Special Waste

Special Wastes are those materials which have either been banned from disposal at landfills/incinerators, or other outlets are available. The Transfer Station in Crookston is the central collection point for Polk County. For many items, the ODC Recycling Center in Fosston provides a central collection point for Eastern Polk County.

Appliances/White Goods

Appliances have been banned from landfills, and salvage yards are not able to crush and recycle appliances that have not been processed. Appliances often contain one or more of the following materials:

• Freon
• Mercury
• PCB

Collection sites are located at the Transfer Station in Crookston and the Recycling Center in Fosston. Appliances are collected at no charge from residents (not businesses) of Polk County during regular business hours.

Yard Waste/Compost

Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, prunings, etc.) have been banned from landfills in Minnesota. Yard waste is best managed on-site through back yard composting or the use of a mulching lawnmower. The Polk County Transfer Station in Crookston accepts yard waste from residents. Outside the Crookston area, check with local municipalities for local programs.

Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent light bulbs are banned from disposal in Minnesota landfills due to the mercury powder contained within the glass tubes. Fluorescent light ballasts often contain PCB’s, a known carcinogen. Both fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts are collected for no charge for Polk County residents (not businesses) at both the Transfer Station in Crookston and the Recycling Center in Fosston.

Auto/Marine Batteries

Auto and marine batteries are collected at no charge from residents and businesses of Polk County at both the Transfer Station in Crookston and the Recycling Center in Fosston. Auto and marine batteries contain significant quantities of lead and acidic fluids.