McShane's Leadership in Improving Waste Management Across Iowa

Big things are happening in Iowa’s compost world. The Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency (SWA) has earned national recognition for their dedication to waste diversion, receiving the Compost Manufacturer of the Year-Large Scale award from the US Composting Council at the 2026 Compost Conference in Sacramento. This accomplishment honors the dedication of the agency and the vision and leadership of Executive Director Karmin McShane. 

Composting Trailblazer

Since 2004, McShane has been redefining what’s possible for organics management in Iowa. In a state where compost facility regulations have historically made expansion both difficult and expensive, she leaned into the challenge. Guided by her value to “leave the planet better,” McShane helped pioneer infrastructure that supports residential organics recycling, changing the trajectory of composting in Iowa.

Under McShane’s leadership, the Cedar Rapids Linn County SWA made impressive strides in landfill diversion.

• In 2011, the agency began accepting commercial food waste from local colleges, Wal-Marts, and Sam’s Club stores, dramatically increasing landfill diversion in the Cedar Rapids area.
• Collectively, the agency has reduced landfilled waste by 20,000 tons, extending the life of the landfill by two years and demonstrating the measurable impact that a strong organics program can have.
• Mount Trashmore, once home to 6 million tons of garbage, reopened in 2018 as a vibrant recreation destination featuring a walking trail system, expansive views of Cedar Rapids, and educational signage.

McShane’s contributions to the Cedar Rapids Linn County SWA have set a new standard for what can be achieved for Iowa waste reduction.

Leadership Beyond the SWA

McShane is widely respected as a leader who inspires excellence, initiative, and compassion. Beyond managing the Cedar Rapids Linn County SWA’s operations, she actively serves on boards such as the Iowa Composting Council and Linn County’s Conservation District, to make impacts for the betterment of the community.

Serving on the Iowa Composting Council Board of Directors, McShane helped drive regulatory changes to Iowa’s composting requirements, making it easier for others to divert food waste from landfills.

Celebrating Success

We commend Karmin McShane and the Cedar Rapids Linn County SWA for their resilience, dedication, and lasting impact on Iowa’s composting community. This award is well earned and well deserved!