Make a clean sweep during spring cleaning!

As the weather warms up, many Olmsted County residents are preparing for spring cleaning. Before discarding unwanted items, it’s important to know the options for repair, reuse, and proper disposal.

Fix instead of tossing

Olmsted County, in partnership with Reuse MN, is hosting its first-ever Fix-It Clinic as part of EarthFest’s annual expo. Community volunteers will be available to help residents repair common household items.

Event details

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
• Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Saint Mary’s University-Rochester at Cascade Meadow

Examples of items that may be repaired include:

• Clothing and textiles.
• Small appliances such as toasters, blenders, and coffee makers.
• Small electric devices such as lamps, clocks, and radios.
• Toys, vacuums, jewelry, and items requiring minor carpentry repairs.

Important reminders:

• Participants may bring up to two items.
• Volunteers will do their best to assist, but repairs are not guaranteed.
• Electronics such as televisions, cell phones, and computers will not be accepted.
• Items with gas engines will not be accepted.
• All items should be small enough for one person to carry.

 
Proper disposal options

• Self-haul to Olmsted County facilities

The Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus (OCRC) and Hazardous Waste Facility (HWF) accept a variety of items that do not belong in curbside bins, including furniture, electronics, and appliances. The HWF is designated for hazardous materials such as paint, solvents, pesticides, and rechargeable batteries.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For more details on where to take specific items, visit olmstedwaste.com and use the Waste Wizard, which provides disposal instructions for over 500 items.

• Hire a licensed junk hauler

For those unable to transport waste themselves, hiring a Class D licensed junk hauler is a convenient alternative. Licensed haulers follow proper disposal procedures, reducing environmental impact and ensuring compliance with county regulations. To find a licensed junk hauler, visit: Olmsted County Junk Hauler List.

By choosing to repair, reuse, or dispose of items properly, residents can help reduce waste and support a cleaner community.

Some content in this communication was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI).