A huge shout out to the amazing folks of Lyon County for diving into the recycling game with such gusto. The Environmental office is thankful for everyone hustling to recycle those pop cans, plastic bottles, and newspapers. Whether you’re composting your kitchen scraps or dropping off those pesky old paints at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, we see you and we appreciate you.

Got some stuff you’re unsure about? Give us or the landfill crew a ring. We’ve got the scoop on where to send your items — often at little to no cost. Remember, we’re all in this together, keeping those recyclables out of the landfill and giving them a fresh chance at life.

Quick reminder: when tossing cardboard into your recycling cart or community drop sites, please flatten those boxes! If they’re not flattened, the recycling containers fill up faster than you can say “environmental responsibility,” leaving less room for your neighbors’ recyclables. And let’s be real, those drop-off bins are emptied weekly, with a few in Marshall getting extra love three times a week.

Now, about those Household Hazardous Waste items — think empty paint cans, empty lawn and garden chemical containers, empty RV coolant containers, empty oil containers or empty, old propane canisters. Spoiler alert: they’re trash. No need to wash them out, just toss them in the bin. And dried-out latex paint? Yep, that can go in the trash too.

Business owners, attention please! Please be sure to call us for special instructions. Our Household Hazardous Waste Facility is all about household items first, and we follow some specific guidelines for business waste thanks to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Selling or buying a home? Make sure all those cleaning supplies and mystery containers are outta there. Old waste can sometimes be a real headache and cost a pretty penny to dispose of.

And for those thinking of downsizing, now’s the time to open those cupboards and closets. Don’t let 30, 40, or 50 years of clutter haunt you — start the decluttering process now and make your next life chapter a breeze.

Are you looking to dispose of needles safely and efficiently? Here are some essential tips to guide you. First, ensure that your sharps — those pointed needles — are securely placed in designated red and white containers, similar to those found in medical offices. Once your container is full, you can conveniently take it to the Household Hazardous Waste facility, where disposal is free of charge. Remember, it is crucial that no needles are removed from their containers during the drop-off process. If you require a sharps container, they are readily available at pharmacies, Amazon, and the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Wishing you safe and responsible disposal.

For more information on recycling and disposal, please visit our website at www.lyonco.org or call the Lyon County Environmental Department at (507) 532-8210. The Lyon County Landfill can be reached at (507) 865-4615.