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Dodge County is turning waste into local value

March 2026

By Noah Knapp, Association of Minnesota Counties
Southeast, MN

 “We had to come back,” Rita Cole remembers a young couple at the ReUse Center saying. They had just moved into their first home and purchased a couch, chairs, and a table from the Center for less than $175. “We love this place,” they told Cole. “We had to come back to see what else we could find!” 

Dodge County’s Renovation ReUse Center is a strong example of how a clear vision, strategic partnerships, and persistence in pursuing state funding can turn an idea into a high-impact project benefiting the local community. 

For years, Rita Cole, Waste Management Administrator at Dodge County, recognized an opportunity: valuable building materials, furniture, and household goods were entering the waste stream when they could be reused. “We already operated a transfer station and self-serve waste depot,” Cole said. “We also owned this buffer land adjacent to the county landfill.” These paired with growing interest in waste diversion and cost savings for residents led Cole and fellow staff to envision a ReUse Center that would give items a second life while reducing landfill use.

In May 2023, Dodge County secured a Greater Minnesota Waste Reduction, Reuse, Recycling & Composting (WRRRC) Grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to launch the project. About 30 percent of that first award supported critical site access improvements including road construction. Although they faced post-COVID construction cost increases and supply chain challenges, the County completed the initial building shell, lighting, excavation, and roadwork by June 2023. Even before heating and restroom facilities were installed, the County began collecting materials and hosting pop-up sales in late 2023. 

A second MPCA Statewide Sustainable Building & Materials Management (SBMM) Grant allowed the County to complete insulation, heating and cooling systems, and additional improvements. While water service is still pending due to nearby development, the ReUse Center is now staffed part-time and open regularly. Revenue from sales supports building operations and staffing; the goal is not profit but long-term sustainability and community benefit.

The impact has been significant. The facility, which is similar in concept to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, accepts items often turned away elsewhere including building materials, partial boxes of supplies, sporting goods, furniture, exercise equipment, and lumber of any length. Staff carefully inspect and categorize items, tracking weights for Select Committee on Recycling & the Environment (SCORE) reporting and landfill 2 diversion metrics. To date, approximately 41 tons of materials have been diverted. The County is now working to expand engagement with contractors to capture more construction and demolition waste from remodels and new builds.

Throughout the life of the project, partnerships have been essential to success. Dodge County benefited from strong engagement with Ben Crowell, Environmental Specialist with the MPCA, who provided updates and guidance through regional networks such as the Southeastern Minnesota Recyclers Exchange (SEMREX). Internal collaboration, particularly careful budget planning, marketing planning, and detailed application drafting, helped strengthen the two grant proposals. External partners including engineering firms, contractors, and the Kasson Lions Club have supported implementation and volunteer efforts. Grant Bilke, a  Minnesota GreenCorps member serving with the County, is currently assisting operations, and the County has hosted expert panels to encourage additional waste diversion across the region.

The ReUse Center also works with other groups in the region. The County donates items to Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity ReStore and receives referrals when Habitat cannot accept certain donations. The County also sends some unsold but usable items to Furnishing Hope in Owatonna, in nearby Steel County. These partnerships help make sure reusable items stay in use and do not go to waste.

For other Minnesota counties, Dodge County’s experience offers several lessons. First, pursue funding opportunities even if earlier applications were unsuccessful. Grant landscapes shift, and persistence matters. Cole mentioned that along with neighboring counties, “Dodge County participated in a grant request for a regional solid waste plan. We were offered half of the request, but that wasn’t enough to complete our plan.” It was not until their next application—this time for the ReUse Center—that their request was fully funded.

Second, plan for contingencies in construction and budgeting. While their project stayed on track, Dodge County nonetheless had issues with construction costs due to post- COVID supply challenges and price increases.

Third, leverage regional networks and state agency connections to stay informed about opportunities. Cole first learned about MPCA grant programs from Crowell, who attends SEMREX Technical Committee meetings.

Finally, be transparent with your community. Public communication and engagement have driven participation, strengthened support, and increased the ReUse Center’s visibility.

Counties considering materials management, waste diversion, or circular economy initiatives should not hesitate to explore technical assistance, peer learning networks, and grant support. Dodge County’s Renovation ReUse Center demonstrates that with  3 strategic planning, strong partnerships, and thoughtful implementation, grant-funded projects can deliver tangible environmental, financial, and community benefits.

Minnesota Technical Assistance Collaborative

This story was originally published on Positive Stories: Investing in Minnesota Communities.

The Minnesota Technical Assistance Collaborative is a statewide network of 100+ technical assistance providers and organizations powered by the Clean Energy Resource Teams, focused on helping Minnesota local governments, Tribes, and nonprofits plan, fund, and implement climate and clean energy projects. 

The TA Collab shares community stories about the positive impacts of public investments in infrastructure, climate, and clean energy across Minnesota through Positive Stories. This is one of many of the impactful stories they share.

Positive Stories | MN TA Collab

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