Trash & Recycling

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Recycling

Recycling in Big Stone County is also handled by Waste Management of Central Minnesota. They are contracted by Big Stone County to collect and process recyclables. In October 2008 they switched over to a "single-stream" recycling program which means that sorting is no longer necessary since it is mechanically sorted at the Material Recovery Facility in the Twin Cities.

Waste Management provides 96 gallon roll-out totes to curbside residents in all the municipalities except Barry and pickup every other week.

Totes are also provided at a drop-off site in each of the municipalities for rural county residents who don’t have access to curbside service.

The County also contracts with Waste Management for commercial recycling services. Any business interested in utilizing this service should contact the regional representative from Waste Management at (320) 762-9608.

Although recycling has been simplified with Single Sort, there is still a right and wrong way to do it. Waste Management encourages people to visit http://recycleoftenrecycleright.com/ to learn more about recycling. 

Check out "The ABCs of Recycling" by our Deputy Environmental Director Ronda Maas for more information on recycling.

Solid Waste

The Solid Waste Management Plan required by the State, plans management strategies and budget needs to ensure proper management. One tool used for management is the county’s Solid Waste Management Ordinance which regulates residential and commercial garbage disposal, recycling, and household hazardous waste. In 2003, the County Board re-instated an annual solid waste assessment of $35 per parcel having over $1000 of building value. This fund enables the county to provide free recycling services as well as special collections for problem materials such as Household Hazardous Waste, used oil and filters, fluorescent bulbs, appliances, and electronics.

Solid waste collection rates and haulers vary depending on the municipality you reside in. Rural residents can choose one of two options for their solid waste;

  • Haul trash to the solid waste transfer station operated by Waste Management of Central Minnesota and located at 770 US-75 #215, Ortonville, MN 56278
  • Contract individually with a licensed trash hauler for pickup.

Vehicle Disposal

Below are suggestions for vehicle disposal. Big Stone County does not receive anything from any of the organization listed below.

Vehicles for Veterans

Vehicles For Veterans is a 501(c)(3) vehicle donation program benefiting disabled veterans. Our car donation program offers a simple alternative to selling or trading in your unwanted vehicle. In return for your donation, you receive the maximum possible tax deduction. Best of all, your donation helps organizations to provide assistance to disabled veterans and their families. Knowing that your car donation helps to provide transition services, help for homeless veterans, advocacy, employment assistance and more is something you can be proud of.

Wheels For Wishes

Wheels For Wishes is a car donation program benefiting Make-A-Wish® Minnesota. We are proud to offer a free and easy way to recycle or donate unwanted cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, or even boats, by turning them into a wish for a local child. We pick-up or tow away cars free of charge, anywhere in Minnesota, whether they run or not. Vehicles are either recycled or auctioned off and 100% of the net proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Minnesota. Since we are a tax-exempt charity under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, you also receive the maximum possible tax deduction for your charity vehicle donation.

Kids Car Donations

Kids Car Donations is an organization that supports ailing kids with a donation of a vehicle to help transport. A Minnesota car donation can mean the world to thousands of children presently struggling with life-threatening diseases. If you happen to have an old automobile that you no longer use, handing it to us sounds like a viable option. Doing so not only releases you from the burdens of an unwanted clunker, but it also gives you the wonderful opportunity to transform young lives in the state of Minnesota!