Olmsted Recycling Center: Holiday Hours, Fees & Items
Use this Olmsted Recycling Center guide to check Recycling Center Plus hours, 2026 holiday closings, Christmas Eve reduced hours, accepted free drop-off items, self-haul fees, TV and electronics charges, tire limits, mattress fees, appliance fees, hazardous waste routing, map directions and official Olmsted County links before you load cardboard, glass, metal, electronics, furniture, tires, appliances or household hazardous waste.
🧭 Olmsted Recycling Center Open Today: What to Confirm First
The olmsted recycling center most residents search for is Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus at 305 Energy Parkway NE in Rochester, Minnesota. It is the county’s main self-haul recycling and disposal facility for many free pre-sorted recyclables and fee-based items such as garbage, appliances, furniture, electronics, TVs, mattresses, tires and construction or demolition materials in residential quantities.
The official facility hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except for holiday closings. The same campus area also includes the Hazardous Waste Facility and Compost Site, but those services have different item rules even when the hours look similar. Do not assume every waste item belongs at Recycling Center Plus just because it is on Energy Parkway.
The strongest plan is to sort free recyclables before arrival, check the current fee schedule for paid items, and confirm the 2026 holiday schedule before driving. The official county fee schedule lists free items such as aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, clean corrugated cardboard, office paper, newspaper, paperboard boxes, #1/#2/#5 plastic bottles and containers, tin or steel food cans and clean scrap metals. Larger items and e-waste can cost money.
Olmsted Recycling Center Overview for Rochester and Olmsted County Drop-Off
Olmsted Recycling Center searches usually point to Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus, a self-haul facility in Rochester that accepts free pre-sorted recyclable materials and many paid disposal or recycling items. The facility is part of Olmsted County Environmental Resources, which manages integrated solid waste services for garbage, recycling, hazardous waste, compost, landfill and waste-to-energy systems.
This facility is useful when curbside recycling is not enough, when you have extra cardboard, when you need to self-haul garbage or bulky items, or when you have paid items such as televisions, electronics, mattresses, appliances, tires, carpeting, furniture, grills or construction and demolition materials in residential quantities. It is not a simple “dump everything” site. Free recyclables must be sorted, and paid materials follow the fee schedule.
Olmsted County also lists a Hazardous Waste Facility at the same 305 Energy Parkway NE address. That facility is the better route for household hazardous waste such as paints, cleaners, solvents, pesticides, rechargeable batteries, sharps and certain special wastes. Recycling Center Plus and the Hazardous Waste Facility can share similar hours, but they are not the same service and should not be mixed up.
Olmsted Recycling Center: Quick Facts Before You Drive
| Question | Official / Verified Information | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Facility name | Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus. | Use this name when checking county pages or map results. |
| Address | 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. | Use the verified address in the map section before driving. |
| Regular hours | Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except holiday closings. | Do not assume Sunday or Monday access. |
| Phone | 507-328-7070; Saturday phone 507-328-7020. | Call for large loads, unusual items, fee questions or facility updates. |
| reducewaste@olmstedcounty.gov. | Use email for non-urgent Environmental Resources questions. | |
| Free accepted items | Pre-sorted recyclables such as aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, cardboard, office paper, newspapers, #1/#2/#5 plastic containers, steel cans and clean scrap metals. | Sort materials before arrival and remove packaging from cardboard. |
| Fee items | Garbage, bulky items, appliances, furniture, mattresses, TVs, electronics, tires and similar self-haul materials. | Review the current fee schedule and bring payment. |
| Hazardous waste | The Hazardous Waste Facility is also at 305 Energy Parkway NE and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM except holidays. | Use HHW guidance for paints, chemicals, batteries, sharps and special wastes. |
Olmsted Recycling Center Open Today, Open Now and Saturday Hours
People often search “Olmsted Recycling Center open now” when they are already loading a vehicle. The answer depends on the day and holiday schedule. Regular Recycling Center Plus hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If today is Sunday or Monday, normal Recycling Center Plus drop-off is not listed as open.
Olmsted Recycling Center Hours Today
If today is Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday and it is not a listed holiday closure, the regular facility window is 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If the date falls on a 2026 holiday closure or special reduced-hour day, the holiday schedule controls. Christmas Eve 2026 is listed with reduced Recycling Center Plus hours of 8:00 AM to noon.
Olmsted Recycling Center Open Saturday
Saturday is a regular operating day under the published schedule, but some Saturday dates are closed as observed holidays. In 2026, the schedule lists Saturday closures for observed MLK Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day for Recycling Center Plus and the Hazardous Waste Facility. That is a detail many users miss.
Open Now Does Not Mean Every Item Is Accepted
A facility can be open while your item still requires a different route. Hazardous waste, sharps, asbestos, large tire loads, industrial materials, friable asbestos, commercial loads and special wastes have separate rules. For example, nine or more tires are not handled as ordinary Recycling Center Plus tire drop-off and must be routed through the Kalmar Landfill fee process with advance contact.
Olmsted Recycling Center 2026 Holiday Hours and Closings
The 2026 Olmsted County Solid Waste Holiday Schedule lists holiday status for several facilities, including Recycling Center Plus and the Hazardous Waste Facility. The schedule is marked subject to change, so use it as official planning guidance but still verify before a long drive or unusual load.
| 2026 Holiday / Observed Date | Recycling Center Plus Status | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day — Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Closed | Do not plan drop-off on New Year’s Day. |
| MLK Jr. Day observed for OCRC/OCHW — Saturday, January 17, 2026 | Closed | This is a Saturday closure that can surprise residents. |
| MLK Jr. Day — Monday, January 19, 2026 | Closed | Monday is not a normal Recycling Center Plus open day anyway. |
| President’s Day observed for OCRC/OCHW — Saturday, February 14, 2026 | Closed | Do not plan Saturday drop-off that day. |
| President’s Day — Monday, February 16, 2026 | Closed | Use a regular Tuesday-Saturday open day instead. |
| Memorial Day observed for OCRC/OCHW — Saturday, May 23, 2026 | Closed | Saturday closure before Memorial Day. |
| Memorial Day — Monday, May 25, 2026 | Closed | Monday closure listed in the holiday schedule. |
| Juneteenth — Friday, June 19, 2026 | Closed | Friday closure affects normal weekday access. |
| Independence Day — Friday, July 3, 2026 | Closed | Listed holiday closure before July 4 weekend. |
| Independence Day observed for OCRC/OCHW — Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Closed | Saturday holiday closure listed for OCRC and HWF. |
| Labor Day observed for OCRC/OCHW — Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Closed | Saturday closure before Labor Day. |
| Labor Day — Monday, September 7, 2026 | Closed | Monday closure listed in holiday schedule. |
| Veterans Day — Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | Closed | Midweek closure affects normal Wednesday access. |
| Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Closed | No Recycling Center Plus drop-off on Thanksgiving. |
| Day after Thanksgiving — Friday, November 27, 2026 | Closed | Holiday closure continues the day after Thanksgiving. |
| Christmas Eve — Thursday, December 24, 2026 | Open 8:00 AM-noon | Reduced hours; arrive early if you must visit. |
| Christmas Day — Friday, December 25, 2026 | Closed | No drop-off on Christmas Day. |
| New Year’s Day — Friday, January 1, 2027 | Closed | Listed at the end of the 2026 schedule. |
Olmsted Recycling Center Free Accepted Items List
Olmsted County lists several recyclable materials accepted free of charge at Recycling Center Plus, but the materials must be pre-sorted. This is where many users make mistakes. “Free” does not mean mixed, dirty, bagged or hidden in a general trash load. It means acceptable recyclables separated into the correct categories.
Free Cardboard, Paper and Paperboard Drop-Off
Clean corrugated cardboard is accepted free when packaging materials are removed. White office paper, newspapers, magazines, flyers, pamphlets, colored paper and flattened paperboard boxes are also listed. Paperboard examples include cereal and cracker boxes, but freezer boxes are not included in the accepted paperboard note.
Free Glass, Cans, Plastics and Scrap Metal
Clear glass bottles and jars are accepted, as are colored glass bottles and jars such as green, brown and other colors. Window glass, dishware and ceramics are excluded. Aluminum cans, tin or steel food cans, #1, #2 and #5 plastic bottles and containers, and clean scrap iron, aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel are also listed as free accepted materials.
| Free Pre-Sorted Material | Accepted Examples | Important Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum cans | Beverage cans and similar clean aluminum cans. | Sort before arrival. |
| Glass bottles and jars | Clear, green, brown and other colored bottles and jars. | No window glass, dishware or ceramics. |
| Corrugated cardboard | Clean shipping boxes and corrugated cardboard. | Remove packaging materials first. |
| Office paper | White office paper. | Keep paper clean and dry. |
| Newspaper and mixed paper | Newspapers, magazines, flyers, pamphlets and colored paper. | Do not mix with garbage. |
| Paperboard boxes | Flattened cereal and cracker boxes. | No freezer boxes. |
| Plastic containers | #1, #2 and #5 plastic bottles and containers. | Use accepted resin types only. |
| Steel food cans | Tin and steel food cans. | Rinse when practical. |
| Clean scrap metals | Iron, aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel. | Keep metals clean and separated. |
Olmsted Recycling Center Fees and Self-Haul Charges
The official fee schedule is the source for paid items. The current schedule lists a $5 minimum charge for self-haulers and $5 per 30 gallons in increments up to 150 gallons. Large quantities are listed at $30 per cubic yard. These charges matter if you are bringing garbage, mixed materials or a non-free self-haul load.
Bulky Item Fees at Olmsted Recycling Center
Bulky items are separated into price categories. Examples in the $15 category include electric fireplaces, exercise equipment, grills, large office chairs, certain love seats, push lawn mowers, railroad ties, reclining chairs, rocking chairs, sectionals without hide-a-bed or recliner, snow blowers, patio umbrellas and treadmills. Other bulky item examples are listed at $20, $25, $30 and $50 depending on type.
Appliance and Mattress Fees
Mattresses are listed at $30 each with a maximum of eight per day. Household-size non-Freon appliances are listed at $10 each, while household-size Freon-type appliances are listed at $15 each. Commercial-size appliances are listed per cubic foot with a minimum. Ammonia gas type appliances are not accepted.
Special Handling and Uncovered Load Fees
Special handling by Olmsted County staff is listed at $50 per item. Unsecured or uncovered loads are listed at $20 per visit. This is not just a fee issue; uncovered loads can create litter and road hazards. Secure your load before driving to the facility.
| Fee Category | Listed Charge | Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum self-haul charge | $5.00 | Applies under the self-hauler schedule. |
| Per 30 gallons | $5.00 each, in increments up to 150 gallons | Useful for small self-haul garbage amounts. |
| Large quantities | $30.00 per cubic yard | Cubic-yard minimum applies. |
| Bulky item category A | $15.00 each | Includes listed examples such as grills and push lawn mowers. |
| Bulky item category B | $20.00 each | Includes listed examples such as some couches and water softeners. |
| Bulky item category C | $25.00 each | Includes love seats/sectionals per piece with hide-a-bed or recliner. |
| Bulky item category D | $30.00 each | Includes couches with hide-a-bed or recliner and nonrecyclable mattresses. |
| Medical bed with mattress | $50.00 each | Listed separately in the bulky item schedule. |
| Unsecured or uncovered load | $20.00 per visit | Secure and cover loads before travel. |
Olmsted Electronics, TV and Computer Recycling Fees
Electronics are a major reason people search for Olmsted Recycling Center fees. The official fee schedule separates commercial generator e-waste from household, business and other generator categories. Some items are free, but most electronics are not free.
Cell Phones, Computers and Small Electronics
Cell phones are listed as free. Computers, laptops, small desktop copy/scan/fax/printer machines, printers, stereos, DVD players, Blu-ray players, VCRs, copiers and game consoles are listed at $5 each under the household/business/other generator section. Small e-waste peripherals such as keyboards, mice and computer accessories contained in a small box are also listed at $5 per box.
TV and Monitor Fees by Size and Type
Flat screen computer monitors and televisions up to 32 inches are listed at $10 each. Flat screens from 33 to 60 inches are listed at $20 each, and flat screens over 60 inches are $30 each. CRT and projection computer monitors or televisions cost more: up to 32 inches are $20 each, 33 to 42 inches are $40 each, and over 42 inches are $60 each.
| E-Waste Item | Listed Fee | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone | Free | Listed free under household/business/other generator section. |
| Computers, laptops, printers, stereos, DVD/Blu-ray players, VCRs, copiers and game consoles | $5 each | Use the official schedule for exact item classification. |
| Small e-waste peripherals box | $5 each | Nominal small box size listed as 18 inches by 18 inches by 12 inches. |
| Flat screen TV/monitor up to 32 inches | $10 each | Measure screen size before visiting. |
| Flat screen TV/monitor 33-60 inches | $20 each | Larger screens cost more. |
| Flat screen TV/monitor over 60 inches | $30 each | Bring help loading safely at home; follow facility instructions. |
| CRT/projection TV or monitor up to 32 inches | $20 each | CRT and projection screens cost more than flat screens. |
| CRT/projection TV or monitor 33-42 inches | $40 each | Heavy units may need careful loading. |
| CRT/projection TV or monitor over 42 inches | $60 each | Verify before transporting a very large old TV. |
Olmsted Tire, Mattress and Large Item Rules
Automotive and light truck tires are listed at $5 each with a maximum of eight per day at Recycling Center Plus. Semi tires and tractor tires are not accepted at the Recycling Center Plus fee category. The facility page also states that large tire loads of nine or more can be brought to Kalmar Landfill for a fee of $435 per ton, and residents should call 507-328-7070 in advance.
Mattress and Box Spring Fees
Mattresses are listed as fee items, with a maximum of eight per day at Recycling Center Plus. The fee schedule lists mattresses at $30 each. Mattress rules can be sensitive because full loads of mattresses may be handled differently at other facilities, so use the official schedule and call if you have more than a normal household quantity.
Appliances, Furniture and Residential Construction Material
Appliances, furniture, carpeting, drywall, grills, lawn mowers with fluids removed, bikes and residential quantities of construction and demolition materials are commonly accepted for a fee. The exact charge depends on the item category, size, handling and current schedule. Do not assume all large items cost the same.
Hazardous Waste Facility, Sharps and Special Waste in Olmsted County
The Hazardous Waste Facility is also listed at 305 Energy Parkway NE in Rochester and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except holiday closings. This facility is the better route for household hazardous waste, not regular Recycling Center Plus sorting bins.
Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Items
Olmsted County hazardous waste guidance includes materials such as adhesives, aerosols, brake fluid, degreasers, drain cleaners, furniture polish, fungicides, gas or diesel fuel, herbicides, household cleaners, lye, mercury products, oven cleaners, latex and oil-based paint, solvents, paint thinners, pesticides, photographic chemicals, pool chemicals, rechargeable batteries, roofing tar, solvent-based products, toilet bowl cleaners, transmission fluid and wood preservatives.
Sharps Disposal
Household-generated sharps are accepted free of charge from residents who treat themselves for medical conditions. Accepted sharps include needles, syringes, lancets and test strips. They must be properly packaged and labeled. Business-generated sharps are not accepted.
Business and Very Small Quantity Generator Rules
Businesses and nonprofit organizations located in Southeast Minnesota that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month may participate in the Very Small Quantity Generator program, but the waste needs pre-approval by application. Businesses should not use household drop-off rules as a shortcut.
Portal Confusion: Recycling Center Plus vs Hazardous Waste Facility vs Landfill
The phrase olmsted recycling center can lead to multiple county facilities. Recycling Center Plus, the Hazardous Waste Facility, the Compost Site, the Kalmar Landfill and the Waste-to-Energy Facility are connected but not interchangeable. The wrong facility choice can mean a rejected load, extra fee or unsafe handling problem.
Recycling Center Plus Is for Self-Haul Recycling and Fee Items
Use Recycling Center Plus for pre-sorted free recyclables and many self-hauled fee items such as garbage, appliances, furniture, mattresses, TVs, electronics, tires and similar residential quantities. Check the fee schedule before bringing bulky or electronic items.
Hazardous Waste Facility Is for Household Hazardous Waste
Use the Hazardous Waste Facility for household chemicals, paints, solvents, rechargeable batteries, certain lamps, sharps and similar special materials. This facility is also on Energy Parkway, but its rules are separate from the Recycling Center Plus drop-off list.
Kalmar Landfill Is for Landfill-Specific Materials
Kalmar Landfill is listed at 7401 19th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901, with hours Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, except holiday closings. Some materials, such as large tire loads or certain landfill-only materials, may require that route instead of Recycling Center Plus.
How to Prepare Your Olmsted Recycling Center Drop-Off Load
A clean, sorted load helps staff and reduces wasted time. Do not arrive with a hidden mix of garbage, recyclables, electronics, chemicals and loose bulky items. The strongest load is separated into free recyclables, fee items, electronics, hazardous waste and special materials before you leave home.
- Confirm facility and hours Check whether you need Recycling Center Plus, the Hazardous Waste Facility, Compost Site, Kalmar Landfill or a licensed hauler.
- Check holiday status Review the 2026 holiday schedule before visiting on or near federal holidays, especially observed Saturday closures.
- Pre-sort free recyclables Keep cardboard, paper, glass, cans, plastics and scrap metals separated so free materials are not mixed with garbage.
- Remove packaging from cardboard Corrugated cardboard must be clean, and packaging materials should be removed.
- Measure TVs and monitors Screen size and type affect fees, especially flat screen vs CRT or projection models.
- Secure your load Avoid the unsecured or uncovered load fee and prevent litter by covering or tying down materials.
- Call for unusual or large loads Use 507-328-7070 for questions about tire loads, special wastes, business waste, asbestos or unclear materials.
Official Olmsted County Resources and Related Guides
Use official Olmsted County pages first when checking hours, fees, holiday closings and disposal routes. Related guides can help with material-specific preparation, but the county page should control the final decision.
Olmsted Recycling Center Map and Directions
This is a location-specific Olmsted County guide, so the map below uses the verified official Recycling Center Plus address: 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. The Hazardous Waste Facility is also listed at this address, while the Compost Site is across the street and Kalmar Landfill is at a different address.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olmsted Recycling Center
📍 Where is the Olmsted Recycling Center?
Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus is located at 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. The Hazardous Waste Facility is also listed at the same address.
🕒 What are Olmsted Recycling Center hours?
Recycling Center Plus is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except for holiday closings. It is not listed as open on Sunday or Monday for normal drop-off.
📆 What are Olmsted Recycling Center 2026 holiday hours?
The 2026 schedule lists multiple closures, including New Year’s Day, observed Saturday closures for several Monday holidays, Juneteenth, Independence Day closures, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve 2026 is listed as open 8:00 AM to noon.
📦 What items are free at Olmsted Recycling Center Plus?
Free accepted pre-sorted materials include aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, clean corrugated cardboard, office paper, newspapers, magazines, colored paper, paperboard boxes, #1/#2/#5 plastic bottles and containers, tin or steel food cans and clean scrap metals.
💵 What items have fees at Olmsted Recycling Center?
Fee items include garbage, bulky items, appliances, bikes, brush or tree waste in incidental quantities, carpeting, computer systems, residential construction and demolition materials, drywall, furniture, grills, lawn mowers, mattresses, TVs and automotive tires.
📺 How much does TV recycling cost in Olmsted County?
TV and monitor fees depend on screen type and size. Flat screens up to 32 inches are listed at $10, 33-60 inches at $20 and over 60 inches at $30. CRT and projection screens are listed at higher fees from $20 to $60 depending on size.
🛞 Can I recycle tires at Olmsted Recycling Center?
Automotive and light truck tires are listed at $5 each with a maximum of eight per day. Semi and tractor tires are not accepted at Recycling Center Plus. Large loads of nine or more tires require Kalmar Landfill routing and advance contact.
☣️ Where do I take paint, chemicals and rechargeable batteries?
Use the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility at 305 Energy Parkway NE for household hazardous waste such as paint, solvents, pesticides, rechargeable batteries, chemicals and properly packaged household sharps.
🚫 Is Styrofoam accepted in the recycling area?
No. Olmsted County says Styrofoam is not accepted in the recycling area at the facility; it is treated as garbage.
ℹ️ Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Olmsted Recycling Center?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify hours, fees, holiday closings, accepted items and special-waste rules with Olmsted County before visiting.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not the official Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus page. Hours, holiday closings, fee amounts, accepted materials, electronics prices, tire limits, hazardous waste rules, landfill routing and contact details can change. Always verify directly with Olmsted County Environmental Resources before loading items or driving to the facility.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use Olmsted Recycling Center
The olmsted recycling center most users need is Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus at 305 Energy Parkway NE in Rochester. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM except for holiday closings, with Christmas Eve 2026 listed as reduced hours from 8:00 AM to noon.
Use the facility for free pre-sorted recyclables such as aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, clean cardboard, paper, #1/#2/#5 plastic containers, steel cans and clean scrap metal. Use the fee schedule for garbage, bulky items, electronics, TVs, mattresses, appliances, tires and large self-haul loads. For hazardous waste, sharps, paints, chemicals, rechargeable batteries and special wastes, use the Hazardous Waste Facility guidance.
Before you drive, check the official holiday schedule, sort free materials, measure TVs or monitors, secure your load, review the current fee schedule and call 507-328-7070 for unusual items. A little checking prevents rejected loads, surprise fees and unsafe disposal.