Construction of new transfer station in Tofte gets underway

Construction season is underway in Cook County, with work set to begin this week on a new transfer station in Tofte.

Cook County will close the Tofte Transfer Station beginning Wednesday, May 27, as crews begin demolition of the existing facility and construction of a new, updated station. County officials expect the project to take about 30 days, with the facility scheduled to reopen around July 1.

Cook County Facilities Director Brook Lessard previously told WTIP the new facility will be similar in design and function to the recently completed transfer station project in Hovland.

“It will pretty much mirror what they have going on in Hovland,” Lessard said during an April interview with WTIP.

The Hovland transfer station facility accepts household waste, demolition materials, recycling of plastic, glass, aluminum, paper, and cardboard. The location also offers paint recycling, electronic recycling, and scrap metal.

Graphic showing the temporary transfer station entrance located immediately south of the existing Tofte facility

During construction, residents will still be able to dispose of waste at a temporary dump station located just south of the Cook County Highway Department shop in Tofte. Operating hours at the temporary site will remain the same as the current Tofte Transfer Station hours, though some services may be limited during construction.

County officials and North Shore Waste said the updated facility is intended to improve waste handling operations, safety, and service for residents in the Tofte area.

For questions about the project or temporary operations, residents can contact North Shore Waste at 218-387-1029 or the Cook County Land Services Department at 218-387-3000.

View a WTIP produced video of the Hovland Transfer Station here.

Kalli Hawkins May 26, 2026