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In creating a disposal facility and recycling program for small generators who normally may have thrown unwanted products in their household trash—Chisago County was an innovator in 2000.  Research was showing over 20 years ago that paints, solvents, cleaners and waste yard chemicals were polluting the environment even in small amounts.

Last week Chisago County completed a major expansion of the original facility and its associated recycling effort —which were again celebrated for keeping pace with environmental needs.

The facility in the industrial park in North Branch officially held a ribbon cutting June 23  opening to the public for regular hours of business Monday, June 26. 

The public can drop in Mondays from noon to 7 p.m. and the facility is also staffed the last Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

Residential quantities of recyclables can be left at no charge in the newly expanded drive-thru recycling yard. The county accepted bids for services from a commercial hauler to handle the recyclables and Lepage & Sons won the contract.  Other specialist processors handle various hazardous products that come into the facility.

Kurt Schneider, county Environmental Services Director, commented the amount of recyclable materials the expanded yard will attract is unknown at this time.     MN Pollution Control Agency grant administrator Heidi Ringhofer spoke of the state grant that made the facility upgrade possible, and said increasing the availability for local recycling is what the agency aims to see as an outcome.  

If you are cleaning out a property, or just missed a recycle pickup day, or for whatever reason, you can utilize the North Branch facility in a convenient manner.

Schneider mentioned a host of behind-the scenes support Chisago County enjoys in keeping recyclables out of trash and properly getting rid of difficult to dispose of products like paints, stains, cell phones, mercury containing items, pool chemicals, cleaners, and sharps.   (Businesses will be charged a fee, defined as more than 100 pounds of hazardous waste per year.)

The county has a list of approved big ticket items recyclers, and there’s a $5 discount coupon you can use if you need to dispose of mattresses, tires, electronics and appliances.  These are AAA, Steel Chick, Evergreen and RFW.

Schneider added that the dedicated crew responsible for the North Branch facility gets nothing but rave reviews from all reports. He commended Solid Waste Coordinator Lisa Thibodeau for being sought out for her expertise from other programmers on how to go about nurturing a culture like what Chisago  has in creating awareness of proper disposal.  He thanked Paul Dennison who has been indispensable at the facility since it opened, and new staffer Megan Stegmeier just came on-board filling a vacancy.

The Household Hazardous Waste Facility is located at 39649 Grand Avenue, east of Cty. Road 30 turn at Ash Street.  Call for questions or if you want to ask about an appointment, 651-213-8920.

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