Olmsted County Environmental Resources

09/04/2026

HOLIDAY CLOSING - The Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus and Hazardous Waste Facility will be closed Saturday, September 5, 2026 , in observance of Labor Day. The facilities will remain closed through Monday, September 7, 2026―normal business hours.

The Environmental Resources Department Office and Kalmar Landfill will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026.

Normal hours resume for all facilities on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

09/02/2026

Choosing reusable dryer balls instead of disposable dryer sheets is a simple switch that can make a big difference. Dryer balls can be used again and again, helping reduce waste and keeping unnecessary items out of our Waste-to-Energy Facility and landfill.

Learn more about how to reduce your waste at olmstedcounty.gov/reducewaste.

08/28/2026

If you've been thinking about giving composting a try, now is the perfect time! Our Food Scrap Compost Program makes it super easy to turn everyday kitchen scraps into something beneficial for our community and the environment.

Learn more about the program and how to sign up at https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/reducewaste -scrapcomposting3.

08/25/2026

Great progress is being made in the construction of the new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)!

Construction is moving forward on Olmsted County’s new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which will strengthen recycling across southeastern Minnesota.

Crews have completed underground utilities and are continuing foundation and concrete work. Building materials are expected to arrive in early September, with building construction beginning soon after.

The MRF will bring recycling processing closer to home, reducing long-distance transportation, supporting local recycling markets and helping remove more recyclable materials from the waste stream. The project remains on schedule, with commercial operations expected to begin in September 2027.

For more information, visit our website: https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-news-events/county-news/materials-recovery-facility-mrf-construction-update

08/19/2026

Every day, Minnesotans throw away 600 tons of plastic bags and packaging. Do your part by choosing reusable bags and keeping plastic film out of your curbside recycling. Small habits add up!

08/14/2026

The average American family uses 500 ziplock bags every year. That adds up fast—costing money and creating waste that ends up at our Waste-to-Energy Facility and landfill.

To reduce waste, swap single-use bags for reusable containers. Small changes make a big impact.

Learn more about how to reduce your waste at olmstedcounty.gov/reducewaste.

08/11/2026

Residents in the Byron area are reminded of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., at Byron Fire Hall.

More information can be found at https://bit.ly/424hGhj.

Items accepted at this collection can also be brought to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility, https://bit.ly/41ZRPrv, for FREE.

08/05/2026

Happy Workforce Wednesday, Folks! This week we're hiring for a Community Outreach Specialist, Senior Building Systems Technician, Maintenance Mechanic, and more! If you're looking for a new opportunity with competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a great team, join us and apply today! https://olmsted.attract.neogov.com/p/applicant-support

08/03/2026

Recycling Reminder: Please remember to empty and clean refrigerators and freezers before bring them to the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus, https://bit.ly/3Ngs5Q0.

Fridges and freezers that arrive filled with containers, rotting food, or an excessive stench will be charged a special handling fee in addition to the standard disposal fee.

07/31/2026

Visit us tonight at the Olmsted County Fair! Stop by the Conservation Building to learn all about recycling, ask questions, and sign up for our Food Scrap Composting Program.