Reduce, reuse, rejoice: Go green for the holidays

City News December 12, 2025

Freeborn County recycled more than 14,000 tons of material last year, an increase over the previous year. The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage residents to keep up the good work and recycle even more, especially during the holidays, when the average Minnesotan throws away 25% more stuff.

Freeborn County generated 24,000 tons of trash last year. By recycling and reusing more, residents can reduce the need for more landfill space and preserve land for farming, development and natural areas.

“The holidays bring joy, but they also bring a lot of packaging, old electronics, and other items that can quickly fill our trash bins,” said Mark Goskeson, solid waste manager for Freeborn County. “By thinking ahead, we can all make small changes that have a big impact on reducing our environmental footprint in Albert Lea and Freeborn County.”

Residents can take the following steps to make the holidays more sustainable.

Reduce and reuse

• Cut down on food waste – and waistlines – with meal planning and smaller portions.
• Instead of giving material items, consider gift cards, memberships, event tickets, trips or other experiences.
• Instead of disposable tableware at gatherings, use cloth napkins, actual silverware and reusable dishes.

Give old materials new life

• Save gift bags, tissue paper and bows for next year.
• If giving clothing, furniture or other items as gifts, donate the old items to local thrift stores and charities.
• Contact the local Salvation Army or United Way for information about donating items and extra food.

Recycle right

• Place all dry bottles, cans, paper and cardboard directly into single-stream recycling carts.
• Do not place loose plastic bags or film, or recyclables inside plastic bags, into recycling carts. Plastic bags can cause significant issues at sorting facilities.
• Do not place wrapping paper with foil, plastic, dyes or glitter in recycling carts. Throw these in the trash instead.
• Items that cannot be recycled should be placed in the trash or taken to the Transfer Station.

Tap into county services

Freeborn County Environmental Services, 2020 Pioneer Trail, offers recycling programs, including residential single-stream recycling carts, electronics recycling, and free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) disposal.

Freeborn County residents can drop off HHW and electronics on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fees may apply for electronics disposal.

Residents may also recycle old Christmas lights at no charge.

For more information about recycling, call 507-377-5186 or visit the county website at www.co.freeborn.mn.us/132/Environmental-Services.  

Tap into city services

The City of Albert Lea offers free disposal of live trees in January. Drop-offs will be available at Frank Hall Park, 505 Frank Ave., and the Transfer Station, 2506 W. Richway Drive. Watch for specific dates and times on the city’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cityofalbertlea, or sign up for the free Week-Lea e-newsletter, www.cityofalbertlea.org/about-us/news.

Transfer Station

For items that cannot be recycled or reused, the Transfer Station offers disposal for various fees. Winter hours are:

• Monday:              Closed
• Tuesday:              11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Wednesday:       Closed
• Thursday:            Closed
• Friday:                  11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Saturday:             9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Sunday:                Closed

Note: The Transfer Station now accepts only credit cards and checks – no cash.

For more information about the Transfer Station, call 507-377-4325 or visit www.cityofalbertlea.org/transfer-station.