WLSSD extends free disposal for flood damage cleanup through Friday

To aid area residents in flood clean-up efforts, the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) will waive disposal fees for flood-damaged household materials at its Materials Recovery Center (MRC) on Rice Lake Road through Friday.

The facility will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

Residents are encouraged to separate their loads by the following categories to expedite unloading and reduce traffic congestion. These items will all be accepted free of charge.

• Mixed Waste (bulky items)- carpeting, carpet padding, furniture, drywall, and other damaged materials

• Electronics: TVs, VCR/DVD players, computer components, etc.

• Appliances: Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water heaters, stoves (remove spoiled food and dispose of these materials in your household trash)

• Vegetative Debris: sticks, stumps, branches

• Household Hazardous Waste: paints, stains, chemicals, pesticides, water-damaged gasoline, etc.

Flood-damaged debris will be accepted free of charge for disposal at the Materials Recovery Center through Friday. Residents should watch for announcements regarding additional disposal options as the week progresses.

Residents who do not have access to a vehicle to transport flood-damaged materials should visit the United Way website at unitedwayduluth.org and click on “Get Help” to request assistance. Local waste haulers can also be contracted to pick up material for a fee from residential customers.

Once damaged debris has been removed from homes, residents are encouraged to take care to properly clean any items or areas that were exposed to flood waters. There is potential to exposure to disease causing organisms from both storm water and sewage backups. Please reference dps.mn.gov or health.state.mn.us for guidance on proper cleaning and sanitizing.

Area residents should contact the WLSSD HOTLINE at 722-0761 with questions about proper disposal.

The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District provides regional solid waste services for northeastern Minnesota and operates it wastewater treatment plant in Lincoln Park-Duluth.

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