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

Computer monitor or tower

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Icon for Thermometer or thermostat - alcohol

Thermometer or thermostat - alcohol

Disposal method: Garbage

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

If thermometer liquid is red or blue, it is an alcohol thermometer and can be disposed of in the garbage.

Fun fact:

If the liquid inside silver, it contains mercury. Do not put in your garbage cart. Do not break or touch the liquid. Mercury is a nerve toxin that is especially dangerous when inhaled, as well as a danger to the environment.

Icon for Thermometer or thermostat - digital

Thermometer or thermostat - digital

Disposal method: Garbage

What to do:

Remove and properly manage batteries. Once the battery is removed, bag and put in your garbage. If you cannot remove the battery from the device, bring the whole item to a drop-off location.

More information:
You can bag and put batteries labeled “alkaline” in your garbage. They are non-hazardous. No other type of battery is accepted for pickup by Solid Waste and Recycling or drop off at the South Transfer Station. You must bring all non-alkaline batteries to a drop-off location.
• Any type of residential battery, bring to a Hennepin County Drop-Off facility
• For local drop-offs for rechargeable batteries, search The Battery Network's website
You must tape the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the batteries for safe storage and transport. Bring the whole device to a drop-off location for recycling if you can't remove the battery.
Icon for Bathtub - metal or cast iron

Bathtub - metal or cast iron

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 2 large items per week.
Learn more about Large item collection
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
Icon for Lamp, light fixture - not metal

Lamp, light fixture - not metal

Disposal method: Garbage, Large non-recyclable item pick up

What to do:
Donate if usable. If not usable, remove and properly dispose of lightbulbs. Bag and put in your garbage cart. If it's too big to fit in your cart, label the item "for Solid Waste" and set next to your carts by 6 a.m. on your garbage day. 
Learn more about Large item collection
More information:
Item will be picked up by the garbage truck. You may also bring this item to the South Transfer Station with a voucher.
Learn more about our Voucher program
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 Light bulb - incandescent or halogen

Light bulb - incandescent or halogen

Disposal method: Garbage

What to do:

Bag and put in your garbage cart.

More information:

Incandescent light bulbs are not hazardous. Hennepin County will not accept this type of lightbulb.

Fun fact:

Glass from light bulbs is not recyclable. 

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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.