Minnesota’s recycling programs do an excellent job of keeping waste out of the solid waste disposal system. However, recycling is more than an alternative to waste disposal. It also conserves and reuses resources, creating new businesses in the process.

Residential Recycling

Check out our list of items that should and should not go in your recycling bin. Carver County residents can also use a free recycling app. You can scan or search for an item to learn how to dispose of it.

Recycling Grants

Carver County offers grant funding to schools, businesses, and organizations in the county. These grants help reduce waste, improve recycling programs, or start organics recycling.

Building Material Reuse Grants

Reusing building materials like cabinets, plumbing fixtures, bricks, and lumber helps reduce waste. Removing these materials takes careful planning and is often called deconstruction. Because deconstruction can cost more than demolition, Carver County helps property owners take this extra step. This makes it easier to save and reuse valuable materials.

Recycling Drop-Off Sites

Carver County offers several recycling drop-off options for residents and businesses. Rural recycling drop-off sites are available in Cologne, Mayer, and Norwood Young America and are open year-round. The Carver County Environmental Center is also open year-round and accepts a wide range of recyclables and special waste. In addition, organics drop-off sites are available to help residents recycle food scraps and other compostable materials.

Special Waste Collections

Each year, Carver County holds two Special Waste Collection days. Residents can bring in items that need special handling for safe disposal.

Agricultural, Marine and Greenhouse Plastic

Carver County Environmental Services works with Revolution Plastics and the University of Minnesota Extension Office to offer a free recycling program for farmers. This program has helped recycle hundreds of thousands of pounds of plastic. Agricultural, marine, and greenhouse plastics that might go to landfills or burn barrels can instead be recycled. This also helps lower disposal costs.

Environmental Academy

Programs designed educate participants on topics such as waste reduction, recycling, composting, and other environmentally relevant themes. The objective of these workshops is to create opportunities for residents to learn about specifics when it comes to recycling, composting, and reducing waste so they’ll be able to refine and apply their knowledge at home, work, and in the community while empowering them to educate others in the process.