For immediate release
April 2, 2024
Media contacts:

  • Transfer Station contact: Jill Steinhauer, administrative assistant, engineering department, at 507-377-4325 or [email protected]
  • Freeborn County Environmental Services contact: Mark Goskeson, solid waste manager, at 507-377-5186 or [email protected]

Spring cleaning? Think twice before you toss!

The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County recommend a few ways to lighten the load – and the environmental impact – while spring cleaning this season.

Reduce, reuse, recycle: Before filling up the Albert Lea Transfer Station, 2506 Richway Drive, consider giving items a second life. Perhaps donate clothes, furniture and electronics. Get creative and repurpose old jars, containers and other items. Recycle paper, plastic and glass in the single-stream carts provided by Freeborn County.

County recycling: Freeborn County offers convenient recycling options like single-stream recycling carts, electronics drop-off, and even free disposal of household hazardous waste. The county accepts household hazardous waste at its facility located at 2020 Pioneer Trail, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wednesdays only. Visit www.co.freeborn.mn.us/132/Environmental-Services or call 507-377-5186 for details.

Yard waste solutions: The Transfer Station offers brush disposal and yard waste composting. Yearly permits for unlimited composting are available for purchase at the Transfer Station or the City Engineering Department, 221 E. Clark St. The permit fee is $13 for city residents, $18.50 for non-city residents, $137 for city businesses, and $200 for non-city businesses.

Free compost permit for drain adopters! Albert Lea supports the Shell Rock Watershed District’s “Adopt-a-Drain” program. Volunteers who keep storm drains clear receive a free annual compost permit. Learn more and sign up at www.shellrock.org. After signing up, visit the watershed district office, 305 South First Ave., for the free compost permit.

Summer hours for the Transfer Station start April 1:

    • Monday: 3 – 7 p.m.
    • Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    • Wednesday: 3 – 7 p.m.
    • Thursday: Closed
    • Friday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    • Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    • Sunday: Closed

Albert Lea’s spring clean-up event is set for April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents with proof of city residency may deposit one load of the following.

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

 

Need more info? Head to cityofalbertlea.org/transfer-station or call 507-377-4325.

Everyone can keep Albert Lea clean and green!

#

The City of Albert Lea’s mission is to deliver exceptional services that enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.