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While autumn colors paint the landscape, the city of Albert Lea encourages residents to think green for fall cleanups. Minnesotans can divert nearly two-thirds of their trash by recycling, reusing or composting.

How to get started:

• Recycle right: Freeborn County offers convenient single-stream recycling carts for paper, plastic, metal and glass.
• Tackle electronics and hazardous waste: The Freeborn County Environmental Services facility at 2020 Pioneer Trail accepts these items on Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. There is no charge for hazardous waste and a small fee for electronics. See www.co.freeborn.mn.us/132/Environmental-Services for more information.
• Compost like a champion: Turn yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. The Albert Lea Transfer Station offers brush disposal and yard waste composting permits. See https://cityofalbertlea.org/transfer-station for more information.
• Repurpose and reuse: Get creative! For example, glass jars can be used for storage or unwanted clothes can be transformed into cleaning rags.
• Reduce waste at the source.
• Plan meals: Avoid food waste by planning your shopping list and meals.
• Buy in bulk: Reduce packaging waste by buying in bulk when practical and using reusable containers.
• Embrace reusables: Ditch disposable bags and bring reusable shopping bags and containers.
• Repair, don’t replace: Can that broken item be fixed? Consider repair before tossing it.
• Donate or sell: Unwanted items can find a new home through donation or online marketplaces.

Fall cleanup:

From 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 12, residents with proof of residency can dispose of the following items for free or reduced rates at the Transfer Station at 2506 Richway Drive:

Free: Brush, yard waste, household garbage and demolition debris, limit one load

$10 per item: Appliances, sofas and mattresses

$5 per item: Furniture pieces

$3 per item: Passenger car tires

Regular rates apply: Rims and electronics

Fall hours for the Transfer Station (Oct. 1 to Nov. 30):

Monday: Noon – 6 p.m.

Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Noon – 6 p.m.

Thursday: Noon – 6 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: Closed