Refuse and Recycling
Photo Credit: Chappy Achen
Where Our Trash Goes
Summary: In 2023, it’s estimated that 82% of all trash received by Red Wing’s Waste Campus will be transformed into renewable energy. How? The waste gets processed into “Refuse Derived Fuel,” which is used at waste-to-energy facilities, reducing the need for fossil fuels. Only 13% of the trash was delivered to landfills; 3% was recovered from garbage bins and recycled. (Red Wing’s recycling program generates additional recycling, too.)
Details: Total tons refer to all the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) that’s delivered to Red Wing’s Waste Campus from Goodhue County and the cities of Farmington and Hastings. This is waste generated by residential, commercial, industrial, and community activities. The City’s Material Recovery Facility sorts and processes the waste into a clean fuel that’s used at the Xcel Steam Generating Plant on 5th Street and the Olmsted County Waste-to-Energy Facility. Both plants are required to meet stringent environmental requirements.
Source: City of Red Wing: 2023
(2023 results show estimated amounts.)
Total Tons Distributed to Landfills
Summary: In 2023, Red Wing is on track to decrease the percentage of trash going to landfills from 28% to 13%, thanks to system improvements at the Waste Campus. One of Red Wing’s goals is to deliver fewer materials to landfills than in the past because it will result in fewer methane gas emissions. These emissions trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
Details: The City delivers trash to four regional landfills. The City’s old landfill on Bench Street closed in 2018.
Source: City of Red Wing: 2023
(2023 results show the estimated amounts.)
Total Tons of Recycling from Red Wing Residents
Summary: The amount of material collected from single-sort recycling carts in Red Wing decreased very slightly (2%) between 2021 and 2022. The reasons for this are varied and unknown; fewer of us may be recycling, some of us could be recycling more material on our own, or we could be buying fewer material goods that are recyclable. Future data collection could help us learn more.
Details: Single-sort recycling is the material collected in the blue recycling bins. This does not, however, include additional items Red Wing also recycles such as electronic devices, metal, and oversized cardboard. Find details of what you can and cannot recycle at https://www.red-wing.org/449/Recyclable-Non-Recyclable-Items.
Source: City of Red Wing: 2023
Monthly Household Cost for Refuse and Recycling Services
Summary: The monthly cost for the City’s refuse and recycling services has actually decreased by 13 cents since 2015. At the same time, the level of service has improved, with valet service available for those with disabilities, and single-sort recycling for everyone, which makes it easier for all of us to recycle.
Details: Data reflects the cost for a regular-sized trash can and a 96-gallon blue single-sort recycling bin, which is the most common size residents use. Service is weekly for trash pick-up and twice a month for recycling.
Source: City of Red Wing: 2023