At an emergency meeting March 20, the Dodge County Commissioners agreed to close the transfer station to people that haul their own trash and debris to the facility. It will remain open for licensed haulers and contractors.

Environmental Services Director Mark Gamm explained to the Commissioners that licensed haulers and contractors have very little if any interaction with employees at the Transfer Station and the loads they haul typically do not require inspection.

In light of the COVID-19 directives to limit contact with other people, the Commissioners felt the change was needed because employees at the Transfer Station are often in close proximity to hundreds of people throughout the work week and on Saturday. The customers also stand close together while waiting to be served.

Therefore, the Commissioners agreed, the Transfer Station will be closed to private self-haulers temporarily during this crisis.

During this temporary shutdown, residents and businesses that typically self-haul their waste still have options for recycling and disposal. They may be able to hire a licensed hauler for curbside collection. They may be able to compost their food waste and recycle other materials to reduce the amount of trash they need to haul. And, they can use the county’s Self-Serve Waste Depot if they sign an agreement and pre-pay for special bags. That depot allows people to deposit their trash 24 hours a day, all year long. It is located south of the Recycling Center.

For more information about signing up to use the Self-Serve Waste Depot, contact (507) 634-7875 or (507) 635-6273 or use the county website at www.co.dodge.mn.us and click on Environmental Services, submenu garbage disposal/recycling.

The Commissioners agreed that each step that is taken to limit the spread of the virus will be reviewed on a regular and ongoing basis to ensure essential services are available as much as possible to residents during this trying time.