SEMCO Landfill
Serving Southeast Iowa, SEMCO Landfill is committed to providing efficient waste management solutions for Jefferson, Washington, and Keokuk Counties since 1975.
Note: Service area does NOT include the cities of Kalona & Riverside. We do, however, serve Coppock, Wayland and Olds in Henry County.
Multi-County Solid Waste Agency
Hours & Location
Open: Mon–Fri 7:30am–4pm ·
Sat 7:30am–1pm – Closed Sun & these holidays.
Location: 29997 Hwy 78 W, Richland IA
Phone: 319-456-6171 Email: semcolandfill@gmail.com
What Can I Bring?
Landfill
Household & commercial garbage
Recycling
Tires, appliances
Wood Waste
Lumber, pallets, brush
E-waste
Electronics & monitors
Hazardous
Household hazardous waste by appointment only. Call: 319-456-6171
Come to SEMCO Landfill
Location: 29997 IA-78, Richland, IA 52585
Call: 319-456-6171
Since 1975, SEMCO Landfill has been committed to providing efficient waste management solutions for residents and businesses in Jefferson, Washington, and Keokuk Counties. Our facility is designed to handle a wide range of waste materials, ensuring environmentally responsible disposal and recycling options.
Fees Table
Waste
Cost
Construction & Demolition Debris
$50/ton - $13 min
Residential Waste
$50/ton - $13 min
Commercial Waste
$50/ton - $13 min
Special Waste
$70/ton - $70 min
Tires (8 max)
Cost
Car/light truck tire
$10 off rim / $15 on rim
Semi tire
$45 off rim / $50 on rim
E-Waste
Cost
TVs (tube & flat Screen)
$20 each
Computer Monitors (tube & flat Screen)
$20 each
Console TVs
$35 each
Large printers & Copiers (on casters)
$25 each
E-waste — all other & flourescent lights
$5 each
Other Misc.
Cost
Appliances
$10 each
Ballasts
$10 each
Contaminated soil handling
Call 319-456-6171
Wood & Brush
$35/ton – $20 min as yard waste
Asbestos
Call 319-456-6171
Lead acid or car batteries
Call 319-456-6171
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our landfill operations, services, and environmental practices.
Who are the area waste haulers?
How does a landfill work?
Modern landfills use a composite liner system made of compacted clay and a high-density polyethylene membrane to prevent contamination. A leachate collection system captures and treats liquid waste, while groundwater monitoring ensures environmental safety.
What happens when a landfill reaches capacity?
Once full, the landfill is capped with clay and soil, then seeded with grass. We monitor the site for 30 years post-closure, maintaining the cap and managing leachate collection to protect the environment.
How are odors controlled at the landfill?
We cover waste daily with soil or alternative materials to minimize odors. The active disposal area is kept small to further reduce odor emissions.
Who oversees and inspects the landfill?
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources permits and regularly inspects our facility to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Where does the waste originate?
We accept waste from homes and businesses across Jefferson, Keokuk, and Washington Counties in Southeast Iowa and from Coppock, Wayland and Olds in Henry County.
Bulk Tires
Tires are not accepted from tire vendors. Customers with bulk amounts of tires should contact a tire vender directly. Tire vendors:
Liberty Tire Recycling, 515-262-4900, 1914 E Euclid Ave Suite A, Des Moines, IA 50313
Latex Paint Disposal
Latex paint can last for years if stored correctly. Here are some helpful hints for correctly storing latex paint:
- Cover the opening with plastic wrap and secure the lid tightly
- Store the paint upside down to create a good seal preserving the paint longer
- Never let latex paint freeze
Latex paint can be disposed of in the regular garbage if it is dry. Here are some helpful hints for drying out latex paint:
Remove the lid and place the can in a safe, dry, and well ventilated area.
- Once the paint is dry, the paint can may be placed directly into the regular garbage
- Leave the lid off so the garbage hauler can visually confirm no liquid remains
Cans of latex paint that are ¼ or more filled will need a drying medium added
- Add an absorbent material such as cat litter, oil dry, sawdust or shredded paper to the latex paint and stir well
- Once the drying medium is thouroghly mixed in, leave the can of paint in a safe, dry, and well ventilated area
- Once the paint is dry, the paint can may be placed directly into the regular garbage
- Leave the lid off so the garbage hauler can visually confirm no liquid remains
DO NOT place latex paint in the garbage if it is still wet or with the lid on
Lead Acid or Car Batteries
Places that sell lead acid batteries, including all automotive service agencies, are required to accept them or provide a list of who will. A disposal fee may apply. Check your local phone book for these agencies in your community.
What environmental protections are in place?
Composite liner · leachate collection · stormwater sediment ponds · quarterly groundwater monitoring reported to Iowa DNR.
What items are considered e-waste?
E-waste includes items like televisions, monitors, computers, and other electronic devices. Fees vary depending on the item.
How can I dispose of large appliances?
Large appliances can be dropped off for a fee of $10 each. Please ensure they are free of hazardous materials before disposal.
Does SEMCO accept solar panels?
SEMCO does not accept solar panels for disposal or recycling. Solar panels require a waste determination to assess whether the solar panel or its parts are considered hazardous waste. If determined to be hazardous waste, solar panels cannot be disposed of in Iowa landfills and would be subject to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jurisdiction under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Businesses or residents should contact the solar panel manufacturer to see if they will accept end of life solar panels for proper disposal. Businesses and residents are also encouraged to find outlets that will accept solar panels, either for recycling or other disposal options. Currently, SEMCO is aware of the following disposal options:
ATEC Recycling, Inc.
5745 NE 17th Street
Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone: 515-244-7357
Fax: 515-263-6970
E-mail: info@a-tec-recycling.com
http://a-tec-recycling.com
The Retrofit Companies, Inc.
1010 Hoffman Drive, Suite A,
Owatonna, MN 55060
Phone: 507-455-2181
Toll Free: 800-795-1230
Fax: 507-455-2192
Email: info@retrofitcompanies.com
https://retrofitcompanies.com
Prescription Drug Disposal?
CLICK HERE for a link to the State of Iowa Department of Public Safety page about prescription drug take back, including information about how to package the medications, options for proper at-home disposal, and a list of locations where prescription medications are accepted.
Always call the location before visiting to ensure they are still accepting medications. Inhalers can be taken to several local pharmacies in Linn County including all Walgreens and Hy-Vee pharmacy locations. They cannot be placed in drug take back drop-offs.
Used Oil & Oil Filter Disposal
Establishments that sell oil, including all automotive service agencies, are required to accept used oil and filters or provide a list of who will. A disposal fee may apply. Check your local phone book for these agencies in your community.
Have more questions?
See our waste services overview page or contact us.
SEMCO does NOT recommend one company over another. There may be other outlets available.