Hennepin County’s Drop-Off Facilities in Brooklyn Park and Bloomington are open with limited operations and new safety procedures due to COVID-19.
What to expect
Limited operations
- New hours: Tues-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Sun, Mon.
- Changes to materials accepted
- No mattresses
- Also no TVs or electronics that weigh more than 50 lbs (that take two people to carry and don't allow for physical distancing)
- Select appliances accepted: microwaves, water coolers, sump pumps, garbage disposals, dehumidifiers. No other large appliances accepted.
- The free product center (where residents pick up usable items dropped off by other residents) is closed
- Payment: credit and debit cards only (Visa, Discover, Mastercard). For safety, we're temporarily not accepting cash or checks.
- Gas cans must be left to be emptied will not be returned
- Expect longer-than-normal wait times.
Keeping safe
- Residents should remain in their vehicles unless otherwise directed by staff.
- Face coverings required.* Masks are available if needed.
- Items should be stored in the trunk of the vehicle, bed of truck, or in a trailer.
- Staff will remove most items from vehicles. If staff can’t maintain a safe physical distance while unloading your vehicle, residents may be asked to unload items themselves.
- Staff have adjusted operations to include 6-ft physical distancing, and enhanced cleaning/disinfecting. Staff now wear masks, coveralls and gloves.
* Everyone in all county public spaces is required to wear face coverings that cover both mouth and nose and are secured to the head with ties or ear loops.
Who can use our facilities
Households only (excluding organics and some recyclable materials).
Residents of Hennepin, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties only. Residents from Sherburne and Wright counties are not eligible to use our drop-off facilities.
In general, Hennepin County does not accept waste from businesses, with the exceptions of cardboard, scrap metal, recycling, and organics recycling from small businesses.
Businesses include rental properties, condominium, neighborhood, or townhouse associations; governmental entities; home-based businesses; nonprofit organizations; or any other activity intended to produce income. Hennepin County will not accept waste from commercial activities that was generated or stored in a household. For disposal options, businesses should search Commercial Hazardous Waste Disposal Companies fact sheet (PDF).
Check whether we accept your item
Before you visit, check whether your item is accepted at our drop-off facilities by browsing the Green Disposal Guide. You can also email environment@hennepin.us or call 612-348-3777.
Safely transport household hazardous wastes
Transport your household hazardous wastes in sealed containers, in an upright position, in a plastic lined box. Make sure all containers are 5-gallons or less in size and properly labeled with the contents.
Remember to bring:
- Proof of residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill, is required
- Payment: Credit card only (Visa, Discover, Mastercard). For safety, we're temporarily not accepting cash or checks.
Fees
Fees are charged for certain items at the drop-off facilities.
- Tires: $3 each
- TVs, computer monitors and laptops: $10 each
- Select appliances accepted: microwaves, water coolers, sump pumps, garbage disposals, dehumidifiers.: $15 each.
Note: During limited operations, we are not accepting mattresses and box springs. Also, no TVs and electronics weighing more than 50 lbs (items that would take two people to carry and not allow for physical distancing).
When you get to our facilities
- Residents should remain in their vehicles and follow directions given by staff on-site.
- Items should be stored in the trunk of the vehicle, bed of truck, or in a trailer.
- Staff will remove the items from vehicles.
- Expect longer-than-normal wait times. Consider visiting on Wednesdays and Thursdays (Tuesdays and Saturdays are the busiest days)
Free product centers
During limited operations, the Free Product Centers will be closed.
Additional disposal options
If your items are still in good shape, look for donation opportunities on the Choose to Reuse website.