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1. What should I do with household medical sharps?

Place needles, syringes, lancets and other sharp medical devices in a hard plastic container with a screw-on lid, such as a laundry detergent jug. When the container is full, secure the lid with heavy-duty tape. Place a “Household Infectious Waste” sticker over the lid. Bring your sealed container to the Carlton County Transfer Station on Highway 210. Stickers can be obtained from the cashier. For more information, contact us at 218-384-9174.

2. What should I do with unwanted medication?

Leave medication in the original container. Remove your name, address and any other identifying information. Leave the name of the medication on the container. Bring to one of three locations in Carlton County and drop it in the box: Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, City of Cloquet Police Department or Moose Lake Police Department. For more information, contact us at 218-384-9174.

3. How do I dispose of…?

The Carlton County Zoning and Environmental Services Office operates the Transfer Station, Household Hazardous Waste Facility and recycling centers. We have programs for the collection and disposal or recycling of:

• Antifreeze
• Appliances
• Batteries
• Construction or demolition debris
• Electronics
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Food waste
• Household garbage
• Mattresses
• Medical sharps
• Recyclables
• Tires
• Used oil and oils filters

Additional information and brochures can be found at the Zoning and Environmental Services Recycling and Solid Waste.

4. What does it cost to get rid of a couch, mattresses, refrigerator, tires, TV, etc.?

The fee for disposal of mixed municipal solid waste (household garbage) and construction/demolition (anything attached to a structure) is volume-based for most items. Loads larger than 9.33 cubic yards and loads with shingles or concrete may be weighed. Other items such as appliances, tires, mattresses and electronics are charged per item. A price brochure, as well as other solid waste and recycling information can be found in our Carlton County Transfer Station Price Guide (PDF). For more information, contact us at 2018-384-9174.

5. How do I get rid of unwanted paint, pesticides, solvents, mercury thermometer, rechargeable batteries, cleaners, etc.?

Many products you use in your house and yard contain hazardous materials. Improper disposal of these products can cause fires and injuries to people and animals. For more information on what to do with these items, view our pamphlet Does Your House Hold Hazardous Waste (PDF). For more information, contact us at 2018-384-9174.

6. Where can I recycle cardboard, plastic, newspaper, etc.?

The Carlton County Zoning and Environmental Services Office operates five staffed recycling centers, six unstaffed recycling centers and a recycling center located at the Transfer Station. For more information on these recycling centers, view our recycling brochure (PDF).

7. Why can’t I recycle all plastic with a number on the bottom?

The code number on the bottom of plastics and bottles is commonly mistaken as an indicator of a product’s ability to be recycled. In actuality, this number only indicates the chemical make-up or type of plastic used in the product. Not all types of plastic can be recycled. The best indicator for a plastic containers recyclability is its shape: all bottles, jars, jugs and tubs. These shapes are most likely to be of plastics that truly can be recycled. More information about recycling plastics can be found in our brochure Plastic, Is This Recyclable? (PDF)?