Cardboard Recycling Program Gains Momentum in McKenzie County
Travis Bateman
Special to The Farmer
A local solution for cardboard recycling is gaining traction in McKenzie County, helping conserve landfill space and reduce long-term costs, according to county officials.
Since launching May 28, 2025, the county’s cardboard recycling program has diverted more than 13,000 pounds of material from the McKenzie County Landfill, easing pressure on the facility’s current landfill cell and delaying the need for costly expansion.
The initiative was introduced by Solid Waste Director Rick Schreiber, who presented the proposal to the McKenzie County Commission as a way to reduce the volume of cardboard entering the landfill. Cardboard, Schreiber said, takes up significant space that could otherwise be used for non-recyclable waste.
“As of January 27, 2026, we’ve recycled 13,220 pounds of cardboard,” Schreiber reported during a recent update to county commissioners. “Those numbers are significant when you consider the cost of opening a new landfill cell.”
According to Schreiber, constructing and opening a new landfill cell can cost between $5 million and $7 million. By diverting cardboard to recycling, the county is extending the lifespan of the current cell and avoiding those expenses for as long as possible.
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To support the growing demand, the landfill recently added an F-600 pickup equipped with a mini-hook system, allowing for the use of 10-yard lidded recycling bins. The bins are now located at the Alexander School, the Rough Rider Center, and the City of Watford City public works shop.