What Can I Recycle? A Guide to Curbside Recycling in Olmsted County
Recycling is an easy way to conserve resources, prevent pollution, and reduce the amount of waste we send to a landfill. Unfortunately, waste haulers have seen increasing amounts of garbage in curbside recycling carts. Dirty diapers, food waste, and plastic bags are just some of the contaminants that can ruin entire loads of recyclables.
It's true that recycling policies can vary between waste haulers. However, all the "acceptable items" listed in the guide represent materials that have been approved by waste haulers, materials recovery facilities, and recycling officials across the State of Minnesota.
Visit our website for a copy of the Olmsted County Recycling Cart Guide.
Recycling Center Plus Operations Move Indoors
Customer transactions involving garbage, bulky items, electronics, etc., have moved back inside the Recycling Center Plus. The move indoors also returns the option to use a credit card for items with a disposal fee. Cash and check will still be accepted and change can be given.
Modified Disposal Process
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It is mandatory that customers wear masks while inside the building—even when inside their vehicle.
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The facility will once again be able to accept credit cards for items with a disposal fee.
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Customers will not be allowed out of their vehicles while inside the Recycling Center Plus.
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Staff will determine the disposal cost using the existing Solid Waste Fee Schedule—except for electronic waste where temporary fees apply.
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Follow signs and directions from staff.
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Limit two customers per lane in the roll-off area.
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Customers must be able to throw their items into roll-off containers and designated disposal areas without assistance.
- For the latest information, see the Recycling Center Plus webpage.
 A customer drives through the Recycling Center Plus; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
New Rules at the Hazardous Waste Reuse Center
The Hazardous Waste Reuse Center has moved back to its original location at the Hazardous Waste Facility. The following rules are in place for the safety of the public and the facility's staff:
- It is mandatory that customers wear masks while inside the Reuse Center.
- The Reuse Center will have a maximum occupancy of three customers at a time.
- Customers are limited to five minutes per visit.
- Customers are limited to ten items per visit.
Products placed in the Reuse Center are free for the taking and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Reuse Center is open Tuesday - Saturday, from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
 Items available for pickup in the Reuse Center at the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
Celebrate America Recycles Day - November 15
Since 1997, America Recycles Day (ARD) has provided an opportunity for communities across the United States to participate in events dedicated to promoting and celebrating the important role recycling plays in our lives. Held annually on the 15th of November, ARD is a good reminder that recycling should be a daily habit throughout the year.
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Take a few minutes to watch Olmsted County's Know What to Throw recycling video. Featuring a local cast of familiar faces, this helpful video gives 9 tips to help you recycle right.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our lives in countless ways, including the way we educate the public. Classrooms, businesses, and organizations can request an online presentation from an Environmental Resources Department representative. Speaker request forms can be submitted online. |
Curbside Cart Reminder - Make Room For Snow Plows
Winter weather is right around the corner. When large snow events return, we ask that residents place their garbage and recycling containers at the end of their driveways or at the boulevard on collection days.
Bins placed in the street create additional obstacles for snow plow drivers. Drivers have to plow around obstacles, which leaves snow farther out in the street in front of the driveway. This can cause more shoveling for homeowners and may result in bins getting knocked over.
Disposal Discussion: Why Can't We Throw Leaves and Grass Clippings in the Garbage?
Each year, our department receives calls from residents asking why they can't throw leaves and grass clippings in their garbage bin. First and foremost, Minnesota Law and Olmsted County's Solid Waste Management Ordinance prohibit the disposal of yard waste in the garbage.
Secondly, all garbage in Olmsted County is brought to the Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility (OWEF) where it is utilized as a fuel source to produce steam for electricity as well as heating/cooling. Leaves and grass clippings are a poor source of fuel that can contribute to the formation of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
 A look inside a combustion chamber at the OWEF; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
The OWEF's skilled operators monitor pollution control equipment to ensure emissions are well below strict state and federal air pollution control limits. But as Benjamin Franklin famously stated, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." In other words, it's far easier to mulch or compost leaves and grass clippings than it is to mitigate the effects of burning them.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the University of Minnesota have compiled some great information on composting at home. If this isn't an option, residents can bring leaves and grass clippings to the Olmsted County Compost Site any day of the week during daylight hours. Composting organic yard waste conserves limited landfill space and produces a valuable resource! Donation boxes are available on-site for residents and businesses who wish to support the Compost Site's operations.
Yard waste that is contaminated with fungus, disease, invasive pests, or harmful substances should NOT be brought to the Compost Site. If you believe your yard waste is contaminated, please contact the Environmental Resources Department by emailing pwservice@co.olmsted.mn.us or call 507-328-7070 for disposal instructions.
 A resident drops off leaves at the Compost Site; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
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