Last weekend, Big Lake held its annual recycle day event at the Big Lake maintenance building. Residents from Big Lake City, Township, and Orrock Twp. came to drop off a large variety of objects to be recycled, from tires, to appliances, and even old salon chairs. There was a huge turnout of residents wanting to declutter. At one point, some residents waited in line for up to 45 minutes, according to event volunteers. 

“There were cars wrapped along the road,” said Sam Hanson, city councilor. “It’s great to see!”

Many cities and townships of the Patriot readership host an annual recycle day, but not everyone can make it out to their local events.

“We got a lot of flack for having recycle day on the fishing opener,” said Jayme Swenson, deputy clerk for Big Lake Twp., noting that they hold the event on the third Saturday in May every year. 

Any readers who missed out on the recycle day event due to fishing opener or for any other reason don’t have to hold on to their junk for another year, however. Metro Appliance Recycling, the vendor who handled the items dropped off in Big Lake last weekend, offers services year-round to private citizens. They accept drop-offs at their location in Otsego (16403 60th St NE, Otsego) and they also offer pick-up services to area residents. More information can be found at their website, ThinkGreenMN.com.