?

Small pieces of furniture can be put out at the curb on your regular garbage pickup day at no extra charge. These items do not need to be called into City Hall in advance.

Stuffed chairs/couches/mattresses & TVs require a $12 sticker for curbside pickup. Call 580-7270 to get on the pickup list. $12 stickers may be purchased at City Hall.

If you desire, you may deliver stuffed chairs/couches/mattresses & TVs to the Transfer Station (located at 3101 W. 18th St.) Those delivered items require a $7 fee at the gate.

What about tires, oil, batteries and paint?

Click here for a full description.

What day is recycling picked up at my house?

Click here for a full description.

What day is garbage picked up at my house?

Click here for a full description.

Questions on Computers and Electronic Equipment?

Such as faxes, monitors, towers, keyboards, computer mouse, and printers should be directed to:

RC & D
203 10th St SW
Spencer, IA 51301
712-262-2083

Questions on Local Recycler?

Can Residents of Spencer Take Recyclables to Complete Recovery?
Yes

Complete Recovery's Address:
610 E. Milwaukee Street
Spencer, IA 51301
712-262-4877

WHAT TO DO WITH SOME USED PAINTS?

Spencer Community Theater, Costume Shop, 518 1st Ave East, 262-5765, Does Accept Some Used Paints. Tues & Thursday 11am-6pm

WHAT TO DO WITH USED BOOKS?

Spencer Rotary Accepts Used Books For Their Yearly Book Sale. Books Can Be Dropped Off At The Spencer Transfer Station, 3101 W. 18th Street.

Goodwill Industries, 1108 4th Ave S.W., Accepts Used Books and Magazines.

WHAT TO DO WITH USED CLOTHING, SHOES, BOOTS, HATS, SCARVES, ETC?

Spencer Community Theater, Costume Shop, 518 1st Ave East, 262-5765, Accepts Used Clothing, Costumes, Shoes, Dress Boots, Hats, Scarves, Caps, and Jewelry - (Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am-6pm)

Goodwill Industries, 1108 4th Ave S.W., 264-1175, Accepts Used Clothing, Shoes, Boots, Hats, Caps, Scarves, Jewelry, Small Household Appliances, Books, Magazines, Used Furniture, Newer Style Baby Cribs, Some Car Seats, Mattresses, Knickknacks, Pots, Pans and Glassware. - (9am -9pm M-Sat) (10am-6pm Sun)

Goodwill Industries Also Accepts Old Computers and Old Cell Phones.

Some Of The Local Churches Accept Used Clothing.

2ND Chances, 517 6th Ave East, 580-4483, Accepts Used Furniture, Household Goods, Linens, Bedding, Pots and Pans. They Do NOT Accept Used Clothing, Car Seats or Baby Cribs. - (11am-5pm M-F) (9 am-Noon Sun)