Pack Your Bloomington Problem-Waste Load the Safe Way
South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center is Hennepin County’s full-service Bloomington facility at 1400 West 96th Street for household hazardous waste, electronics, batteries, appliances, tires, recycling, scrap metal, organics and other difficult household materials.
The facility is not a general dump. Garbage, furniture, carpet, construction debris, medicines, wood, yard waste and several other materials require another route. Proof of residency is required, some items carry fees or annual limits, and household hazardous products must be packed safely before you arrive.
Quick answer: what do you need before going to South Hennepin?
Go to 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday and Monday are closed.
Bring proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Bring a payment method for fee items. Current Hennepin County guidance accepts cash, check, major credit cards and debit cards.
Keep hazardous materials sealed, upright and labeled in a plastic-lined box. Put items in the trunk, pickup bed or trailer and remain in your vehicle unless staff direct you otherwise.
On this page
- Facility overview
- Hours
- Holiday hours
- Best time to visit
- Who can use it
- Business rules
- Fees
- Accepted-item overview
- Household hazardous waste
- Paint
- Gas & fuels
- Batteries
- Bulbs & mercury
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Gas-powered appliances
- Tires
- Cardboard
- Regular recycling
- Scrap metal
- Organics
- Needles & sharps
- Propane cylinders
- Media
- Not accepted
- Mattress rule
- Free Product Center
- Transport safety
- Step-by-step visit
- Checklist
- Troubleshooting
- Map
- Related guides
- Official sources
- FAQs
What Is South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center?
Hennepin County operates two primary drop-off facilities: the South Hennepin facility in Bloomington and the Recycling Center and Transfer Station in Brooklyn Park.
South Hennepin is a full-service-only facility. Staff handle unloading of the accepted drop-off material while residents remain in their vehicles unless instructed otherwise.
Problem waste
Paint, solvents, fuels, pesticides, automotive fluids, cleaners, mercury products and other qualifying household hazardous material.
Hard-to-recycle items
Electronics, batteries, bulbs, tires, appliances, cords, scrap metal and selected other materials.
Recycling & organics
Cardboard, containers, paper, cartons, glass bottles/jars, plastic bags and qualifying organics are also accepted under County rules.
South Hennepin Recycling Center Hours
| Day | Regular hours | Visitor tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Do not plan a Monday drop-off. |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM | Often one of the busier days. |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM | County recommends Wednesday/Thursday for lower traffic. |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM | Another good choice for a complicated load. |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM | Avoid 10–11 AM when practical. |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM | Often busy because of weekend cleanouts. |
| Sunday | Closed | Use another day or alternative local program. |
South Hennepin Holiday Closures and Reduced Hours
Hennepin County’s current drop-off schedule closes the facility on listed County holidays and uses shorter hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
| Holiday / date type | Facility status |
|---|---|
| MLK Jr. Day | Closed |
| Memorial Day | Closed |
| Juneteenth | Closed |
| July 4 | Closed |
| Labor Day | Closed |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed |
| Friday after Thanksgiving | Regular business hours |
| Christmas Eve | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Christmas Day | Closed |
| New Year’s Eve | 9 AM–2 PM |
| New Year’s Day | Closed |
Best Time to Visit South Hennepin
Hennepin County currently recommends Wednesdays and Thursdays when possible because Tuesdays and Saturdays are generally busier.
For business recycling, the County recommends Tuesday through Thursday afternoons and asks customers to avoid roughly 10–11 AM Tuesday through Friday when practical.
Who Can Use the Bloomington Drop-Off Facility?
The County’s current general drop-off page describes the facilities primarily as services for Hennepin County households. Proof of residency is required.
The January 2026 County drop-off booklet additionally states that household hazardous waste is accepted from households in Hennepin, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties under the regional household hazardous-waste system.
Business and Property-Manager Waste Rules
Hennepin County does not generally accept hazardous or problem waste generated by businesses at these household facilities. The County definition includes rental properties, condominium/townhouse associations, government entities, home-based businesses, nonprofits and other income-producing activities.
Limited business exceptions exist for recycling, cardboard, scrap metal and organics.
| Business material | Possible? | Current limit / rule |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary recycling | Yes, limited | Up to one pickup-truck load per week. |
| Cardboard | Limited business exception | Follow facility size/volume guidance. |
| Scrap metal | Limited business exception | No redemption/payment; prepare metal before arrival. |
| Organics | Small businesses only | Five BPI-certified compostable bags per day. |
| Hazardous waste | No normal household route | Use the County’s business hazardous-waste program. |
| Business electronics | No household electronics route | Find a commercial e-waste recycler. |
South Hennepin Drop-Off Fees and Limits
Most household hazardous materials and many recyclable items are accepted without a charge, but several common items have fees.
| Item | Current fee | Important limit / note |
|---|---|---|
| Tire | $5 each | Under 4 ft diameter; max 16/load and 32/household/year; no bicycle or commercial tires. |
| TV | $10 each | Up to 5 TVs per household per 12 months. |
| Computer monitor | $10 each | Five of same item type per household per 12 months. |
| Laptop | $10 each | Five of same item type per household per 12 months. |
| Large appliance | $15 each | Household appliances; commercial-grade units excluded. |
| Gas-powered air conditioner / full-size refrigerator | $30 each | Bloomington by appointment; Hennepin County residents only. |
| Gas-powered half-size refrigerator | $15 each | Bloomington by appointment; Hennepin County residents only. |
| Mattress / box spring | $25 each | Brooklyn Park only — not South Hennepin. |
What South Hennepin Accepts: Complete Practical Overview
Household hazardous waste
Paint, stain, solvents, cleaners, pesticides, aerosols, pool chemicals, fuels, automotive fluids and qualifying other hazardous household products.
Electronics
TVs, monitors, laptops, phones, printers, CPUs, audio/video equipment and other listed electronics.
Batteries
Alkaline, button, rechargeable and standard vehicle batteries from households.
Appliances
Refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, furnaces and other listed household appliances.
Tires
Qualifying household tires under four feet in diameter, subject to fee and quantity limits.
Fluorescent & LED bulbs
Accepted with annual limits and safe packaging rules.
Cardboard
Clean, non-moldy cardboard cut or flattened to 3 ft × 3 ft or smaller.
Recycling
Selected plastic containers, metal cans, glass bottles/jars, paper, cartons and clean plastic bags.
Scrap metal
Prepared household or qualifying business scrap metal in pieces four feet or shorter.
Organics
Food scraps, food-soiled paper and certified compostables in approved BPI-certified compostable plastic bags.
Sharps
Household needles/sharps in a rigid puncture-resistant plastic container with screw lid and required label.
Media & cords
CDs, DVDs, flash drives, game cartridges, electrical cords, chargers and string lights.
Household Hazardous Waste: How to Pack It
Hennepin County requires household hazardous waste to be transported in sealed containers, upright, in a plastic-lined box. Containers should be five gallons or smaller and properly labeled with their contents.
Paint, Stain, Varnish and Driveway Sealer
South Hennepin accepts qualifying household paint and related products without a disposal fee.
For oil-based paint, the current Green Disposal Guide lists a limit of three 5-gallon pails per household per 12-month period. That limit does not apply to one-gallon cans.
Gasoline, Diesel, Kerosene and Other Fuels
The Bloomington facility accepts household gasoline, diesel, kerosene and other fuels in containers of five gallons or less.
Use a labeled container designed for flammable liquid. Hennepin County says the fuel container must be left at the facility while it is emptied. The County will contact you when it is ready for pickup, which may take up to two weeks.
Battery Recycling: Tape or Bag the Terminals
Hennepin County accepts all types of household batteries at its Bloomington and Brooklyn Park facilities, including alkaline, button, rechargeable and standard vehicle batteries.
Place each battery in a clear plastic bag or place clear tape over the positive and negative terminals to reduce fire risk.
Rechargeable battery
Tape terminals or place the battery in a clear individual bag.
Damaged lithium-ion
Bring bulging or damaged lithium-ion batteries promptly and individually bagged in clear plastic.
EV battery
Electric-vehicle batteries are not accepted through the normal household battery program.
If the rechargeable battery cannot safely be removed from the device, County guidance says to bring the entire device.
Fluorescent, LED Bulbs and Mercury Items
Hennepin County accepts fluorescent and LED bulbs from households at no charge, with a limit of 25 fluorescent or LED bulbs per household per 12-month period.
The County does not accept incandescent or halogen bulbs through this bulb-recycling program.
Mercury thermometers, thermostats and other listed mercury-containing household items are also accepted without a charge. Cushion mercury items to prevent breakage.
TV, Computer, Laptop and Electronics Recycling
TVs, computer monitors and laptops currently cost $10 each. Hennepin County allows up to five of each electronics type per household per 12-month period.
Many other household electronics are accepted without charge, including phones, printers, CPUs and other computer peripherals, audio/video equipment and certain rechargeable products.
| Electronics type | Current charge | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| TV | $10 each | Remove personal accounts where applicable; max 5/year. |
| Computer monitor | $10 each | Max 5 of same type/year. |
| Laptop | $10 each | Back up and erase personal data. |
| Desktop CPU / printer / mouse etc. | No charge | Remove removable batteries and recycle them separately. |
| Phone / tablet | No charge under current electronics guidance | Sign out, erase data and remove activation locks. |
Household Appliance Recycling
Current County guidance lists a $15 fee per household appliance. Appliances should be delivered intact rather than disassembled.
Accepted examples include standard air conditioners, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, dryers, freezers, furnaces, garbage disposals, heat pumps, water heaters, ice makers, microwaves, ranges, refrigerators, washers, stoves, sump pumps, trash compactors and water coolers.
Gas-Powered Appliances Require an Appointment
Gas-powered appliances are a separate Bloomington-only category. County guidance specifically lists air conditioners and refrigerators with a liquid-propane or natural-gas fuel source.
| Gas-powered appliance | Fee | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioner | $30 | Appointment required. |
| Full-size refrigerator | $30 | Appointment required. |
| Half-size refrigerator | $15 | Appointment required. |
Tire Fees, Size Limits and Annual Limits
The live Hennepin County Green Disposal Guide currently lists tires at $5 each, with or without the rim.
Bloomington Cardboard Rules: 3×3 Feet and One Pickup Load
Cardboard at Hennepin County facilities must be 3 feet by 3 feet or smaller. Remove Styrofoam, plastic wrap and other packaging before drop-off.
The Bloomington facility limits households to one pickup-truck load of cardboard per visit. Larger household quantities should go to the Brooklyn Park Transfer Station.
Regular Recycling Accepted at South Hennepin
Households and qualifying businesses can drop off normal recycling without charge.
| Material | Examples / preparation |
|---|---|
| Plastic | Bottles, jugs, clear cups and containers; empty and rinse. |
| Plastic bags | Clean and dry; place in an open bag as directed. |
| Metal | Food and beverage cans. |
| Paper | Mail, office paper, school paper, magazines, catalogs and newspapers. |
| Glass | Bottles and jars. |
| Cartons | Milk, soup, broth and wine cartons; juice boxes. |
Scrap Metal: Free Drop-Off, but No Scrap Payment
South Hennepin accepts scrap metal from households and qualifying businesses without a drop-off fee, but the County does not pay for the metal.
Scrap pieces must be 4 feet or shorter. Remove all non-metal components and drain fluids before arriving. Hennepin County does not allow visitors to dismantle or drain material in the recycling area or parking lot.
Metal pipes
Accepted; plastic pipe is not accepted as scrap metal.
Metal furniture
Accepted after non-metal parts are removed. Wood, plastic and upholstered furniture are not accepted.
Gas lawn equipment
Remove non-metal components and drain fluids at least 24 hours before recycling as scrap.
Organics Drop-Off Rules
South Hennepin accepts organics from Hennepin County households and small businesses without a drop-off fee.
The limit is five bags per day per household or small business. Organics must be in BPI-certified compostable plastic bags. The County’s facility guide specifically says no paper bags for this drop-off.
Food
Fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bones, dairy, eggs, pasta, bread, rice, beans, nuts and similar food scraps.
Food-soiled paper
Delivery pizza boxes, napkins, paper towels and paper egg cartons.
Certified compostables
Only products carrying appropriate compostable certification such as the BPI logo.
Propane and Gas Cylinders: Only Small Non-Refillable Containers
The current County drop-off booklet accepts only non-refillable cylinders or tanks of one pound or smaller at the Bloomington drop-off facility.
Gas-grill propane tanks and helium tanks are not accepted through this small-cylinder route.
CDs, DVDs, Flash Drives and Game Cartridges
Hennepin County accepts household media such as CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, thumb drives, flash drives, storage cards and video-game cartridges without a fee.
Erase data from flash drives and storage media before drop-off when personal information may be present.
What South Hennepin Does Not Accept
These facilities are specialized problem-waste/recycling sites, not general transfer stations.
Garbage
Ordinary household trash is not accepted at Bloomington.
Furniture
Wood, upholstered and plastic furniture are excluded. Prepared all-metal furniture may qualify as scrap metal.
Carpet
Use your hauler, cleanup program, transfer station or another appropriate route.
Concrete & asphalt
Use a construction-material recycler or appropriate transfer/disposal facility.
Construction/remodeling debris
Drywall, lumber and mixed remodeling waste need another route.
Yard & tree waste
South Hennepin is not a yard-waste disposal site.
Medicine
Use an approved Hennepin County medicine drop box or pharmacy program.
Asbestos
Not accepted through the County household drop-off facility.
Ammunition / explosives
Do not transport these to the normal drop-off line.
Radioactive waste
Requires a specialized disposal route.
Empty gas cans
Listed by the County among materials not accepted at its drop-off facilities.
Commercial hazardous waste
Use Hennepin County’s business hazardous-waste guidance rather than the household line.
Mattresses and Box Springs: Do Not Bring Them to Bloomington
Hennepin County’s current guidance lists mattress and box-spring drop-off at the Brooklyn Park facility only, not South Hennepin.
The current listed fee is $25 per piece at Brooklyn Park, with restrictions on certain specialty mattress types.
Bloomington Free Product Center: Temporarily Closed
Hennepin County normally operates Free Product Centers where adults can take usable products such as paints, stains, cleaners, adhesives and automotive products that were dropped off for reuse.
However, the County currently states that the Bloomington Free Product Center is temporarily closed due to construction beginning May 18. The main Bloomington drop-off facility remains open.
When operating, the Free Product Center limits residents to two aerosol cans per week and no more than ten total items per week; reselling is prohibited.
Safe Vehicle Loading for Paint, Chemicals, Batteries and Fuel
How to Use South Hennepin Drop-Off Center Step by Step
Search your exact item
Use Hennepin County’s Green Disposal Guide because similar-looking materials can follow different rules.
Check residency eligibility
Bring proof of residency and confirm reciprocal-county eligibility when relevant.
Check fee and quantity limits
TVs, monitors, laptops, appliances and tires carry fees; many categories also have annual or per-visit limits.
Prepare everything at home
Cut cardboard, remove non-metal scrap components, drain fluids where required, package bulbs, erase data and tape batteries before driving.
Pack hazardous materials safely
Use labeled sealed containers of five gallons or less, keep them upright and use a plastic-lined box.
Bring payment
Cash, check, major credit cards and debit cards are currently listed for fee items.
Stay in your vehicle
South Hennepin is full service. Follow staff directions and remain in your vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
Complete Before-You-Go Checklist
Common Problems That Cause a Wasted Trip
Mattress in the vehicle
Bloomington is not the listed County mattress location. Use Brooklyn Park or another approved route.
Oversized cardboard
Break it down to 3×3 feet or smaller before arrival.
Gas grill tank
The standard small-cylinder program only accepts qualifying non-refillable one-pound-or-smaller cylinders.
Paper-bagged organics
The Bloomington facility’s drop-off instructions require BPI-certified compostable plastic bags.
Business paint or electronics
Commercially generated hazardous waste/electronics cannot use the normal household route.
Free Product Center trip
Check first because Bloomington’s reuse center is currently temporarily closed for construction.
Call script: “I’m planning to use the South Hennepin Bloomington facility at 1400 West 96th Street. I have [item], approximately [quantity/size]. Is it accepted at Bloomington, is there a fee or annual limit, and does it require special preparation or an appointment?”
Map to South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center
The Bloomington facility is at 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, Minnesota 55431.
Official Sources Used for This Bloomington Guide
Primary current source for Bloomington address, hours, holidays, proof of residency, fees, safety and visitor timing.
Open official facility pageDetailed rules for recycling, cardboard, organics, small-business access and the Bloomington Free Product Center construction closure.
Open detailed County guidanceJanuary 2026 guide covering batteries, appliances, cardboard, electronics, HHW, bulbs, sharps, organics, propane, recycling, scrap metal, tires and visitor preparation.
Open 2026 PDFItem-specific live guidance and current restrictions for tires, appliances, electronics, paint, batteries, fuels, mercury and other materials.
Search the Green Disposal GuideCurrent preparation guidance for household batteries, lithium batteries and devices with non-removable batteries.
Open battery guidanceAlternative routes for garbage, carpet, furniture, remodeling debris and other materials not accepted at South Hennepin.
Check alternative facilitiesFrequently Asked Questions About South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center
Where is South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center?
It is at 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431.
What are South Hennepin Recycling Center hours?
Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The facility is closed Sunday, Monday and listed holidays.
Is South Hennepin open on Sunday?
No. Sunday and Monday are regular closed days.
Do I need proof of residency?
Yes. Bring proof such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
What payment methods are accepted?
Hennepin County currently lists cash, check, major credit cards and debit cards for fee items.
How much does it cost to recycle a TV?
The current fee is $10 per TV. The household limit is up to five TVs per 12-month period.
How much does a tire cost?
The current live County guidance lists $5 per tire, with or without the rim. Size and quantity limits apply.
How much is an appliance?
Standard household appliances are currently listed at $15 each. Gas-powered refrigerators and air conditioners have separate Bloomington appointment and fee rules.
Can I bring a mattress to South Hennepin?
No under the current County program. Mattresses and box springs are listed at the Brooklyn Park facility only.
Does South Hennepin accept paint?
Yes, qualifying household paint and related products are accepted. Oil-based paint has quantity limits for 5-gallon pails, and business-generated paint is not accepted through the household program.
Does the facility accept gasoline?
Yes, household gasoline and certain other fuels are accepted in approved containers of five gallons or less. The container is left at the facility while it is emptied.
Can I recycle batteries there?
Yes. Hennepin County accepts household alkaline, button, rechargeable and standard vehicle batteries. Tape terminals or place batteries in individual clear plastic bags.
Does South Hennepin accept damaged lithium batteries?
Yes. County guidance specifically tells residents to bring bulging or damaged lithium-ion batteries to a drop-off facility and to place each damaged battery in a clear plastic bag.
Can I bring an EV battery?
No. Electric-vehicle batteries are excluded from the household battery program.
Does the center take fluorescent bulbs?
Yes. Fluorescent and LED bulbs are accepted, with a 25-bulb-per-household 12-month limit. Incandescent and halogen bulbs are not accepted through this bulb program.
Can I bring broken fluorescent bulbs?
Yes. Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag before drop-off.
Can I recycle cardboard?
Yes. Cardboard must be 3 feet by 3 feet or smaller and cannot be moldy. Bloomington limits households to one pickup-truck load per visit.
Can businesses use South Hennepin?
Not for normal business hazardous/problem waste. Limited exceptions apply for recycling, cardboard, scrap metal and organics from qualifying small businesses.
Does South Hennepin accept scrap metal?
Yes. Drop-off is free but there is no payment for the metal. Pieces must be four feet or shorter, and non-metal parts and fluids must be removed before arrival.
Can I bring organics?
Yes. Hennepin County households and small businesses may bring up to five bags per day. The facility requires BPI-certified compostable plastic bags.
Can I bring needles or sharps?
Yes, when they are sealed in a rigid puncture-resistant plastic container with a screw lid and labeled “Do not recycle: Household sharps.” Glass containers are not accepted.
Can I bring a propane grill tank?
No under the small-cylinder program. Hennepin County lists only qualifying non-refillable cylinders of one pound or less at the drop-off facilities.
Does South Hennepin accept household garbage?
No. Garbage is not accepted at the Bloomington problem-waste drop-off facility.
Does South Hennepin accept furniture or carpet?
General furniture and carpet are not accepted. Prepared all-metal furniture may qualify for scrap-metal recycling.
Does South Hennepin take concrete or construction debris?
No. Concrete, asphalt, construction material and remodeling debris require another disposal route.
Is the Bloomington Free Product Center open?
The County currently says the Bloomington Free Product Center is temporarily closed for construction beginning May 18. The main drop-off facility remains open.
What is the South Hennepin phone number?
Call Hennepin County Environment and Energy at 612-348-3777.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Hennepin County website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information guide. Use HennepinCounty.gov and the Green Disposal Guide for final same-day rules.