FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 4, 2023
Transfer Station contact: John Ryther, civil/environmental engineer, at
507-377-4325 or [email protected]
Freeborn County Environmental Services Services contact: Mark Goskeson, solid waste manager, at 507-377-5186 or [email protected]

Albert Lea encourages residents to reduce, reuse and recycle ahead of fall clean-up

As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, it’s time for fall clean-up in Albert Lea. The City of Albert Lea encourages residents to consider reusing and recycling before resorting to using the city’s Transfer Station, 2506 Richway Drive, for disposal.

Minnesotans could recycle, reuse or compost nearly two-thirds of the trash they discard, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The MPCA predicts an additional 8 million tons of waste will end up in landfills over the next 20 years, taking up space that could be used for farming, housing or natural areas. Reusing and recycling can help preserve land for future generations.

Consider these tips to recycle and reuse:

  • Recycle paper, plastic, metal and glass. Freeborn County offers residential single-stream recycling carts for easy recycling.
  • Recycle electronics and household hazardous waste: The City of Albert Lea encourages residents to make use of the convenient drive-through service at the Freeborn County Environmental Services facility at 2020 Pioneer Trail. The facility collects household hazardous waste and electronics from residents on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no charge for household hazardous waste and a small fee for electronics.
  • Compost food scraps and yard waste. Composting is a great way to reduce environmental impacts and create nutrient-rich soil for gardens. The Transfer Station also provides brush disposal and yard waste composting. Annual permits for unlimited use of the compost site are available for sale at the Transfer Station or from the City of Albert Lea Engineering Department, 221 E. Clark St. The permit fee is $13 for city residents, $18.50 for non-city residents, $130 for city businesses, and $185 for non-city businesses.
  • Reuse items whenever possible. For example, reuse glass jars for storage or turn unwanted clothes into cleaning rags.

Consider these tips to reduce waste:

  • Plan meals to avoid buying too much food.
  • Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
  • Bring reusable bags and containers when shopping.
  • Repair items instead of throwing them away.
  • Donate unwanted items to thrift stores or sell them via consignment shops or online markets.

Cleanup day is Oct. 14

Fall cleanup day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. – noon at the Transfer Station. Residents with proof of city residency may deposit one load of:

  • Brush, yard waste, household garbage and demolition debris at no charge
  • Appliances, sofas and mattresses for $10 each
  • Furniture pieces for $5 each
  • Passenger car tires for $3 each
  • For rims and electronics, regular rates will apply

The Transfer Station’s fall hours are now in effect until Nov. 30:

  • Monday: Noon – 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday: Noon – 6 p.m.
  • Thursday: Noon – 6 p.m.
  • Friday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed.

For more information about the Transfer Station and its services, visit https://cityofalbertlea.org/transfer-station/ or call 507-377-4325.

For more information about recycling, visit the county website at www.co.freeborn.mn.us/132/Environmental-Services or call 507-377-5186.