Rochester Recycling Center: Hours, Address & Drop-Off Guide
Use this Rochester recycling center guide to check the official Recycling Center Plus address, open today hours, phone numbers, free accepted materials, paid drop-off items, electronics fees, appliance rules, tire limits, holiday closures, map directions and nearby Olmsted County waste options before you load your vehicle.
🧭 Rochester Recycling Center Open Today: What to Confirm First
The rochester recycling center most people mean for Rochester, Minnesota is Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus. It is located at 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906 and is part of Olmsted County’s garbage and recycling system. The City of Rochester also points residents to Olmsted County for garbage and recycling services, which makes the county page the strongest source for local drop-off rules.
Do not treat this as a simple curbside recycling bin. Recycling Center Plus accepts some clean recyclables free of charge, while other household quantities, bulky items, electronics, tires, mattresses, appliances and construction-related materials commonly have fees. The right answer depends on the exact item, how much you bring, whether it is sorted, and whether the county fee schedule has changed.
Rochester Recycling Center Overview for Local Drop-Off in Minnesota
The rochester recycling center guide on this page is focused on Rochester, Minnesota and Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus. This is the location Rochester residents commonly need when they want to drop off clean recyclables, cardboard, paper, cans, bottles, scrap metal, certain bulky items, electronics, TVs, appliances, mattresses, tires or small household loads that may not fit normal curbside service.
The center is not a one-price, one-bin operation. Some items are accepted free of charge, but only when they are properly pre-sorted and match the accepted material list. Other items are accepted for a fee, and the fee depends on the item type, screen size, appliance type, volume, handling needs or load condition. A clean box of flattened cardboard is not handled the same way as a television, mattress, tire pile, carpet, appliance or mixed garbage load.
For Rochester residents, the biggest mistake is assuming the nearest recycling center accepts everything for free. That is not how local drop-off works. You should first check the official Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus page, then confirm current fee schedule, holiday closures, accepted material list and any quantity limits before you drive.
Rochester Recycling Center Quick Facts Before You Drive
| Question | Official / Practical Answer | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| What is the Rochester recycling center address? | Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus, 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. | Use the map section and verify on the official county page. |
| What are the hours? | Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. | Check holiday closures before loading your vehicle. |
| What is the main phone number? | 507-328-7070. | Call for unusual items, large loads, fees or current service questions. |
| Is there a Saturday phone number? | Olmsted County lists 507-328-7020 for Saturdays on the Recycling Center Plus page. | Use the Saturday number for same-day questions when listed hours apply. |
| Are basic recyclables free? | Olmsted County lists several pre-sorted materials accepted free of charge. | Pre-sort before arrival and keep items clean. |
| Are electronics free? | Cell phones are listed free; many computers, TVs, monitors and electronics have fees. | Check the current fee schedule before bringing e-waste. |
| Can I bring tires? | Automotive and light truck tires are listed at a fee, with a maximum of eight per day at the center. | For nine or more tires, contact Olmsted County before using Kalmar Landfill. |
| Can I bring household hazardous waste? | Olmsted County has a separate Hazardous Waste Facility at the same Energy Parkway NE address area. | Use the hazardous waste page for paints, chemicals, batteries and special waste. |
Rochester Recycling Center Open Now, Open Today and Saturday Hours
Users often search “Rochester recycling center open now” or “Rochester recycling center open today,” but map hours alone are not strong enough. The official Olmsted County listing says Recycling Center Plus facility hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Department office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Rochester Recycling Center Open Today
If today is Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday, the normal listed drop-off window is 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If today is Sunday or Monday, do not assume public drop-off access at Recycling Center Plus. Also remember that a holiday, storm, maintenance issue or county schedule update can override normal hours.
Rochester Recycling Center Saturday Hours
Saturday access is useful for residents who cannot visit during the workweek. Olmsted County lists a Saturday phone number for Recycling Center Plus, which helps visitors confirm current conditions. Saturday can also be busy, so sort materials before leaving home and avoid mixed bags or loose piles that slow down unloading.
Rochester Recycling Center Last-Minute Drop-Off Warning
Arriving right before closing is risky. Large loads, electronics, bulky items, appliances, tires and fee-based items take more time to inspect and process. For a smoother visit, arrive earlier in the day and check whether your item belongs at Recycling Center Plus, the Hazardous Waste Facility, the Compost Site or Kalmar Landfill.
Rochester Recycling Center Address, Phone, Email and Contact Details
The verified Rochester Recycling Center Plus address is 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. The official phone number listed by Olmsted County is 507-328-7070. For Saturdays, the county Recycling Center Plus page lists 507-328-7020. The official email listed is reducewaste@olmstedcounty.gov.
Use the address for directions, but use the official page and fee schedule for rules. A map can help you reach the site; it cannot tell you whether a specific item is free, paid, rejected, limited, or better handled at a separate facility.
| Contact Detail | Verified Information | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Facility name | Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus | Use this name when searching official county pages. |
| Address | 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906 | Use for Google Maps and directions. |
| Main phone | 507-328-7070 | Use for general questions, fees, disposal rules and item confirmation. |
| Saturday phone | 507-328-7020 | Use for Saturday facility questions when county listing applies. |
| reducewaste@olmstedcounty.gov | Use for written questions, program details or item-specific clarification. | |
| Official page | Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus | Use for current rules, links and updates. |
Free vs Paid Drop-Off at Rochester Recycling Center
Free vs paid is the section users should read before loading the vehicle. Recycling Center Plus accepts several pre-sorted recyclable materials free of charge, but other household quantities and bulky disposal categories are commonly fee-based. The official fee schedule is the only safe source for exact current charges.
Free Recycling Drop-Off in Rochester MN
Olmsted County lists free accepted materials that must be pre-sorted. These include aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, clean corrugated cardboard, office paper, newspapers, magazines, flyers, colored paper, flattened paperboard boxes, selected plastic bottles and containers, tin or steel food cans, and clean scrap iron, aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel.
Paid Drop-Off Items at Rochester Recycling Center
Items commonly accepted for a fee include appliances, bikes, brush or tree waste in incidental quantities, carpeting, computer systems, construction and demolition materials in residential quantities, drywall, furniture, garbage, grills, empty lawn mowers, mattresses, TVs and automotive tires. Fees can vary by item type, weight, cubic yard, cubic foot, screen size or quantity.
Why “Free Recycling Center” Searches Can Mislead
A recycling center can be free for clean bottles and cardboard but paid for a mattress, TV, tire or appliance. That does not mean the listing is wrong. It means recycling-center fees are material-specific. A smart visitor checks the exact item, not just the word “recycling.”
Accepted Items and Free Recyclables at Rochester Recycling Center
For basic recyclable materials, the official Recycling Center Plus page lists several items accepted free of charge, but they must be pre-sorted. This means you should not arrive with everything mixed together in trash bags. Sort at home so the visit is faster and cleaner.
Cardboard Recycling Drop-Off in Rochester MN
Clean corrugated cardboard is listed as accepted free of charge. Remove packaging materials, flatten boxes and keep cardboard dry. Wet, greasy or trash-filled cardboard can create contamination and may not be handled like clean cardboard.
Paper, Office Paper and Newspaper Recycling in Rochester
White office paper, newspaper, magazines, flyers, pamphlets and colored paper are listed as free accepted materials. Paperboard boxes are also listed when flattened, but freezer boxes are excluded. If the box has a waxy coating, food residue or freezer packaging, check before placing it with paperboard.
Glass, Cans, Plastic and Scrap Metal Drop-Off
Clear glass bottles and jars, colored glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, tin or steel food cans, selected plastic bottles and containers numbered #1, #2 and #5, and clean scrap iron, aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel are listed as free accepted materials. Window glass, dishware and ceramics are not included with accepted glass bottles and jars.
| Free Accepted Category | Examples Listed by Olmsted County | Important Sorting Note |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Aluminum cans | Keep separate from trash and liquids. |
| Glass | Clear, green, brown and other colored glass bottles and jars | No window glass, dishware or ceramics. |
| Cardboard | Clean corrugated cardboard | Remove packaging materials and flatten boxes. |
| Paper | White office paper, newspaper, magazines, flyers, pamphlets and colored paper | Keep dry and avoid food contamination. |
| Paperboard | Flattened cereal and cracker-style boxes | No freezer boxes. |
| Plastic | Plastic bottles and containers #1, #2 and #5 | Follow local plastic-number rules. |
| Metal food cans | Tin and steel food cans | Empty and keep clean when practical. |
| Scrap metal | Clean scrap iron, aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel | Keep clean scrap separate from garbage. |
Rochester Recycling Center Fees for Bulky Items, Electronics, Appliances and Tires
The official Olmsted County fee schedule should be checked before every paid drop-off because charges can change. The current schedule lists a $5.00 minimum charge for self-haulers and Class D haulers of solid waste, $5.00 per 30 gallons in increments up to 150 gallons, and $30.00 per cubic yard for large quantities.
Bulky Item Fees in Rochester MN
Several bulky item categories are listed with example items and fees. Examples include electric fireplaces, exercise equipment, grills, large office chairs, love seats, push lawn mowers, patio umbrellas, treadmills, couches, futon mattresses, foundation or box springs, water softeners, riding mowers, basketball hoop bases and medical beds. The exact fee depends on the listed bulky item category.
Tire, Mattress and Appliance Fees
Automotive and light truck tires are listed at $5.00 each, with a maximum of eight per day at Recycling Center Plus. Mattresses are listed at $30.00 each, also with a maximum of eight per day. Household-size non-freon appliances are listed at $10.00 each, and household-size freon appliances are listed at $15.00 each. Commercial-size appliances are listed by cubic foot with a minimum charge.
Unsecured Load and Special Handling Fees
The fee schedule lists special handling by Olmsted County staff at $50.00 per item and unsecured or uncovered loads at $20.00 per visit. This is a clear reason to secure your load, sort materials properly and avoid bringing items in a condition that creates extra staff handling.
| Fee Category | Listed Charge / Rule | What It Means for Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum solid waste charge | $5.00 | Small paid disposal loads may still have a minimum charge. |
| Per 30 gallons | $5.00, in increments up to 150 gallons | Small volume-based disposal can be charged by increments. |
| Large quantities | $30.00 per cubic yard | Larger loads may be charged by volume. |
| Automotive and light truck tires | $5.00 each, maximum of eight per day | Nine or more tires require different planning and county contact. |
| Mattresses | $30.00 each, maximum of eight per day | Do not bring large mattress quantities without checking rules. |
| Non-freon household appliance | $10.00 each | Appliance type matters. |
| Freon household appliance | $15.00 each | Refrigerant-containing appliances cost more. |
| Unsecured / uncovered load | $20.00 per visit | Secure your load before driving. |
Electronics, TV and Computer Recycling at Rochester Recycling Center
Electronics are one of the most searched Rochester recycling center topics because TVs, monitors, computers and printers are not handled like basic cardboard. The fee schedule separates commercial generators from household, business and other generators, and it lists different fees depending on device type and screen size.
Computer and Small Electronics Drop-Off in Rochester MN
For household, business and other generators, cell phones are listed as free. Computers, laptops, small desktop copy, scan, fax and printer machines, printers, stereos, DVD players, Blu-ray players, VCRs, copiers and game consoles are listed at $5.00 each. Small e-waste peripherals such as keyboards, mice and computer accessories contained in a small box are also listed at $5.00 each.
TV and Monitor Recycling Fees in Rochester MN
Flat-screen computer monitors and televisions are listed by size: up to 32 inches, 33 to 60 inches, and over 60 inches. CRT and projection computer monitors and televisions are also listed by size, with higher fees for larger CRT or projection units. Because screens are expensive and heavy to process, always verify current pricing before bringing multiple TVs or monitors.
Data Safety Before Electronics Drop-Off
Recycling a computer does not automatically erase your data. Before taking laptops, desktops, phones, tablets, game consoles or storage devices to a recycling center, back up files you need, sign out of accounts, remove passwords, wipe drives when possible and consider professional data destruction for sensitive business or medical information.
| Electronics Category | Listed Fee / Rule | Visitor Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phones | Free | Remove personal data and accounts first. |
| Computers, laptops, printers, stereos, DVD/Blu-ray players, VCRs, copiers, game consoles | $5.00 each | Confirm current fee if bringing many items. |
| Small e-waste peripherals | $5.00 per small box | Examples include keyboards, mice and computer accessories. |
| Flat-screen monitor/TV up to 32 inches | $10.00 each | Measure screen size before visiting. |
| Flat-screen monitor/TV 33 to 60 inches | $20.00 each | Large screens cost more. |
| Flat-screen monitor/TV over 60 inches | $30.00 each | Plan unloading and verify current rules. |
| CRT/projection monitor/TV up to 32 inches | $20.00 each | CRT and projection units are usually heavier. |
| CRT/projection monitor/TV 33 to 42 inches | $40.00 each | Check current fee before loading. |
| CRT/projection monitor/TV over 42 inches | $60.00 each | Large CRT/projection units need extra planning. |
Hazardous Waste, Compost Site and Landfill Options Near Rochester Recycling Center
Not every item belongs at Recycling Center Plus. Olmsted County lists several related waste facilities, and using the correct one prevents rejected loads. The Hazardous Waste Facility, Compost Site, Kalmar Landfill and Waste-to-Energy Facility all serve different roles.
Rochester Hazardous Waste Facility for Paint, Chemicals and Batteries
The Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility is listed at 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Its facility hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The county lists 507-328-7070 as the main phone number and 507-328-7078 as the Saturday phone number for the Hazardous Waste Facility.
Compost Site for Yard Waste Drop-Off in Rochester MN
Olmsted County lists the Compost Site across the street from the Hazardous Waste Facility at 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Compost Site hours are listed as open seven days a week during daylight hours. This is the better direction for yard waste, compostable material and related organic waste questions.
Kalmar Landfill for Specific Disposal Needs
Kalmar Landfill is listed at 7401 19th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Olmsted County lists landfill hours as Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Large tire loads, landfill-specific disposal and certain materials may need landfill rules rather than the Recycling Center Plus lane.
| Facility | Address / Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Recycling Center Plus | 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Tuesday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. | Clean recyclables, household quantities, bulky items, electronics and paid drop-off categories. |
| Hazardous Waste Facility | 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Tuesday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. | Hazardous household waste questions, batteries, paint, chemicals and special waste categories. |
| Compost Site | Across from the Hazardous Waste Facility at 305 Energy Parkway NE. Open seven days during daylight hours. | Yard waste, compost-related drop-off and organics program questions. |
| Kalmar Landfill | 7401 19th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM. | Landfill-specific disposal, large tire loads and materials directed away from Recycling Center Plus. |
Rochester Recycling Center Holiday Schedule and Closure Warnings
Olmsted County publishes a solid waste holiday schedule, and Recycling Center Plus can close on observed holiday dates. Do not assume normal hours during holiday weekends. The official 2026 schedule shows Recycling Center Plus closed on multiple observed holidays and open reduced hours on Christmas Eve.
Rochester Recycling Center Closed Holidays in 2026
The 2026 schedule lists Recycling Center Plus closed on New Year’s Day, observed MLK Jr. Day, President’s Day observed date, Memorial Day observed date, Juneteenth, Independence Day dates, Labor Day observed date, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day 2027. Because the schedule is subject to change, use the county PDF before visiting during holiday weeks.
Christmas Eve Reduced Hours
The 2026 holiday schedule lists Recycling Center Plus as open 8:00 AM to noon on Christmas Eve. Reduced hours create crowding and timing problems, so bring materials earlier in the day or choose a normal operating day when possible.
Official Portal Confusion: Rochester MN vs Rochester NY vs Generic Map Results
The focus keyword rochester recycling center can create confusion because there are several places named Rochester in the United States. Rochester, Minnesota residents should use Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus information. Rochester, New York users may see Monroe County ecopark or City of Rochester New York pages, which are different programs, different addresses and different rules.
Rochester MN Official Source
For Rochester, Minnesota, the official local recycling system points to Olmsted County. The City of Rochester, MN states that garbage and recycling services for Rochester residents are managed by Olmsted County, so Olmsted County pages are the best source for Recycling Center Plus, Hazardous Waste Facility, Compost Site, Kalmar Landfill and disposal options.
Rochester NY Is a Different Search Intent
Rochester, New York has separate city, county and specialty recycling resources. Do not use Minnesota hours, fees or addresses for New York. If you are in New York, search for Monroe County ecopark, City of Rochester New York recycling or your local transfer station instead.
Do Not Trust Old Third-Party Listings for Fees
Private directories, old blog posts and map listings can help you discover a location, but they should not control your decision. Fees, holiday closures, item restrictions and phone numbers should come from the current official county page or official fee schedule.
How to Prepare for Drop-Off at Rochester Recycling Center
A clean, sorted load is the difference between a quick visit and a frustrating one. Recycling Center Plus accepts many item types, but sorting matters. Do not hide mixed materials in black bags or bury recyclables under garbage, carpet, furniture or loose debris. Facility staff need to identify materials quickly and direct you to the correct lane, container or fee category.
- Check the official page and fee schedule Confirm current hours, closure dates, accepted materials and fee categories before loading your vehicle.
- Separate free recyclables from paid items Keep cardboard, paper, cans, glass, plastics and clean scrap metal separate from garbage, electronics, tires, appliances and bulky items.
- Flatten and clean cardboard Remove packaging materials, keep cardboard dry and avoid greasy, waxy or food-contaminated boxes.
- Secure the load Tie down items, cover loads when needed and avoid loose debris. Unsecured or uncovered loads may trigger a listed fee.
- Handle electronics safely Wipe personal data from computers, phones and tablets. Keep TVs and monitors stable during transport.
- Use the right facility for special waste Batteries, paint, chemicals, compostable yard waste, large tire loads and landfill materials may need a different Olmsted County facility.
Official Links and Related Rochester Recycling Guides
Use official sources for final decisions. The links below connect to Olmsted County, City of Rochester, official fee schedules and trusted environmental guidance. Related internal guides can help you prepare specific materials, but official county rules should control the final trip plan.
Rochester Recycling Center Map and Directions
This is a location-specific Rochester, Minnesota guide, so the map below uses the verified official Recycling Center Plus address: 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. Use the map for directions, but use the official Olmsted County page and fee schedule for rules, fees, accepted materials and holiday closures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester Recycling Center
📍 Where is the Rochester Recycling Center?
The Rochester recycling center covered in this guide is Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus at 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906.
🕒 What are the Rochester Recycling Center hours?
Olmsted County lists Recycling Center Plus facility hours as Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Check the official county page and holiday schedule before visiting.
☎️ What is the Rochester Recycling Center phone number?
The main phone number listed by Olmsted County is 507-328-7070. The county page also lists 507-328-7020 as the Saturday phone number for Recycling Center Plus.
💵 Is Rochester Recycling Center free?
Some pre-sorted recyclable materials are accepted free of charge, including clean cardboard, selected paper, glass bottles and jars, cans, selected plastics and clean scrap metal. Many bulky items, electronics, appliances, tires, mattresses and disposal loads may have fees.
📦 What items are accepted free at Rochester Recycling Center?
Olmsted County lists free pre-sorted items such as aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, clean corrugated cardboard, white office paper, newspaper, magazines, colored paper, flattened paperboard boxes, selected #1, #2 and #5 plastic bottles and containers, tin or steel food cans and clean scrap metal.
💻 Can I recycle electronics at Rochester Recycling Center?
Yes, electronics are listed in the fee schedule. Cell phones are listed free, while many computers, printers, monitors, TVs and other e-waste items have item-based or size-based fees.
📺 How much does TV recycling cost in Rochester MN?
TV and monitor fees depend on type and screen size. The fee schedule lists different rates for flat-screen TVs or monitors and CRT or projection TVs or monitors. Check the official fee schedule before bringing screens.
🚗 Can I bring tires to Rochester Recycling Center?
Automotive and light truck tires are listed at $5.00 each with a maximum of eight per day at Recycling Center Plus. Large loads of nine or more tires require different planning and county contact.
🌿 Where do I take yard waste in Rochester MN?
Olmsted County lists a Compost Site across the street from the Hazardous Waste Facility at 305 Energy Parkway NE. Compost Site hours are listed as open seven days a week during daylight hours.
⚠️ Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Rochester Recycling Center?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify hours, fees, accepted items, holiday closures and disposal rules with Olmsted County before visiting.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not the official Olmsted County website. Recycling Center Plus hours, fees, accepted materials, holiday schedules, phone numbers, load rules and disposal options can change. Always verify with the official Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus page, current fee schedule or county staff before loading items or driving to the facility.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use Rochester Recycling Center
The rochester recycling center most relevant for Rochester, Minnesota residents is Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus at 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. The official facility hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with department office hours listed Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Use the facility for properly sorted materials, but do not assume everything is free. Clean cardboard, paper, cans, bottles, selected plastics and clean scrap metal may be free when pre-sorted. Electronics, TVs, monitors, appliances, mattresses, tires, bulky items, garbage and construction-related materials can have fees or limits. The current Olmsted County fee schedule should be checked before every paid or unusual drop-off.
The cleanest plan is simple: verify official hours, check holiday closures, sort materials before leaving home, secure your load, separate free recyclables from paid items, wipe data from electronics, and use the correct Olmsted County facility for hazardous waste, compost, landfill disposal or special materials. That approach saves time, protects your budget and reduces rejected loads.