As we begin the new year, Otter Tail County is encouraging residents to choose to recycle properly. By following simple guidelines, residents can help ensure their recycling efforts produce cleaner products that can be turned into new items like pizza boxes and patio materials.
Improper recycling – such as placing foam packaging in cardboard containers – can damage equipment and reduce the value of recycled materials. County Information and Education Officer Clancy Oliphant emphasized the importance of proper recycling:
“By choosing to recycle properly, we can protect our environment, reduce waste and support the recycling process to transform materials into usable products.”
Simple steps to recycling properly
1. Know what to recycle: Check Otter Tail County's guidelines for acceptable materials, such as: B. clean paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans and plastics marked No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5.
2. Avoid contamination: Rinse containers to remove food particles and discard lids before recycling.
3. Keep plastic bags away: Dirty plastic bags belong in the trash. Clean bags can be dropped off at drop-off locations, such as grocery stores.
4. When in doubt, throw it away: Not sure if an item is recyclable? Throw it in the trash to avoid contamination of recyclables. Use the district’s “Waste Assistant” tool as a guide.
Resources for residents
To support recycling efforts, Otter Tail County provides tools and resources, including recycling guides, facility tours and waste reduction tips. Residents can schedule a tour of the recycling facility in Fergus Falls or the Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority facility in Perham to learn more.
For more information or to schedule a tour, visit ottertailcounty.gov or contact Clancy Oliphant at 218-998-8950.
Make recycling your new habit for 2025
“Recycling properly is one of the easiest ways to have a positive impact on our community,” Oliphant added. This year, let's work together to protect our environment and reduce waste.
Otter Tail County Encourages Residents to “Choose to Recycle Right”
