By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

In 2021, Otter Tail County completed a Master Plan that established strategic goals for waste management. The plan includes a path towards zero landfilling, uniform service delivery to all residents and responsible financial decision making. 

The county’s current solid waste initiatives include single-sort curbside recycling. In January 2026 Otter Tail County launched a pilot program in the southeast quadrant of the county.

Single-sort curbside recycling allows residents to place all recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals and glass) into one bin without separating them. The blue and yellow bin is then scheduled for pickup and emptied by local licensed haulers.

The pilot project in southeastern Otter Tail County is designed to gather data and resident feedback. This will allow for a smooth transition to other areas of the county with service expected to be implemented in phases.

Single-sort curbside recycling and other programs such as the beneficial use of ash in road construction have the wholehearted support of County Board Chairman Bob Lahman of Parkers Prairie and Commissioners Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids, Dan Bucholz of Perham, Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood and Sean Sullivan of Fergus Falls.

The functions of the county Solid Waste Department are to:

• Manage municipal solid waste responsibly according to established waste management objectives

• Provide convenient disposal options to all residents of Otter Tail County through six solid waste transfer stations.

• Provide safe disposal of products hazardous to human health and the environment through the Household Hazardous Waste Program

• Divert waste from landfilling with recycling and composting programs along with the collection of agricultural plastic and boat wrap

• Reduce landfilling by sending waste to the Perham Resource Recovery Facility; steam is utilized by Tuffy’s Pet Foods and Bongards Creameries in Perham 

• Educate county residents about waste reduction, recycling, composting and proper disposal through outreach programing