Olmsted County Environmental Resources

10/14/2026

Need some compost for some late season yard work? We just screened a bunch today!

There is no fee; however, donation boxes are available on-site for residents who wish to support the Olmsted County Compost Site's daily operations (not funded by property taxes).

10/12/2026

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries might be small, but the risks aren't. When damaged or crushed in the trash, they can start fires in garbage trucks or at our waste facilities. Keeping our workers and community safe starts with proper disposal. If you charge it, don't discard it. Bring all rechargeable batteries to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility.

Learn more at olmstedcounty.gov/batterydisposal.

10/09/2026

Switching to digital receipts and billing is an easy way to cut down on paper waste. Choosing email or app-based receipts means fewer paper slips that end up crumpled in pockets, tossed in trash bins, or sent to our Waste-to-Energy Facility and landfill.

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

10/02/2026

Our very own Lauren O'Brien Johnson, who works in Olmsted County Finance, painted the artwork featured on the new shed at the Yard Waste Compost Site.

Next time you're dropping off leaves or picking up finished compost, be sure to stop by and see Lauren's mural up close. It adds a wonderful splash of creativity and color to the compost site!

09/30/2026

Rechargeable batteries are everywhere—smartphones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, home healthcare devices, and more. When they end up in the trash, they can start fires in our garbage trucks, waste-to-energy facility, and landfill.

Preventing these fires is simple: if you charge it, don't discard it. Bring all items with rechargeable batteries to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility for safe disposal.

Learn more at olmstedcounty.gov/batterydisposal.

09/29/2026

Exciting progress continues on the new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)! Check out the link below to learn more.

A Materials Recovery Facility, or MRF, is a place where recyclables are sorted so they can be reused instead of thrown away. Olmsted County’s new MRF will help our community recycle more, keep reusable materials out of the landfill, and support a cleaner environment. Construction of the MRF continued to make steady progress in September 2026, and several big steps are coming soon.

Read more about the project's progress on our website: https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-news-events/county-news/monthly-construction-update-olmsted-countys-new-materials-recovery-facility-mrf

09/25/2026

A great reminder to keep leaves out of storm drains this fall!

The leaves are turning and the air is getting cooler - it's finally fall! As you enjoy your first pumpkin spice treat of the season, don't let leaf litter ruin the vibe. While keeping leaves on your lawn and in your yard can benefit overwintering pollinators, letting those leaves fall into the storm drain can harm lake ecosystems. This autumn, let's do our part to not let leaves litter our lakes.

09/23/2026

Paper napkins seem small, but they add up quickly when they're thrown away after just one use. Switching to cloth napkins is a simple way to cut down on everyday waste. They're washable, long-lasting, and stay in your home instead of ending up in the trash.

It's a small change that helps keep unnecessary items out of our Waste-to-Energy Facility and landfill.

Learn more about reducing your waste at olmstedcounty.gov/reducewaste.

09/18/2026

Join over 300 households in Olmsted County keeping food waste out of the garbage and turning it into nutrient-rich compost!

Signing up is easy and free. Just email [email protected] to take a short registration survey, then pick up your free compost bucket and starter kit.

Every household makes a difference. Join us and help reduce waste!

09/16/2026

Every year, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries cause garbage fires that put our workers and facilities at risk. Even small rechargeable batteries can start big problems. If you charge it, don't discard it. Drop them off at the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility for safe disposal.

Learn more at olmstedcounty.gov/batterydisposal.