Cook County and North Shore Waste announce that construction of the new transfer station located in Hovland at 6023 North Road, the site of the old county highway building, is complete. To celebrate this important addition to the county’s solid waste management program, North Shore Waste and Cook County Commissioner Deb White (Dist. 1) have planned an open house Saturday, the 9th, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. There will be time to view the facility, talk to County and North Shore officials, and get answers to all questions related to solid waste disposal. Complimentary light food and beverages will be provided.
Dustin Hanson, one of the owners of North Shore Waste, expects the new facility to be open for business on Monday, August 11th.
Hanson points out that following this event, Grand Portage Rendezvous Days and Pow Wow 2025 are happening with the grand entry starting at 1 pm in Grand Portage.
This project is part of Cook County’s broader effort to modernize its solid waste management system, in partnership with North Shore Waste. The Hovland transfer station is part of a “Hub and Spoke” System that includes a larger, central transfer station currently under construction in Grand Marais, which will be the hub. Improvements are being made to the existing Tofte transfer station, a “spoke.”
This system aims to improve efficiency in waste handling, a significant and growing challenge in Cook County, and reduce the number of long hauls in smaller trucks currently required to transport all waste to Duluth.
At the Hovland facility, North Shore waste will replace the current recycling trailer that serves the area. Residents and visitors will be able to bring not only recyclables but also general trash to the transfer station.
On site, there is a small structure for staff, enclosed storage for materials, and receptacles for different types of waste. The area is fenced.
The Cook County Planning Commission granted a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the Hovland facility in April 2025, despite some concerns raised during the process. Cook County owns the facility, and North Shore Waste is contracted to operate it.
The Hovland facility was constructed by Grand Marais contractor Erik Anderson and his crew. Material for the project was purchased locally at the Cook County Home Center in Grand Marais.
For further information about the Hovland transfer station, contact Commissioner White at 218-275-9353 or email Debra.White@co.cook.mn.us or email Hanson at dustin@nswaste.com
