Adhesives

Glues, caulking compounds, epoxy resins, pastes, joint fillers, wood putty, grout, spackling compounds, rubber cement, and adhesives that are flammable, poisonous, and corrosive or contain petroleum distillates from Steele County homes should be brought to either the Steele or Rice County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facilities for free disposal. Click here for more information on the location and hours of these HHW facilities. If the container is completely empty or the substance is completely dried out, it may be placed in the trash.

Aerosol cans

EMPTY aerosol cans may be recycled with metal cans. Click here for more information about Steele County’s Residential Recycling program.

Aerosol cans that are not empty and come from Steele County homes may be taken to either the Steele or Rice County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility for free, proper disposal. Click here for more information on the location and hours of these HHW facilities. Do not burn aerosol cans, as they are a safety hazard.

Agricultural Pesticides

Through a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Steele County is now able to accept up to 100 pounds of agricultural and commercial pesticides from facilities in Steele County free of charge. To ensure good service to all Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility visitors, agricultural and commercial pesticides are ONLY accepted by appointment and only during the regular HHW facility operating season (May through September). Click here for more information about the Steele County HHW facility or call the Steele County Landfill at 507-583-7766 for more information on this waste disposal program or to set up an appointment.

Empty pesticide containers from businesses can be disposed in the trash, however they should be triple rinsed prior to disposal, with rinse water used up according to directions in the same way as the rest of that pesticide.

Aluminum cans

Aluminum cans may be recycled at curbside and at all Steele County Recycling Drop Off Sties. Click here for more information about Steele County’s Residential Recycling program. Aluminum cans may also be redeemed for cash at scrap metal dealers, such as Owatonna Metal Recycling. Check the phone book yellow pages for other options of scrap metal dealers.

Ammunition

Unused or unwanted ammunition, including fireworks and flares, should be brought to the Steele County Sheriff’s Office, 204 E. Pearl St., Owatonna, phone 507-444-3800.

Animals

Call your veterinarian for information regarding deceased pets or a rendering service for larger farm animals. The type and condition of a dead animal carcass will govern the required disposal method. Call the Steele County Feedlot Officer at 507-444-7488 for more information.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze contains chemicals that are poisonous to humans and animals. Antifreeze from households may be brought to either the Steele or Rice County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facilities for free disposal. Click here for more information on the locations and hours of these HHW facilities. If the container is completely it empty if can be put in the trash. Do not mix with oil or other solvents. Many auto service centers also accept antifreeze for recycling from the general public. Look in the yellow pages under “Auto Repair & Service” for business names.

Appliances

Major appliances that are required by state law to be recycled include the following:

• Air conditioners
• Dehumidifiers
• Dishwashers
• Dryers
• Freezers
• Garbage disposals
• Heat pumps
• Microwave ovens
• Ranges
• Refrigerators
• Residential furnaces
• Stoves
• Trash compacters
• Washing machines
• Water heaters

Appliances may be recycled at the locations listed below. A fee will be charged.

• Steele County Landfill. Click here for address, hours, phone number and current fees.
• The Retrofit Companies
  3855 W Hwy. 14
  Owatonna, MN 55060
  Ph. 507-455-2181
• Steele County/Waste Management Recycling Center
  1171 Brady Blvd. (off State Avenue and Cty. Rd. 45 two blocks north of Cash Wise Grocery Store)
  Owatonna, MN 55060
  Ph.507 456-4894

Hazardous substances, such as Freon, PCBs and mercury, will be removed from appliances and properly managed. The remaining metal is recycled. Some new appliance dealers will take your old appliance when you buy a new one. Make sure that they are using a licensed appliance recycler.

Working appliances can be donated to friends and some charities will accept them for reuse. Sell them at garage sales or through newspaper ads. Repair old appliances when possible. Consider buying a used appliance instead of purchasing new.

Asbestos

Asbestos was used in building construction in items such as shingles, siding, insulation and floor tile as fire-proofing until the mid-1980’s when it was determined to be harmful to human health. The primary concern with handling asbestos is exposure to airborne fibers. These fibers, if inhaled, can cause lung damage or cancer.

Before you remove asbestos, call the Steele County Environmental Services office (507-444-7475) for specific disposal procedures. Asbestos is accepted for disposal at the Steele County Landfill, but it is subject to specific removal and disposal procedures.

Ash

Cold or damp ash from a fireplace may be disposed in regular household garbage. Allow several days after burning before placing it in household garbage to make certain it is cold.

Auto Glass

Businesses – All auto glass disposals must follow Industrial Waste management procedures. Call the Steele County Environmental Services office at 444-7475 for this information.

Auto Parts

Many parts may be taken to scrap metal dealers or salvage yards, such as Owatonna Metal Recycling in Owatonna or Misgen Auto Parts in Ellendale. Check the yellow pages in a phone book for other options.