DISPOSAL

On-Site Visits

You may request a free, confidental, and non-regulatory on-site visit to assist in your solid waste disposal options. Call the Solid Waste Office.

Garbage Disposal

Fifty years ago, most people in rural areas disposed of the small amount of waste they generated by burning or burying on their property. Since that time, however, packaging waste and chemical usage has increased dramatically. today, burning or on-site burial of many common wastes can cause enviromental damage to water, soil, air and increase health problems for people and animals.

Landfills

Landfill disposal of waste material is the current recommended option of disposal for residents in Marshall County. Landfills are contructed, permitted and monitored to reduce the risk of environmental contamination. If you are interested in contracting for garbage service, contact a licensed hauler and set up the type of service that will work for you. If you want to self-haul your wastes, contact the county solid wast office for the nearest permitted landfill location.

Burning and Burying of Waste

Persons who own land used for farming may burn or bury solid waste generated only from that person's household as part of the farming operation. However, burning and burying must be done in a nuisance free, pollution free and aesthetic manner on the land used for farming. The following items, however, are banned from burning or burying on farm property:

Tires, lead acid &household batteries, household hazardous wastes, plastics (except bailing twine), used motor oil and filters, and other materials as identified by MN Statute & Rules.

**This exception does not apply if regularly scheduled pickup of solid waste is reasonably available at the persons farm, as determined by resolution of the county board.

Backyard Composting

Composting vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, garden waste, leaves and grass clippings is a natural way to get rid of waste. Composting is a process that allows naturally occurring microbes to convert yard waste into a useful organic soil amendment or mulch. For more information on composting, contact the Solid Waste Office or Extension Office.

RECYCLING

Recycling is an effective method of reducing solid waste and at the same time conserving natural resources, energy and landfill space. All residents are highly encouraged to recycle materials accepted at county sponsored (KaMaR) drop-off sites. Accepted materials include newspaper, tin, aluminum, glass bottles and plastic jugs.

Recycling Pesticide containers

The practice of burning pesticide containers in an open fire (a common method of disposal) was banned in 1988. As a result, the MN Dept. of Agriculture organized agriculture pesticide container collections. Pesticide container collections are now conducted annually in Marshall County. For more information about waste pesticide and container management and disposal, contact the county Solid Waste Office, Extension Office, Agriculture Inspector or the MN dept. of Agriculture at 1-800-657-3986.

Recycling Problem Materials

Fluorescent Lamps- Fluorescent lamps connot be disposed of in the trash because of their mercury content. Contact the county Solid Waste Office for locations that accept lamps for recycling.

Tires/Vehicle Batteries - In Minnesota, tires and vehicle batteries may not be disposed of in a landfill. Most tire dealers accept waste tires for recycling. Retailers that sell vehicle batteries must accept them for recycling.

Used Motor Oil/Motor Oil Filters- It is illegal to dispose of motor oil and motor oil filters in the garbage, on the land, in water or down a storm or sewer drain. Check with local service stations if you have used oil or filters to get rid of. Service stations that sell oil either accept used oil for recycling or they will post information about nearest drop off locations.

Major Appliances- These include washers, dryers, dishwashers, hot water heaters, microwave ovens, stoves, air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and furnaces. Many of these appliances contain PCB's, CEC's and mercury that are hazardous wastes. State law requires that all major appliances are not to be landfilled. Appliances must have hazardous materials removed and then they are to be recycled.

WASTES

Household Hazardous Wastes

Consumers can assume that a product is potentially hazardous if it bears such signal words as, "Danger", "Poison", "Caution", "Warning", "Flammable", "Corrosive", or "Reactive". Mercury containing products such as switches, thermostat probes, thermometers and thermostats must also be managed as hazardous waste. If you are concerned about an unmarked product, or if you have questions about an unidentified hazardous product contact the county Solid Waste Office.

Permanent Depot- Marshall County has set up a permanent facility where people can bring their HHW year-round. It's free!!! The facility is located in Bagley, MN just off highway 2. Call 1-800-637-2090 for available hours. Call the county Solid Waste Office for additional disposal options.

Do not mix different types of waste before delivery and keep chemicals in their original containers if possible.

Hazardous wastes excluded from this program include- Radioactive wastes (contact MPCA at 1-800-657-3864), Explosives, Biological Waste(contact MPCA), Spills (contact local fire dept.)

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events

These provide citizens with the opportunity to bring their HHW to a specific location in Marshall County. Once it's there, professionals label and package the waste, which will then be taken for proper treatment, including recycling and reuse, or eventual disposal. Call the county Solid Waste Office to see if a community in your area is scheduled for a collection event.

Source Reduction

The best way to manage waste is not to generate waste in the first place. Some ideas to reduce waste include: avoid excess packaging, buy products in recyclable containers or made from recycled materials, avoid use of hazardous chemicals, use reusable rather than disposable products and buy well made products which can be repaired rather than replaced.

DEMOLITION

Marshall County owns and operates a permitted demolition landfill located five miles north of Warren MN just off highway 75. Accepted materials include: Asphalt, Concrete and Bricks, Waste Materials as part of a demolished structure such as built in cabinetry, ceramic fixtures, conduit, glass, insulation, metal, plastic, roofing, shingles, tile, wiring and wood.