Recycling 101

By Drew Hatzenbihler

Solid Waste Administrator

Just as many parts of our lives have been changed by the pandemic, our upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection event will also have some changes to ensure the safety of all of our participants and staff. We ask for everyone’s help to have a safe collection event on October 6 from 12-5 p.m.

The requirements to participate:

• Wear a mask, even while inside your vehicle

• Remain in your vehicle the entire time

• Store hazardous materials in the truck/rear of the vehicle only

• Store all material in containers that you don’t want back

• Follow directions given by staff

• Staff will unload all accepted materials stored in the trunk.

Please note that if there are any materials in other parts of the vehicle you will be asked to pull ahead to a designated area, move the items to the trunk, and drive back to the end of the line.

Any items left in your trunk are items that are either not accepted during this event or need to be taken to the main transfer station building for disposal. Please remember light bulbs, lighting ballasts, oil filters and electronics require a fee for disposal and are accepted year-round at the main transfer building. If you have these materials for disposal expect that they will be left in your vehicle to be taken to the main transfer station to be disposed of. Used oil and antifreeze are also accepted year-round. They will be accepted during the hazardous waste collection event, but if these are the only materials you have for disposal then you may want to come on another day that won’t be as busy.

We are also encouraging residents to help each other out and bring in materials for friends and neighbors. The fewer vehicles that come through, the easier and safer it is for everyone. Please don’t arrive prior to our start time, noon, on collection day. We typically have a rush at the start of the event causing a vehicle line up that stretches to Highway 52. This can create a dangerous situation for drivers on Highway 52 and those waiting in line.  If your schedule allows, try to avoid the rush at the start of the event and come a bit later.

We know that things will look and feel a little different this year. We, like everyone else, are doing our best to try to ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy. We appreciate your help in following our rules. Please remember: wear a mask, stay in your vehicle, and have all your items for disposal in the trunk. As always, if you have any questions about this event, what materials we accept during the event, or other questions about disposal of waste and recycling please call the Fillmore County Resource Recovery Center at (507) 765-4704.