Disposal guide

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

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Icon for Lamp, light fixture - metal

Lamp, light fixture - metal

Disposal method: Large recyclable item pick up, Drop-off

What to do:
Donate if usable. If not usable, remove and properly dispose of lightbulbs. Please label "for Solid Waste" and set this item next to your carts out by 6 a.m. on your recycling day.
More information:
The crew will write your item on a list and a separate truck will come the next business day to pick it up. You may also bring this item to the South Transfer Station with a voucher.
Fun fact:

Bridging is a local non-profit who will take usable furniture and household goods. They give it to local families in need.

Visit Bridging's website

Icon for Window screen - metal frame

Window screen - metal frame

Disposal method: Large recyclable item pick up, Drop-off

What to do:
Donate if usable. If not usable, set this item next to your carts out by 6 a.m. on your recycling day. Please label "for Solid Waste". There is a limit of 10 window screens per recycling week.
More information:
The crew will write your item on a list and a separate truck will come the next business day to pick it up. You may also bring this item to one of the following
Fun fact:

Post on a neighborhood social media platform to see if anyone in your neighborhood is interested.

Icon for Light bulb - fluorescent, CFL

Light bulb - fluorescent, CFL

Disposal method: Hazardous waste

What to do:
Not accepted for pickup Solid Waste & Recycling or drop off at the South Transfer Station.
More information:

You can also call your local hardware store to see if they accept bulbs from residents. Make sure to ask if there's a limit and a fee for drop-off. 

Fun fact:

It is illegal to throw CFLs in the garbage due to the presence of a small amount of mercury. Beginning January 1, 2026, stores were no longer able to sell CFL bulbs in Minnesota.

Icon for Sharps - needles and syringes

Sharps - needles and syringes

Disposal method: Hazardous waste, Other

What to do:

Sharps should not be put in your garbage, recycling, or organics recycling loose. They can cause injury to collection crews and staff at waste facilities. There are several options to manage household sharps (including used EpiPens).

Learn more about sharps disposal options

Unused EpiPens should be managed the same as unused medications.

More information:

Make sure to store properly store sharps at your home.

  • Store in a hard plastic container with a screw on lid
  • Label the container "household sharps, do not recycle"
  • Put needles in the container point first
  • Only fill the container half way
  • Keep lid screwed on and out of the reach of children
Icon for Wipes - baby, makeup, flushable

Wipes - baby, makeup, flushable

Disposal method: Garbage

What to do:

Bag and put in your garbage cart.

More information:

Baby, makeup remover and flushable wipes are not recyclable or compostable. They likely contain chemicals and strengthening additives that make them not break down. Do not put these wipes in your recycling, organics recycling or down your toilet. 

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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

Contact us

Solid Waste & Recycling

Public Works

Facebook

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.