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 shouldn't go in to your recycling bin. Carver County residents also have free access to a recycling sorting app that lets you scan or search for packaging to get disposal instructions.

Recycling Resources

Images and brochures made available for use by Carver County businesses, schools and other organizations at no charge. Items that appear on each sign can potentially be customized to reflect common items at your location. Assistance with printing may also be available in some situations.

Recycling Grants

Carver County provides grant funding to schools, businesses, and organizations located in Carver County to reduce waste, design a new or improved recycling program, or start organics recycling.

Building Material Reuse Grants

The reuse of building materials, including cabinets, plumbing fixtures, bricks, and lumber, is an important way residents can reduce their waste. Extracting building materials requires a careful, planned process commonly called deconstruction. Acknowledging that the higher cost of deconstructing buildings to salvage these materials, Carver County is committed to helping property owners take the extra step to extract these valuable materials.

Recycling Drop-Off Sites

Carver County operates rural recycling drop-off sites in the cities of Cologne, Mayer and Norwood Young America. The sites are open to residents and businesses year-round.

Oil Recycling Sites

Minnesota State law prohibits the disposal of motor oil, oil filters and antifreeze on land, in the sewer system, or with solid waste. Carver County accepts used motor oil, filters and antifreeze from residents at six permanent drop-off locations as well as two Special Waste Collections.

Special Waste Collections

Each year, Carver County conducts two Special Waste Collection days where residents can drop-off their special waste items.

Agricultural, Marine and Greenhouse Plastic

Thanks to a partnership between Carver County Environmental Services, Revolution Plastics and the University of Minnesota Extension Office, local farmers have recycled hundreds of thousands of pounds of plastics. With this innovative free recycling program, agricultural, marine and greenhouse plastics destined for landfills or burn barrels can be recycled, while simultaneously reducing disposal fees.

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.