WLSSD Begins Phased Access to Solid Waste Facilities Next Week
WLSSD Begins Phased Access to Solid Waste Facilities Next Week
DULUTH, MN—Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) will open its solid waste facilities in phases, beginning next week. After opening to the public, each facility will operate with some changes to facilitate safe distances between customers and to prevent disease transmission.
“In mid-March we temporarily closed WLSSD solid waste facilities to honor Governor Walz’s Stay at Home order,” said Marianne Bohren, WLSSD Executive Director. “We believe it’s the right time to reopen our facilities to the general public so residents have access to safe, convenient and affordable waste disposal options.
As we reopen these important facilities, we will continue to follow the recommendations of public health officials about reducing close contact between individuals. We’ve made some changes in the way we’ll operate to accomplish this. Likely, this will result in wait times and delays during peak visiting hours.”
WLSSD officials advise area residents to visit WLSSD solid waste facilities only when necessary. When visiting WLSSD solid waste facilities, WLSSD asks that all customers wear a face covering while on the site. WLSSD will also limit the number of customers occupying operating areas at any given time. Waiting until later in the season to visit the facilities will help to reduce wait times and congestion. The facilities will provide disposal and recycling services only. Reuse programs will be opened at a later date.
Facility openings are as follows:
| Facility | Location | Opening date | Operating Hours |
| WLSSD Yard Waste Compost Site | 27th Avenue West & the waterfront | Thurs., April 30, 9 a.m. | Spring Expanded Hours:
Thursdays through Mondays |
| WLSSD Household Hazardous Waste Facility | 27th Avenue West & the waterfront | Thurs., May 7, 9 a.m. | Thursdays through Saturdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| WLSSD Product Reuse Center (HHW) | Within WLSSD HHW Facility | To be determined | Facility will remain closed until further notice. |
| WLSSD Materials Recovery Center | Corner of Rice Lake & Ridgeview Roads | Tuesday, May 5, 9 a.m. | Tuesdays through Saturdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| WLSSD Reuse Area at the MRC | Within WLSSD MRC facility | To be determined | |
| WLSSD Administrative Offices | 2626 Courtland St. Duluth | To be determined | Available by telephone Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
WLSSD continues to encourage residents to use available disposal alternatives:
- Delay disposing of materials that do not belong in the trash to avoid crowds and long wait times.
- Call local garbage haulers who can provide special pickup services for yard waste, bulky materials, or provide dumpster rental for larger jobs.
For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, WLSSD has continued to provide its core public health services of wastewater treatment for the region and ensuring the availability of trash disposal for commercial garbage haulers. “We remain committed to our work to protect public health and the natural environment,” continued Bohren.
Western Lake Superior Sanitary District provides award-winning wastewater and solid waste services to residents, businesses and industries within its 530 square mile legislative boundaries in Southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, and is a nationally recognized leader in pollution prevention.