Departments

Monroe County Solid Waste (Landfill)

 Trash Relocation 12-22

 
 The Solid Waste Department would like to thank the Norwalk Clovers 
for coming out to pick up wind-blown material. The group picked an

impressive 25 bags!! GREAT JOB! 

5-1-24 Norwalk Clovers

 

Latex -vs- Oil Based Paints

Paint - something that you have come across in your basement/garage, or your shed/barn. Some labels are readable, and some are not. You question whether or not it needs to be held on to for a cleanup event, or does it get thrown out? Oil based paints or stains are the one item you want to bring to a cleanup event with a hazardous team onsite. Latex paint is a water-based item. All that needs to be done with Latex paint is to take it out of a liquid form. One way to dry Latex paint, is to spray a tote with cooking oil, pour the Latex paint in and let it air dry. If you do not have a tote, you can tape the corners of a cardboard box and pour the Latex paint into it and let it air dry. For small amounts left in a can, add kitty litter or floor dry to dry it out. Once dried out, throw it out in your regular trash.

What if the label can't be read? How can you tell what's in the can? Look at the bottom of the can. If the bottom is metal - it most likely is oil based. If it's plastic, it's most likely water based. When in doubt, bring it to a cleanup even with a hazardous team onsite, or call us at 608-269-8783. 

 

Plastic, plastic.....it's everywhere!

Have you ever had a plastic bag blow across the road when driving, or across a parking lot? Or possibly, you never gave it a thought when you saw one. Plastic is everywhere and is used in a lot of items we use every day. You hear advertisements and news networks talk about "going green", yet we wait for someone to start something, only to realize that no one does. So, what can we do? The easiest and smallest way we can start, is by using reusable bags at the grocery store, or any store we go into. Helping in this one way, saves not only on our environment, but also cuts down the number of plastic bags we use to haul our purchases home. 

Plastic bag (3) Plastic bags (2)

At the Monroe County Landfill, the number of plastic bags that arrive are tremendous. On any given day, it is not uncommon to see a plastic bag(s) take flight in the air and land outside of the working area. Chasing them down periodically throughout the summer is not as fun as one might think. Change is never easy, but it can make a difference on the impact we have on the environment. So, the next time you are out shopping, take or purchase a reusable bag and make a change that will make an impact. 

Batteries

Batteries are a common household item used daily in some form, but what do you do with them once they are no longer working or needed. Alkaline batteries are safe to throw away in your trash. They are not considered hazardous in the battery world, and they will not cause a landfill fire. RECHARGEABLE batteries are a different story. All rechargeable batteries, need to be recycled and if not properly managed at the end of their useful life, can cause harm to human health or the environment. To prevent fires, tape battery terminals and/or place your rechargeable batteries in a container or plastic bag and bring to Solid Waste Spring Clean Sweep.

Curb Alert! What is that / what does it mean?

Two words that say a lot but what exactly is it? People with unwanted items put them on their curb and 'alert' the public either with a sign or a post online (ex: Facebook / Craigslist) for anyone and everyone to come get it. **CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL MUNICIPALITY ON CURB ALERT REGULATIONS**

There are even curbside alert apps that can be downloaded (ex: Nextdoor / Offerup) that can help you find them.

So, if you have items that can be re-purposed, do a curb alert. Remember ~ One man's trash is another man's treasure!!

 

Fall Clean Sweep Event - CANCELLED. Due to the new cell construction, we will not be having a fall event. If you have items do dispose of, please call. Sorry for the inconvenience, and we look forward to seeing you in the spring!

Next Clean Sweep Event - April 26, 2025

See 'Clean Sweep & Recycling Guide' tab for more information.

**HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IS ONLY COLLECTED AT THE SPRING EVENT**

Q & A for Citizens of Monroe County
Clean Sweep & Recycling Guide
Township & Village Waste Collection Information
Permitted Haulers/Contractors
Recycling & Disposal Center Locations
Alternative locations
Household Hazardous Materials
Agriculture Plastic Disposal
Free Sharps & Medication Drop Off Sites