Leaders from Dakota and Scott counties were joined by state and local officials Wednesday, April 29 to celebrate the groundbreaking for Recycling Zone Plus in Lakeville.
Recycling Zone Plus will accept similar materials as the counties' existing facilities and will accommodate future population growth.
“We are providing safe, convenient and efficient drop-off for household hazardous waste, as well as a Reuse Zone for people to pick up items they can use at home," Dakota County Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg said.
The facility is planned to open to the public in late Spring 2027. Construction costs will be covered by state and federal funding, Dakota County landfill fees and Scott County funds.
State lawmakers, including project proponents Reps. Jon Koznick and Liz Reyer, praised the counties' partnership on a facility that will serve residents from multiple counties.
Recycling Zone Plus features will include:
- Items that will be accepted include household chemicals and hazardous waste, electronics, small household electronics, recyclables, scrap metal and tires.
- Staff will sort, pack and safely store materials on-site before they are shipped to disposal or recycling facilities.
- A Reuse Zone, where residents can shop for free items in good condition (paints, stains, cleaners and automotive chemicals and more) that other residents have dropped off.
Dakota County's Recycling Zone in Eagan already handles four times its designed capacity. Scott County is also running out of space at its facility in Sand Creek Township. Scott County Commissioner Jody Brennan said Recycling Zone Plus represents innovation and regional partnerships.
“But it's also important beyond the representational — this facility will have a lasting impact on the environment, the economy and the communities we serve," Brennan said.
State funding was provided through Minnesota Pollution Control Agency grants. Twin Cities residents generate 3.3 million tons of waste a year, and it will grow by nearly 20 percent over 20 years.
“To manage that waste, we need innovative solutions like we're here to celebrate today," said Anna Hotz, MPCA assistant division director. “We need those to protect the environment and human health of the communities and the region, and that's why projects like this are so important."
For more information, visit the Recycling Zone Plus page.