Special Wastes:
TIRES: Most tire dealers accept tires for recycling. Tires may also be recycled at the Steele County Landfill for a fee.
VEHICLE BATTERIES: Businesses that sell automotive (lead‑acid) batteries accept used batteries for recycling.
USED MOTOR OIL AND MOTOR OIL FILTERS: Steele County provides two public used‑oil collection tanks—one at the Steele County Landfill and another at the Steele County Recycling Center/Thompson Sanitation, 1255 Kilworth Drive, Owatonna.
MAJOR APPLIANCES: Major appliances are accepted for recycling at the Steele County Recycling Center/Thompson Sanitation (1255 Kilworth Drive, Owatonna), the Steele County Landfill, and many local appliance dealers. Some garbage haulers also offer appliance recycling.
FLUORESCENT LAMPS: Many hardware stores accept fluorescent bulbs for recycling for a small fee. Batteries Plus (1100 West Frontage Road, Owatonna) also provides recycling services.
RECHARGEABLE HOUSHOLD BATTERIES: While disposable batteries (AA, AAA, C, 9‑volt) may be placed in household garbage, rechargeable batteries must be recycled once they no longer hold a charge. Many retail stores accept rechargeable batteries for free recycling, including Batteries Plus, local hardware stores, Lowe’s, Target, and Walmart. Ask at the service counter.
ELECTRONIC GOODS: (Computers, TVs, and Video Display Devices) Electronics may be recycled at the Steele County Recycling Center/Thompson Sanitation (1255 Kilworth Drive, Owatonna) and at the Steele County Landfill near Blooming Prairie. Fees vary based on item type. All Best Buy stores also accept consumer electronics for recycling. Visit bestbuy.com/recycling for details.
It is illegal for residents or businesses to dispose of TVs, computer monitors, or any electronic device with a video display in a Minnesota landfill.
Household Hazardous Wastes:
Residential
Many common household products—such as paints, solvents, cleaning products, adhesives, mercury, and pesticides—can be harmful to people, animals, and the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Steele County partners with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to provide residents with safe options for handling these materials.Steele County residents may bring usable household hazardous products to either the Steele County or Rice County Hazardous Waste Facilities. Items that are still in good condition will be placed on reuse shelves, where other residents can take them home free of charge.
For more information visit:
Business Waste
Hazardous wastes from Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQG)
Businesses that generate 220 pounds or less of hazardous waste per month may dispose of their materials by bringing them to either the Rice County Hazardous Waste Facility near Faribault or the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility in Rochester. While disposal fees apply, using these facilities is typically far more cost‑effective than hiring a private hazardous‑waste contractor.
For additional information about the VSQG programs, contact:
• Rice County Hazardous Waste Facility: 507.332.6833
• Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility: 507.281.6222
Steele County Household Hazardous Waste Site
Open May through September:
Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
First and third Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to noon
(no charge for Steele County residents to use)
Rice County Household Hazardous Waste Facility
Open Year Round Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Second Saturday of the month (Nov.-March): 7:30-11:30 a.m. Second & Fourth Saturday of the month (April-Oct.): 7:30-11:30 a.m.