This educational project was prepared with the support of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources 20-G550-15EMS. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of the IDNR.

The Solid Waste Management Commission of Marshall County, on behalf of Marshall County Landfill, was awarded an EMS Grant for $34,497.26 to purchase and install an LED sign at Marshall Co. Landfill.

The landfill purchased a 10mm Watchfire unit with a 4 ft. x 8 ft. viewing area.  The external illumination of the sign is provided by solar power.

The sign was operational on Nov. 19^th, 2020.   Messages were created in English and Spanish and set up on a schedule to be most effective on certain days/times.  The sign’s software managed all the schedules.  The messages on the sign included:

• Hours of operation
• Appliance recycling
• Covered load policy
• Holiday closures
• Household Hazardous material collection
• Weather-related closures
• E-waste recycling
• Trivia questions
• Recycling information
• New residential recycling drop-off announcement
• Calendar Contest photos
• Staff birthday /celebration events

Bins were purchased by the landfill to give to new residents of Marshall County to start a successful recycling program at their new home.  The bins were accompanied by handouts that help identify what materials can be recycled in Marshall County.  Properly recycled material saves on landfill space and provides a feedstock of material for recyclers.