Many home and garden products are considered household hazardous waste (HHW). They may have labels that include the words caution, toxic, corrosive, pesticide, combustible, poison, flammable, warning, or danger. These products can be harmful to human health and the environment if used, stored or disposed of improperly. Never pour these products down the drain or onto the ground. And don't put them in your garbage cart or recycling bin.
Find recycling and disposal options in the Green Disposal Guide. Hennepin County's guide provides information on the best way to recycle, reuse or dispose of items from your home, including appliances, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, paint and electronics.
Businesses, check out the Hazardous Waste Disposal Companies List. This is a list of firms that provide hazardous waste disposal services in the Twin Cities for businesses and multi-family properties.
Select items are also accepted at the annual Spring Clean Up Day, which is typically a Saturday in May.
Batteries:
The following locations accept all types of used household batteries for no charge (residential only):
CITY HALL CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT BATTERIES FOR RECYCLING DUE TO THEIR EXPLOSIVE POTENTIAL.
Contact Republic Services for drop off information (952-941-5174) or see Hennepin County disposal site optionsHERE.
Bulk Items/Electronics:
Visit the Green Disposal Guide for recycling options. You may also contact Republic Services at 952-941-5174 for more options.
Select items are also accepted at the annual Spring Clean Up Day.
Small appliances include bread makers, coffee makers, coffee pots, curling irons, electric can openers, hair dryers, hair straighteners, heating pads, griddles, paper shredders, toaster ovens and toasters may be put in the garbage
Fluorescent Light Bulbs:
Check with local retailers. Some local retailers and hardware stores offer recycling of unbroken CFLs
Bring them to a Hennepin County Drop-Off Facility. Hennepin County accepts all types of fluorescent, high intensity discharge, neon bulbs and ballasts free of charge at the county drop-off facilities. There is a limit of 25 bulbs per household per year.
Medications:
Hennepin County Medicine Drop Box Locations accept prescription medicines, including, controlled substances, over-the-counter medicine, pet medicines, and vitamins/minerals.
Needles/Sharps:
Sharps such as needles, lancets, syringes and used epi-pens must be disposed of safely to prevent injury and disease transmission to garbage haulers and processing facility workers. Never place loose needles in the trash and DO NOT recycle them.
