Avoid Curbside Recycling Fines

Local garbage haulers may assess a fine of $20.00 to customers that abuse the recycling bins.  Please remember that the recycling bins cannot be used as an overflow for trash and garbage.  The trash haulers will be providing information to educate people on what can and cannot be placed in the recycling bins.  Customers who do not follow the instructions will first be given a warning and information about recycling.  If the warning is ignored a fine of $20.00 can be assessed.  

Public Comment and Hearing on this issue will be on September 1 at the County Board Meeting.  The ordinance change to allow fines was requested by the haulers to improve the recycling stream and to save costs.  The alternative to fining abusers is to raise everyone’s garbage rate.  If the ordinance is approved it will go into affect on January 1, 2021.  If the ordinance is approved the Haulers will be providing information on recycling in October, November and December.  If you have questions about recycling, please talk to your garbage/recycling hauler.

Emergency Assistance Program and COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP)

Funds are available to cover past due rent payments, mortgage payments, homeowner association dues, contract for deed payments, homeowner insurance payments, utility payments, or other housing-related expenses that incurred after March 1, 2020.  

Eligibility:  You must be an Olmsted County resident, meet income guidelines, and have a qualifying expense that is past due because of the public health emergency due to unemployment, loss of income, illness, or other COVID-19 related issues.

Apply:  if you believe you are eligible for assistance there are two different applications.  You are encouraged to complete both applications. Here are links for you to use and information sources:

• Application for the Olmsted County COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program
• Application for the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program (CHAP): Visit www.211unitedway.org or text “MNRENT” or “MNHOME” to 898-211. You may also call 211 (Toll free: 1-800-543-7709)
• Apply for COVID-19 Housing Assistance, visit www.211unitedway.org or text “MNRENT” or “MNHOME” to 898-211. You may also call 211 (Toll free: 1-800-543-7709).
• Questions? Please call  507.328.6500 and ask for Family Emergency Assistance.