Today’s Minot Monday, all about the Minot Landfill and Waste Management is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a publication and guide to living like a local. All content and opinions in this post are my own.
Today might not be the most exciting Minot Monday post ever to grace the blog–but it’s going to be useful. Today, I’m talking about trash. Specifically the Minot landfill. A lot can be said about the trash situation here. Locals don’t think about it, but when you move in it can be a little jarring. Because I’m your friend, I don’t mind sitting down to write a post completely dedicated to how you can dispose of your garbage. Let’s go.
As I said, I’ll be focusing mainly on the Minot landfill today. But I’ll touch on a couple other issues first.
I’ve lived in a lot of places. If I were to do a side by side comparison of waste management from all of those places–Minot would not come in first place. Don’t get me wrong. You know I love Minot. I’m the town’s biggest cheerleader. So everything I say from this point on is simply to help you navigate life here. Not negative, just fact.
Curbside Trash Pick Up
Minot offers curbside garbage pick up in the city. It’s pretty standard. Where we live the truck comes twice each week–which means our bin is never full or overflowing. I’ve had a hard time finding a list of what is acceptable to put in the dumpster. After much searching I dug this up from the City website. This PDF includes a complete list of what you can and cannot put in the trash bin at the curb.
If you’ve got large items, you can add them to your curbside lot, but additional fees apply. (See here.) To arrange a pick up of a large item (furniture, appliances, etc–this does not include building materials) you’ll need to call Public Works (701-857-4140) and schedule a pick up. BeLOCAL has a quick guide to all important “city” phone numbers here.
Yard Waste
One specific rule is that yard waste (think leaves, grass, etc) cannot be placed into your curbside dumpster. This can go to the Minot landfill (we’ll chat more about that in a minute) or one of the yard waste collection sites. Again, I’ll link up this PDF, because it can be hard to find on the City’s website. (Spoiler, if you look under collection locations…you won’t find it.)
There are special yard waste collection sites (see a map here) open until the end of November. After that, yard waste must be taken to the landfill. Unlike other debris–the Minot landfill accepts yard waste at no cost. AKA, for free.
Christmas Trees and Free Mulch
After Christmas two of the yard waste sites reopen to collect Christmas trees. You can drop your tree off at Oak Park or the 16th Ave/16th St SW location. Trees are taken to the Minot landfill and turned into mulch. Then something super cool happens–that mulch is available FOR FREE to residents!
Spring and Fall Clean Up
Twice a year (in October and May) a giant clean up week happens. During Fall and Spring Clean up, you can put basically anything out at the curb for pickup. An-y-thing. Things that don’t fit in your bin, things that normally aren’t picked up by waste crews. It’s pretty much all fair game. It’s free and convenient. You can see the FAQ here for all the details. (Again, you’re welcome. This information is really well hidden on the website.) Dates will be posted here once announced.
Hazardous Waste and Freebies
Now let’s talk hazardous waste. Hazardous waste is anything chemical/liquid that should not be put out with more “traditional” trash. The category includes things like paint, stain, pesticides, etc. The Minot landfill accepts hazardous waste spring through fall. And here is a little known fact: anything suitable for reuse is available, free of charge to anyone who wants it. There is more information on hazardous waste disposal here and here.
Recycling in Minot
Something Derek and I consistently struggle with is how to dispose of our recyclables. The city of Minot doesn’t offer a recycling program or recyclable pick up. There are several places in town where you can take recyclables–and all are a little different. (I plan to do a full post on recycling once I’ve done a little more research.) Here are all the places you can recycle and links to their information.
- Kalix Recycling
- Gerdau Recycling
- Continental Metal Products
- EcoATM (for phones and small electronics)
- Best Buy (appliances and electronics of all kinds)
- Plastic bags are collected at Market Place Foods or can be donated to any of the thrift stores in town.
The Minot Landfill
Now let’s talk about the Minot landfill. The landfill is on the outskirts of town, up a hill. If roads are snowy or icy it can be hard to get up the hill without four-wheel drive.
To drop items off at the landfill there is a minimum $10 fee. The landfill used to accept items for free from residents (with proof in the form of a city water bill). However, they’ve no longer do that.
Upon entry, your vehicle is weighed. Then, you are given a number and instructions on where to drop off your waste. After you finish, you are weighed again and pay the fee on your way out.
Before making my first trip to the landfill (first since moving back to Minot) I tried to find a schedule of fees online. I was initially unsuccessful–so after dropping items off I snapped this photo from the payment window for future reference.
The Minot landfill offers lots more than what is easily found on the website, so I hope this helps you navigate the system. Remember to meet up with me on Instagram or Facebook stories to see this week’s event round up. Every Monday I share my picks for fun events going on in town. I’d love to connect with you!
