Donation Drive-Thru event reduces waste and diverts usable goods to non-profit organizations

On Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Donation Drive-Thru event was held at Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp. The event supported local residents during the lease-turnover time at the end of July by providing donation or recycling options for common or problematic items when moving.

In a span of four hours, over 12,900 pounds of goods were donated or recycled at Donation Drive-Thru. A highlight of some of the material categories:

• 3,993 pounds of furniture
• 2,970 pounds of clothing, shoes, linens
• 2,275 pounds of books
• 1,230 pounds of mattresses and box springs
• 980 pounds of household and kitchen items
• 433 pounds of art, craft, and school supplies
• 415 pounds of food and toiletry items
• 346 pounds of appliances
• 84 pounds of batteries

Past-use batteries, light bulbs, books, mattresses, and box springs were recycled via the City of Iowa City recycling programs. Art, craft, and school supply donations were accepted for the Art & Craft Supplies Pop-up Events happening in August. More info: www.icgov.org/reduce

All other donations went directly to non-profit partner organizations including Antelope Lending Library, Table to Table, Houses into Homes, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and Crowded Closet.

Thank you to our event volunteers for their generous time and hard work to support local non-profit partners and reduce waste.