Kalmar Landfill Pollinator Project
The Olmsted County Environmental Resources Department, Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), and Parks Department collaborated to convert approximately 6 acres of cool-season grass in the “open soil borrow area” at the Kalmar Landfill to a mixture of native grasses/forbs.
SWCD staff worked with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to establish a site-appropriate mixture of 28 native grasses/forbs.
The frost seeding took place on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. The tractor and grain drill were provided by the Parks Department while a SWCD staff member operated the equipment. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring.
Benefits of this initiative:
- The site will benefit from reduced maintenance once the seed mixture is established (less mowing) compared to cool-season grasses.
- Native plants produce nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife.
- Native grasses/forbs increase infiltration—which reduces runoff from storm events.
MPCA staff believes the Kalmar Landfill is the first open landfill in Minnesota to implement a native planting project.
 Native seeds being planted at the Kalmar Landfill; photo credit: Aaron Gamm
Mattress Recycling Benefits
Mattresses have historically presented unique disposal challenges. For many years, they were sent directly to the landfill where they took up a large amount of valuable space. Around 10 years ago, the landfill began shredding mattresses and sending them back to the Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility (OWEF) where they were utilized as fuel. While this was preferable to letting them take up space in their original form, shredding mattresses (specifically their coils) was particularly hard on our shredding equipment.
Since replacing the shredder was cost-prohibitive, a better option was needed. Fortunately, a relatively new recycling outlet was available at 7 Rivers Recycling in Onalaska, WI, and an agreement was reached at the end of 2020. To date, the county has shipped nearly 4,000 mattresses for recycling. As a result:
- Mattresses are moved further up the solid waste hierarchy. Steel mattress coils can be recycled. Mattress foam can be recycled into carpet backings. Mattress felt can be used as moving blankets, floor liners, and weed barriers.
- The life of shredding equipment at the Kalmar Landfill is prolonged.
- Handling is reduced. An empty trailer is dropped off when a full load of mattresses is ready to ship.
- Recyclable material is kept out of the OWEF.
Mattresses can be brought to the Recycling Center Plus for a fee of $22.00. The disposal fee helps offset the costs associated with shipping and disassembly at 7 Rivers Recycling.
 Mattresses at the Recycling Center Plus; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
Garbage and Recycling Survey - Chance to Win a $25 Prepaid Debit Gift Card
There's only a few days left to take Olmsted County's Garbage and Recycling Survey. It should take approximately 3 minutes to complete. Feedback is greatly appreciated as it will help guide future solid waste policy and program decisions.
Participants could also win a $25 prepaid debit gift card! Please note that survey takers must be at least 18 years old and live in Olmsted County to be eligible for the gift card drawing.
The drawing for the prepaid gift card will take place on Monday, January 3, 2022.
Olmsted County Seeking Applicants for Environmental Commission
Olmsted County is seeking applications to fill a vacancy on the Environmental Commission. The Environmental Commission develops and recommends environmental policies and priorities to the Olmsted County Board. It also reviews, updates, and recommends environmental plans for final approval.
Examples of environmental plans include:
- Solid Waste Management Plan
- Land Use Plan
- Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan
- Industrial Waste Plan
- Community Health Services Environmental Plan
The Environmental Commission also:
(1) Reviews ordinances
(2) Monitors the implementation of plans, policies, programs, and grants
(3) Conducts public hearings/meetings as needed to solicit citizen input on environmental issues, programs, and projects
This commission meets the third Wednesday of every month at 7:15 PM in Olmsted County's 2122 Building—2122 Campus Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
The application can be completed here.
Disposal Discussion: Christmas Trees
Through March, Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Olmsted County Compost Site any day of the week during daylight hours. There is no disposal fee. Stands, ornaments, and lights should be removed.
Wreaths, swags, boughs, and other evergreen decorations should be placed in a bag and thrown in your garbage to prevent the spread of an invasive species known as the Elongate Hemlock Scale—a pest that feeds on conifer trees. Do not compost.
 Christmas trees at the Compost Site; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
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