Scrap Metal and Salvage

Many types of metals are accepted by scrap metal dealers and, depending on type and quantity, scrap metal dealers may offer money for recycling scrap metal. Owatonna Metal Recycling (ph. 507-451-1470) is the scrap metal dealer in Owatonna. Check the yellow pages under “Scrap Metal – Process and Recycling” for information about other scrap metal recyclers in the region.

Sharps

Needles and sharps can injure garbage haulers and other workers who handle these wastes, so household sharps must be disposed properly. Consumers who wish to dispose of sharps in the Steele County Landfill are asked to place all sharps point first in a heavy duty plastic liquid laundry detergent bottle with a screw top cap. Keep the cap on when storing spent needles. When the container is half full, cap and tape the lid, label “Do Not Recycle – Household Sharps” and place in household trash.

Information on other disposal alternatives for sharps may be found in an online fact sheet provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Online Fact Sheet

Sheetrock

New sheetrock may be disposed in the mixed solid waste portion of the Steele County Landfill for a fee. Old sheetrock may be disposed in the less expensive, unlined demolition portion of the Steele County Landfill if properly separated from materials that cannot be buried in demolition. Click here for more information about disposal at the Steele County Landfill and for disposal charges.

Shingles

Old shingles are accepted for burial in the less expensive, unlined demolition portion of the Steele County Landfill if properly separated from materials that cannot be buried in demolition. Click here for more information about disposal at the Steele County Landfill and for disposal charges.

Solvents and Solvent-Based Cleaners

Waxes, polishes, spot removers, degreasers, mineral spirits and other petroleum based products are considered hazardous. Steele County households may bring these to either the Steele or Rice County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities for free, proper disposal. Click here for more information about these HHW facilities. Businesses are not allowed to bring hazardous chemicals to the Steele County HHW facility. Click here for information about hazardous waste disposal options for Very Small Quantity Business Generators (VSQG) of hazardous wastes.

Spot Remover

See information on Solvents and Solvent based cleaners above.

Stains

Stains and varnishes cannot be placed in household trash for landfill burial. These hazardous products from Steele County homes should be brought to either the Steele or Rice County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities for free, proper disposal. Click here for more information about these HHW facilities. Usable stains and varnishes are placed on shelves at this facility for other adults to take home for reuse free of charge.