Refuse & Recycling Pickup

Refuse (Garbage) is collected each Wednesday by Hilltopper Refuse & Recycling Service, Inc. You do not need to contact anyone to begin service. Simply purchase specially marked “City of La Crescent” bags and place them on the curb/alley for pick up. Bags may be purchased at City Hall, Quillins, both Kwik Trip stores and Pump 4 Less.  As of January 1, 2026 garbage bag price will be $38.00 per bag of 10.

If you are interested in a refuse cart, please contact the residential refuse hauler’s that provide service to La Crescent for cost and further information (Hilltopper Refuse and Recycling Service, Inc. , Harter’s Quick Clean-Up , Richard’s Sanitation , Waste Management).

Recycling bins are collected every other Wednesday:

2026 Trash and Recycling Calendar

The City has an extensive recycling program, which reduces the number of bags you purchase.

You May Recycle:

  • paper and cardboard
  • glass and plastic #1 & #2
  • metal
  • wires (Christmas lights, extension cords, and power cords)

bigstock_Keeping_The_EnviroRecycling Center

Operated by Houston County (507) 725-5800

2026 HOUSTON COUNTY RECYCLER

This area is for depositing large household items, electronic items, metal items and tires . They also buy aluminum cans at competitive prices. Clothing/textiles and demolition/remodeling materials may be dropped off for a fee.  Located at 160 South 3rd Street, La Crescent.

Recycling Center, Hours

  • Thursday’s 10AM – 6PM (year round, unless day falls on a holiday)
  • Saturday’s 8AM – 3PM (year round)
  • Closed if a Holiday falls on the day of the week scheduled to be open

Residential Clean Sweep Event (Free Event):  This event if for residential homes in Houston County:

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Houston County Recycling Center located at 105 North Grant Street, Houston, MN from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

This event is limited to the following items:

  • LATEX PAINT – Gallon size or smaller
  • OIL PAINT – Gallon size or smaller
  • STAINS, VARNISH, SPRAY PAINT (with original labels on)
  • RESIDENTIAL AND AG PESTICIDES – Limit of 200 pounds
  • FLOURESCENT and HID BULBS – Residential only

(Please have your items organized in groups to keep the traffic lines moving.)

Compost Site

(507) 895-2595, located by the entrance of the Wagon Wheel Trail

This area is for depositing trees, leaves and grass and is staffed by the City of La Crescent. You may be asked to provide proof of residency so please bring some type of document with you that includes your current address. Remember, compost is great for your gardens and it’s free for the taking. Location: East of Highway 14/61 at Chestnut Street turn left and then right, cross the railroad tracks and follow the road to the compost site.

Summer Hours

  • Mondays 2PM – 7PM (begins first Monday in April)
  • Saturdays 8AM – 3PM

Fall Hours

  • Mondays 2PM – 7PM
  • Thursdays 2PM – 7PM
  • Saturdays 8AM – 3PM
  • First Thursday in October thru the last Thursday in November

Winter Hours

  • Saturdays 8AM – 3PM (begins first Saturday in December)
  • Closed if a Holiday falls on the day of the week scheduled to be open