Disposal guide

This searchable guide tells you how to properly dispose of many common and uncommon household items.

Featured search items

Brush and prunings

Mattress and box spring

Paper plates and take out containers – plastic lined

Fireworks

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Icon for Paper plates and take out containers - plastic lined

Paper plates and take out containers - plastic lined

Disposal method: Garbage

What to do:
Bag and put in your garbage cart.
More information:

Some paper take out containers are accepted for composting. To be accepted, the BPI logo must be on the container. BPI certified products will fully and safely break down in the composting process. If you are unsure if an item is BPI certified, visit BPI's website and search their product catalog

BPI Compostable Product Catalog

If you are still unsure, bag and put the item in the garbage.

Fun fact:

Any item labeled compostable must be tested to make sure it is actually compostable.

Learn about the Compostable product labeling law

Icon for Paper plates and take out containers - unlined

Paper plates and take out containers - unlined

Disposal method: Organics, Garbage

What to do:

Look for the BPI compostable logo on the container. If the logo is on the container, bag and put it in your organics recycling cart. Organics may be set out in a paper grocery bag or a BPI certified compostable plastic bag.

See Accepted organics

If you are unable to participate in the organics recycling collection or drop-off program, bag this item and put in your garbage cart.
More information:
There is no cost for Solid Waste & Recycling customers to get a green organics cart at their home. Anyone, including renters, can sign up.
Sign up to get an organics cart at your home
Residents without City service can sign up to use an organics drop-off site.
Sign up to use an organics drop-off site
Fun fact:
Any item labeled compostable must be tested to make sure it is actually compostable.
Learn about the Compostable product labeling law
Icon for Microwaveable trays - paper

Microwaveable trays - paper

Disposal method: Garbage

What to do:

Bag and put in your garbage cart.

More information:

Microwaveable paper trays have additives or a plastic liner to strengthen the paper. They are not able to be recycled or composted.

Fun fact:

Recycling facilities do not accept paper that is meant for direct food contact. This includes items like

  • napkins and paper towels
  • paper plates, cups and bowls
  • paper to-go containers

Delivery pizza boxes are the exception. If there is little oil or grease, they can be recycled.

See Accepted recycling
Only containers with a BPI compostable logo on them are able to be composted. If it doesn't have a BPI logo, bag and put it in your garbage.
See Accepted organics
Icon for Chinese food container

Chinese food container

Disposal method: Garbage

What to do:

Bag and put in your garbage cart.

More information:
Square paper take-out pails and boxes are not recyclable; only some are compostable. Almost all take-out pails have a plastic coating on the inside and outside that does not break down in the paper pulping process or the composting process. Only boxes and pails with a BPI logo on them are accepted for composting.
See Accepted organics
Icon for Frozen food boxes, freezer boxes

Frozen food boxes, freezer boxes

Disposal method: Garbage

What to do:

Bag and put in your garbage cart.

More information:

Some frozen food boxes have thick plastic linings. Until all are designed the same, all frozen food boxes should be put in the garbage. It is impossible to separate out those that can be recycled from those that cannot.

Fun fact:

Recycling facilities do not accept paper that is meant for direct food contact. This includes items like

  • napkins and paper towels
  • paper plates, cups and bowls
  • paper to-go containers

Delivery pizza boxes are the exception. If there is little oil or grease, they can be recycled.

See Accepted recycling
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If you cannot find an item

If you cannot find your item in this list, you can request that we add it to the disposal guide.               Make a request

Resources

Reduce waste, reuse and repair

Get resources to reduce waste, repair, donate usable items and recycle and compost right.

Choose to Reuse

Help keep usable items out of the trash by selling, donating or repairing them.

Drop-off facilities

Hennepin County has two drop-off facilities where you can bring recycling, electronics and appliances.

Green Disposal Guide

Hennepin County's guide to recycling, reusing or disposing of items.

Contact us

Solid Waste & Recycling

Public Works

Facebook

Email Solid Waste & Recycling

Phone

612-673-2917

Address

Eastside Maintenance Facility
2635 University Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

Office hours

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday

This building is closed to the public.