New work group to provide input on new reuse and recycling center

Planning is beginning for a new community reuse and recycling center. A citizen work group will be meeting with Olmsted County Environmental Resources staff to provide community input. A future building is being proposed to be constructed on the east side of the existing resource recovery campus just south of the current Recycling Center Plus. The workgroup will identify ways to improve the customer experience and provide ideas for the layout of the new building as well as suggestions on signage and facility flow.

The new building will expand upon the county's integrated solid waste management system, and advance sustainability goals said Tony Hill, Director of Environmental Resources. Additional space will allow further processing of residential and business waste and increase reuse and recycling.

The Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus was built in 1986 and has outgrown its original purpose. The operation of the facility has changed from collecting only glass, aluminum cans, newspaper, cardboard, steel cans, and office paper for recycling. The current facility additionally handles self-haul garbage and collects scrap metal, appliances, electronic waste, and mattresses for recycling. The number of customers using the facility has more than doubled in the last 15 years. The facility currently averages around 120,000 customer visits per year.

Media Contact: Sue Struckmann | 507-328-7070 | sue.struckmann@olmstedcounty.gov