Managing household hazardous waste (HHW) and recyclables in Hennepin County, Minnesota, is easy when you know the right drop-off facilities, accepted materials, and guidelines. Whether you live in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, or surrounding counties, this guide covers everything you need to safely dispose of problem materials, participate in recycling programs, and reduce household chemical exposure.
Hennepin County HHW Drop-Off Facilities
Hennepin County operates two main drop-off facilities to help residents dispose of hazardous waste and recyclables responsibly.
| Facility | Address | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431 | Tue–Sat: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Sun–Mon & major holidays |
| Brooklyn Park | 8100 Jefferson Highway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 | Tue–Sat: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Sun–Mon & major holidays |
Holiday hours 2025–2026:
- Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day
- Reduced hours: Dec 24 & 31, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Closed on Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day
Who Can Use Hennepin County Facilities
- Eligible households: Hennepin County households only (exceptions apply for organics and some recyclables from small businesses).
- Other accepted counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, Washington for household hazardous waste.
- Excluded: Sherburne & Wright County residents, commercial or business waste (except limited recyclables, cardboard, scrap metal, and organics).
Note: Businesses, nonprofits, rental property managers, and governmental entities cannot use HHW drop-off facilities for commercial waste.
Preparing for Your Visit
To ensure safety and efficiency, follow these steps:
- Check acceptance: Use the Green Disposal Guide or call 612-348-3777.
- Transport properly: Place all materials in sealed, upright containers (≤5 gallons) in a plastic-lined box.
- Bring proof of residency: Driver’s license or utility bill required.
- Vehicle rules: Keep items in the trunk, truck bed, or trailer; stay in your car unless instructed otherwise.
Household Hazardous Waste & Problem Materials Accepted
Materials Accepted for a Fee
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | $5 | Less than 4’ diameter, max 16 per load, 32 per year |
| TVs, Monitors, Laptops | $10 | Limit 5 of the same type per year |
| Large Appliances | $15 | Includes AC units, refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves, stoves, etc. |
| Mattresses & Box Springs | $25 | Brooklyn Park only |
Free Materials Drop-Off
- Electronics: CPUs, mice, printers, audio/video equipment, cell phones
- Household & Lawn: Paint, stain, varnish (≤5-gallon pails, limit 3/year), pesticides, fluorescent bulbs (limit 25/year), aerosols, pool chemicals
- Automotive: Oil filters, motor oil, automotive fluids, gas/fuel (≤5 gallons)
- Batteries: All types (tape terminals or place in clear bag)
- Needles & Sharps: See Needles & Sharps Guide
Materials Not Accepted
- Garbage, ammunition, asbestos, business hazardous waste, carpet, concrete/asphalt, construction materials, explosives, furniture, medicines, remodeling debris, wood, yard/ tree waste, non-reusable textiles.
Recycling & Organics Drop-Off
Hennepin County provides free recycling and organics disposal with specific guidelines.
Recycling Materials Accepted
- Cardboard: ≤3×3 ft, remove packing materials
- Cartons: Milk, juice, soup, wine cartons
- Glass: Bottles & jars
- Metal: Food & beverage cans, scrap metal
- Paper: Office, school papers, magazines, newspapers, phone books (limit 100)
- Plastics: Bottles, jugs, cups (empty & rinsed)
- Media: DVDs, CDs, pen drives, flash drives, video game cartridges
- Cords & Lights: Electric cords, holiday lights
Organics Recycling
- Accepted from households and small businesses
- Limit 5 bags per day, BPI-certified compostable bags
- Accepted at Brooklyn Park & Bloomington facilities
Tips for Businesses: Self-haul recycling, no material redemption, preferred drop-off times Tue–Thu afternoons.
Free Product Centers
Hennepin County also offers Free Product Centers where residents can pick up reusable items such as adhesives, paints, cleaners, and automotive products.
Rules:
- Must be 18+
- Limited items: Aerosols 2/week, max 10 items total/week
- Reselling prohibited
- Park and walk to building for safety
Reduce Household Hazardous Waste
Taking proactive steps can reduce toxic chemical exposure, save money, and reduce waste:
- Buy non-toxic or least-toxic products
- Make homemade cleaners
- Read product labels carefully
- Properly store hazardous items
- Donate unused items via Choose to Reuse
Tours at Brooklyn Park Transfer Station
Hennepin County offers educational tours of the Brooklyn Park Transfer Station to highlight waste management, recycling, organics, and problem material handling.
Tour Details:
- Participants: 7+ years
- Group size: 5–28
- Chaperone ratio: 1 per 5 (grades 2–8), 1 per 10 (grades 9–12)
- Linked with Minnesota State Education Standards in Science, Math, and Social Studies
- Request via Tour Request Calendar & Form
Conclusion
Proper disposal of household hazardous waste and recycling is essential for a safer, cleaner Hennepin County. By following facility guidelines, preparing items correctly, and exploring reuse opportunities, residents can protect the environment, reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, and participate in sustainable practices. Use the Green Disposal Guide, take advantage of free recycling, and consider educational tours to make waste management simple and impactful.
FAQs
What items can I drop off at Hennepin County HHW facilities?
Household hazardous waste like paints, chemicals, batteries, electronics, and small appliances are accepted. Check Green Disposal Guide for details.
Are there fees for disposing certain materials?
Yes, tires ($5), electronics ($10), large appliances ($15), and mattresses ($25) have fees. Most other household hazardous waste is free.
Who can use Hennepin County drop-off facilities?
Residents of Hennepin, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. Businesses are generally not accepted.
What are the operating hours of the HHW drop-off facilities?
Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday, and major holidays. Reduced hours on Dec 24 & 31.
Can I recycle cardboard, glass, and plastics at the facilities?
Yes, households and small businesses can drop off cardboard, cartons, glass, metal, paper, plastics, cords, and holiday lights.
How should I prepare hazardous waste for drop-off?
Place items in sealed containers (≤5 gallons), upright in a plastic-lined box, and bring proof of residency.
