Disposal of used sandbags

Floodwater can contaminate sandbags with bacteria and other pathogens. Care should be taken to wear

appropriate protective gloves, eye protection, and clothing. Persons who work with flood mud or used

sandbags should exercise good hygiene and wash their hands with soap and water when they are done

working with these materials.

Used sandbags that are not properly managed can develop mold over time. Generally, one of the

following methods should be used to manage used sandbags:

A. Disposal of sandbags that have NOT been in contact with flood waters:

Remove the sand from the sandbags and properly dispose of, reuse, or recycle the bags.

All empty bags, and plastic sheeting, must be disposed of at the Lake of the Woods

County Transfer Station or other county approved facility.

The sand may then be used as clean fill (preferably covered with soil or gravel) and only in appropriate

locations where humans will not come in contact with it.

Contact Land and Water Planning at (218)634-1945 with questions about locations.

DO NOT FILL WETLANDS WITH THIS SAND

B. Disposal of sandbags that have been in contact with flood waters:

Sandbags contaminated with floodwaters should be brought to the Lake of the Woods Transfer Station.

Guidance will be given as to where to empty the sand and dispose of the bags. The Transfer Station is

located at:

1758 53rd Ave SW, Williams, MN 56686

(218)783-3995

Hours of operation

Monday – Friday: 8am to 4pm

Saturday: 8am to 12pm (noon)

Sunday: CLOSED