Month: July 2024

Scrap Metal Issues

Attention Winneshiek County residents:


We have been noticing more scrap metal pieces in our roll off containers, expecially at our Locust site. Scrap metal pieces must be dropped off in our scrap metal bins in the drop off shed at the recycling center.
When larger scrap pieces are placed in our roll off bins, they end up mixed in with our smaller items that go on the sorting line. The larger items damage our belts as they are pushed to the line. This is why it is essential to keep them separated.


In the pictures below, you can see that there is part of a washer that has been disassembled. We take washers for free during business hours at the recycling center. These should not be placed in the roll off bins. We also found a humidifer in this pile. Humidifers can also be dropped off at the recycling center for free during business hours. Please ensure you speak with a staff member when you bring electronics or appliances. There is a $20 fee for appliances containing refrigerant and televisions and computer monitors.


Thanks for helping our team here at the recycling center!

Larger scrap metal items mixed in with smaller plastics and metals. This picture also contains a dissassembled washer and an electric heater.
Larger scrap metal items mixed in with smaller plastics and metals. This picture also contains a dissassembled washer and an electric heater.
Larger scrap metal items mixed in with smaller plastics and metals. This picture also contains a dissassembled washer and an electric heater.
Larger scrap metal items mixed in with smaller plastics and metals. This picture also contains a dissassembled washer and an electric heater.

Use Reusable Grocery Bags

Did you know that the recycling center cannot accept soft plastic? They are known as tanglers and get caught in our equipment. One way to cut down on the amount of plastic waste we create is by switching to reusable grocery bags. Just like a reusable water bottle, you may already have a reusable grocery bag, but it’s easy to forget them at home when we head to the store. Try writing “BAGS” at the top of your shopping list or keep them in your back seat so you remember to use them.

International Plastic Bag Free Day

Today is International Plastic Bag Free Day! Did you know that we can’t accept soft plastic at our recycling center?

The bags tangle and damage our machines and slow down the team that does the sorting. We can’t take plastic bags even if they have a number on them. For this reason, reusing your bags is a great way to cut down on soft plastics being sent to our landfill.

At this time, we can only accept hard plastics that are stamped with a #1 or #2. If they contain a #3,#4,#5,#6,#7, or they are not marked with a number, we cannot take them.

Caps should also be removed from bottles when they are recycled. This allows more bottles to fit in a bale and can save on transportation costs.

As we celebrate the 4th of July tomorrow, let’s do our best to limit the amount of waste we create. Have a great week!