Being Environmentally Responsible the Topic on AM Minnesota

Paul Pieper, who is the supervisor of recycling and hazardous waste for Rice County's environmental services was on today's AM Minnesota program. It is amazing the things we can recycle now. Not that many years ago we burned what we could and threw the rest in a big hole. When the hole was filling up you dug another one and used some of that dirt to cover the first one. I shudder to think of some of the stuff that got buried decades ago.

Today we recycle aluminum cans, metal cans, cardboard, paper, glass bottles, all types of plastic household containers, paint and used oil They even accept household hazardous waste and waste pesticides from farmers. If you have questions about what to recycle or how to recycle, check out the Rice County website or call Paul Pieper.

Wade Schultz, the Rice County land use planner, was also on today's program. Wade wanted to remind livestock producers about the setbacks for manure applications. There is a 300-foot setback from all surface waters including creeks, rivers, drainage ditches and lakes. If manure is injected, the setback drops to 25 feet. If you have questions or concerns about any manure management issues, be sure to contact Wade Schultz.