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Park Rapids Today
By the People, for the People
Hubbard County Seeks $499,999 Grant for Organic Waste Collection
The grant would help convert an old transfer station into an organics collection site and expand a regional partnership.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:42pm
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A conceptual still life captures the efficient transfer and processing of organic waste through regional partnerships.Park Rapids TodayThe Hubbard County Solid Waste Department is pursuing a $499,999 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to convert an old transfer station in Park Rapids into an organics collection site. The project would allow Hubbard County to efficiently transfer food scrap organics collected through its commercial program with Beltrami County, as well as residential organics, to Polk County's organics facility. A portion of the grant would also support Hubbard County's partnership with Cass County to help them start their own organics program.
Why it matters
This grant-funded project would help Hubbard County expand its organic waste collection efforts, reduce landfill waste, and strengthen regional collaboration on sustainable waste management. As more counties across Minnesota work to divert organic materials from landfills, this type of infrastructure investment is crucial for building out the state's organics processing capacity.
The details
If approved, the grant would cover the costs of renovating the old transfer station, including redoing the floor, improving the steel, insulation, floor drains, and electricity, and connecting the facility to city sewer and water. The remodel would primarily allow commercial organics trucks to back into the station and empty into a live trailer. Hubbard County estimates the total project cost at $600,000 to $700,000, with the grant covering the majority and the county providing a 20% local match through in-kind services or cash.
- Hubbard County submitted the grant application during their April 7, 2026 board meeting.
- If approved, the project would be budgeted for 2027 or 2028.
The players
Hubbard County Solid Waste Department
The county department responsible for waste management and pursuing this grant-funded project to expand organic waste collection.
Josh Holte
The Hubbard County Solid Waste Administrator leading the grant application and project planning.
Beltrami County
A partner county working with Hubbard County on a commercial organic waste collection program.
Cass County
A partner county that Hubbard County's grant would help support in starting their own organics program.
Polk County
The county that would receive the organic waste collected in Hubbard County and processed at their organics facility.
What they’re saying
“'It would allow us to transfer our food scrap organics that we collect as part of our commercial program that we're just starting with Beltrami County and the residential portion of our organics that come into our facility with our existing program. That would allow us to transfer those efficiently up to Polk County's organics facility.'”
— Josh Holte, Hubbard County Solid Waste Administrator
“'My goal is to have a very modest increase for the next year.'”
— Josh Holte, Hubbard County Solid Waste Administrator
“'Composting requires MPCA permits and liners, making it financially impractical to do it on an individual county basis. That's why a lot of counties across the state are doing this regional concept, like we are with Polk County.'”
— Josh Holte, Hubbard County Solid Waste Administrator
What’s next
If the grant is approved, Hubbard County will move forward with the project planning and budgeting for 2027 or 2028. If the full grant amount is not awarded, the county will have to postpone the project.
The takeaway
This grant-funded project demonstrates how counties in Minnesota are collaborating regionally to build out the infrastructure needed to divert organic waste from landfills and process it more efficiently. By converting an existing facility and partnering with neighboring counties, Hubbard County is taking a cost-effective approach to expanding its organic waste collection program.
