The county publishes a directory that lists where residents can recycle glass, cans, paper, plastic, yard waste and dozens of other items. State and county laws ban households and businesses from disposing of many items in landfills and incinerators. In addition, businesses are prohibited from disposing of office paper or fluorescent lamps in landfills. The county contracts with Superior Services, Olson Disposal, and Waste Management to provide curbside recycling to garbage collection customers. Residents who purchase a garbage collection service in other parts of the county also can get curbside recycling.
Grants pay for the majority of recycling services.
Special charges on property-tax bills or through hauler fees pay for the rest of the program. Hours at drop-off sites are subject to change. No window glass, mirrors, drinking glasses or light bulbs. Clean aluminum foil and trays, metal lids and covers from glass containers are acceptable. Some haulers accept clean paint cans with only a residual coat of material inside.