Deer carcasses to be accepted at landfill

The Crow Wing County Board decided Tuesday to accept deer carcasses at the county landfill from residents and area businesses.

The county has an industrial solid waste management plan that allows the landfill to accept carcasses.

Doug Morris, county solid waste coordinator, said he believes the county landfill will be hit with a lot of carcasses because some hunters can take up to five deer. In addition, the DNR suggests hunters dispose of deer carcasses in certified landfills because of a concern in regard to chronic wasting disease. Some meat processors are being told by rendering plants that they will no longer accept deer carcasses, said Morris.

Morris said two out of nine area county landfills he contacted will not accept carcasses. He said he believes if the county landfill does not accept carcasses the carcasses will end up being buried in other areas of the county.

"I'd rather have all the carcasses in one area than scattered around the county," he said.

County residents have to pay $7 per yard plus tax -- the rate the landfill charges for a yard of loose garbage -- to dispose of deer carcasses. One deer is about one cubic yard. The tipping rate for carcasses will be $45 per ton for a hauler.

Business owners have to fill out a form at the solid waste office and give the landfill a 24-hour notice before they drop off deer carcasses. The county landfill will not accept any carcasses from businesses outside of the county.

For more information call the solid waste office at 824-1290 or the county landfill at 828-4392.