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Household hazardous waste collection events

Hennepin County organizes collection events throughout the year to give residents more convenient local disposal options for their household hazardous wastes.

Please note: the county will not be accepting electronics at the collection events; household hazardous waste will be accepted only. 

Print a flyer to promote the events (PDF)

What to know

  • Residents should remain in their vehicles unless otherwise directed by staff.
  • Items should be stored in the trunk of the vehicle, bed of truck, or in a trailer. Only bring in items that one person can load in a vehicle by themselves. Staff will remove most items from vehicles.
  • Our events welcome residents arriving via bicycles and walk-ups — bikers can use the drive through traffic system as if they were a car.
  • Because of the hazardous nature of the products being collected at these events, be sure to pack your HHW items to prevent spills, leaks, and breakage.
  • We ask residents attending by foot to stay out of the collection areas.
  • Residents are encouraged to safely store their household hazardous waste until they are able to attend a collection event. Find safe storage tips from the Green Disposal Guide
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Events have concluded for 2022. Check back in spring 2023 for future events.  

Past 2022 events

  • Orono Public Works Shop (Orono/Wayzata), September 9 and 10
  • South High School (Minneapolis), August 12 and 13
  • Patrick Henry High School (Minneapolis), July 8 and 9
  • Minnetonka Public Works Department (Minnetonka), May 6 and 7
  • Follow the signs and stay in line.
  • Be prepared to show your driver's license or other proof of county residence.
  • Events will be shut down during inclement weather.
  • Secure products so they don't tip over or leak.

Accepted

Materials are accepted for free from households only. Businesses must manage their waste properly — see our commercial hazardous waste information.

Please note: The county will not be accepting electronics at the collection events.

Household, lawn and garden products

Adhesives – flammable or petroleum based

Aerosols – pressurized or containing product

Batteries

Cleaners

Drain cleaner

Driveway sealer

Fire extinguishers

Flammable products

Gas cylinders

  • Propane less than 40 lbs.
  • Specialty gases less than 59 lbs. will be evaluated
  • Some may not be accepted due to management restrictions

Paint

  • Limit three 5-gallon pails
  • No limit on pails 1-gallon or smaller

Paint thinners, solvents and strippers

PCB ballasts – must be removed from fixtures

Pesticides, insecticides and herbicides

Photographic and hobby chemicals

Pool chemicals

Rechargeable tools

Wood preservatives

Mercury-containing items

Fluorescent bulbs and HID lamps – limit 25

Thermometers

Thermostats

Auto and fuel wastes

Diesel fuel

Fuel additives

Gasoline – containers will not be returned

Kerosene

Starter fluid

Vehicle lead-acid batteries

Waxes

Not accepted

Appliances*

Asbestos

Electronics*

Explosives

Garbage

  • Food waste
  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Lumber
  • Empty paint cans
  • Etc.

Gas cylinders

  • Propane greater than 40 lbs
  • Gases requiring special management
  • All gases greater than 59 lbs.

Medicines or infectious wastes – find medicine disposal drop boxes.

Motor oil and filters*

Photocopiers

Recyclables

  • Scrap metal
  • Paper
  • Cardboard
  • Cans and bottles
  • Etc.*

Tires*

*Accepted at the county's permanent drop-off facilities. Fees may apply on certain items.

Refer to the Green Disposal Guide for additional disposal options.

results of 2021 collection events

Hennepin County hosted six household hazardous waste collection events in 2021. Participation in the events was strong with 5,608 households partaking and 276,000 pounds of hazardous waste collected. This included 9,346 pounds of household batteries. This averages to 49 pounds of hazardous waste collected per participating household. Great job everyone! Event locations and dates for next year will be announced in the spring.

Household hazardous waste can be disposed of year-round at county drop-off facilities. Learn more about drop-off facilities and what they accept.

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