NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 27, 2020

CONTACT:

Dana Kazel, Communications Manager

218-725-5049 (office) • 218-591-2219 (cell)

Household Hazardous Waste drop off sites closed, other solid waste operations continue

St. Louis County Environmental Services has closed its two Household Hazardous Waste drop off sites in Virginia and Hibbing until further notice. The County landfill, transfer stations and solid waste drop off sites all remain open.

Citizens are asked to keep any household hazardous waste items – such as paint, household cleaners, rechargeable batteries, and fluorescent bulbs, among other things – until the sites re-open, so that the items can be disposed of safely. For people needing to make an emergency drop off of household hazardous waste, staff will try to accommodate as schedules permit. People should call 218-741-8831 to make an appointment.

Closure of the two HHW sites allows for better staffing at the county's solid waste sites during this COVID-19 situation. The Governor's Executive Order calling for Minnesotans to stay home except for essential needs March 27-April 10 doesn't affect solid waste sites, and people are allowed to drive to drop off trash and recycling.

Because the COVID-19 situation is continually changing, residents are encouraged to call the Environmental Service Hotline at 218-749-9703 before driving to any of the county's drop off sites. The hotline message will be updated daily to alert the public if any other sites have to close.

St. Louis County Environmental Services provides a comprehensive management system for garbage and recycling for all of the county outside the boundaries of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District. Learn more at

stlouiscountymn.gov/

environmentalservices