Recycling Center in Eagan: Hours, Holidays & Drop-Off List
Use this Eagan recycling center guide to check The Recycling Zone hours, holiday closures, verified map address, accepted drop-off items, hazardous waste rules, electronics fees, tire prices, cardboard limits, Reuse Zone details, business restrictions and official Dakota County links before you load paint, batteries, TVs, monitors, tires, scrap metal, cardboard, glass, plastic or household chemicals.
🧭 Eagan Recycling Center Open Today: What to Confirm First
The eagan recycling center most residents mean is The Recycling Zone, the Dakota County-run recycling and household hazardous waste facility at 3365 Dodd Road in Eagan, Minnesota. It accepts many items that should not go into regular trash, including household chemicals, paint, batteries, electronics, scrap metal, cardboard, glass, selected plastics, paper cartons and tires.
The official resident drop-off hours are Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday from noon to 8:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is not listed as open on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday for normal resident drop-off, and it closes on major holidays such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The most important planning rule is simple: do not treat The Recycling Zone like a normal curbside recycling bin. Visitors must remain in the vehicle, most items must be placed in the trunk or very back of the vehicle for staff unloading, and some items have fees or special handling instructions. TVs and monitors have a $10 recycling fee, tires are priced by size, and all other listed items are accepted for free according to Dakota County’s current guidance.
Eagan Recycling Center Overview for Household Chemicals, Electronics and Drop-Off Recycling
The eagan recycling center is best understood as The Recycling Zone, a county-run recycling and household hazardous waste facility serving Eagan and the broader Dakota County area. Dakota Valley Recycling also explains that this facility is where Dakota County residents can bring recyclables, electronics, scrap metal, paint, household chemicals, hazardous waste and other items that should not go in the trash.
This site is different from ordinary curbside recycling. Your curbside hauler may accept weekly recyclables such as paper, cardboard, cans, glass bottles and selected plastic containers, but The Recycling Zone handles many “problem materials” that need special sorting or safe disposal. Examples include paint, gasoline, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermometers, electronics, used oil, propane tanks and sharps.
The Recycling Zone is also more structured than a simple drop-off bin. Visitors are asked to stay in the vehicle, keep most items in the trunk or very back of the vehicle, have ID ready and prepare payment for TVs, monitors and tires. That system helps staff unload safely and keeps hazardous materials away from storm drains, trash trucks and regular recycling systems.
Eagan Recycling Center: Quick Facts Before You Drive
| Question | Official / Verified Information | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Official facility name | The Recycling Zone. | Use this name when checking Dakota County pages or map directions. |
| Address | 3365 Dodd Road, Eagan, MN 55121. | Use the verified address in the map section before driving. |
| Phone and email | 952-891-7800 and recyclingzone@co.dakota.mn.us. | Contact the facility for unusual loads, large loads or current updates. |
| Resident drop-off hours | Wednesday 9 AM-8 PM; Thursday noon-8 PM; Friday 9 AM-5 PM; Saturday 8 AM-5 PM. | Do not assume Sunday, Monday or Tuesday drop-off access. |
| Holiday closures | Closed New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. | Check the holiday table before planning a long drive. |
| TV and monitor fees | TVs and monitors have a $10 recycling fee each. | Have a credit card or exact change ready. |
| Tire fees | Tire fees vary by size and start at $6; tires on rims add $1 each. | Check tire size before visiting and bring payment. |
| Large loads | Loads larger than a truck bed require calling or emailing for scheduling. | Do not arrive with a large load without contacting the facility first. |
Eagan Recycling Center Open Today, Open Now and Saturday Hours
Searches like “Eagan recycling center open now” and “Eagan Recycling Zone hours today” need a careful answer because the facility is not open every day. Resident drop-off is listed for four days a week only: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Eagan Recycling Center Hours Today
If today is Wednesday, resident drop-off hours are 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. If today is Thursday, hours are noon to 8:00 PM. If today is Friday, hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If today is Saturday, hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If today is Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, the facility is not listed as open for normal resident drop-off.
Eagan Recycling Center Open Saturday
Saturday is one of the most useful drop-off days for residents because The Recycling Zone is listed as open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Still, Saturday can be busy, and visitors should prepare their load before arrival. Keep chemicals upright, separate bulbs from batteries, flatten cardboard and place items in the trunk or very back of the vehicle.
Last-Minute Drop-Off and Large Load Caution
Do not arrive near closing time with a messy, oversized or hazardous load. Dakota County asks people with loads larger than a truck bed to call 952-891-7800 and leave a voicemail or email recyclingzone@co.dakota.mn.us so staff can schedule a drop-off time. Large-load planning is not optional if you want a clean visit.
Eagan Recycling Center Holiday Schedule and 2026 Closure Dates
The Recycling Zone is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If one of these holidays falls on a normal operating day, do not assume the facility will accept drop-offs. Holiday closures matter especially for paint, batteries, electronics and hazardous materials because you should not leave items outside the gate or at a closed facility.
| Holiday Closure | 2026 Date | Drop-Off Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Facility is listed as closed; plan a different open day. |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026 | Monday is not a normal resident drop-off day, but the holiday remains listed as a closure. |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Saturday is normally open, but this holiday is listed as closed. |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7, 2026 | Holiday closure listed; use a regular Wednesday-Saturday drop-off window instead. |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thursday is normally open noon-8 PM, but Thanksgiving is listed as closed. |
| Christmas Eve | Thursday, December 24, 2026 | Listed holiday closure; avoid planning chemical or electronics drop-off that day. |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25, 2026 | Listed holiday closure; do not leave materials outside a closed facility. |
Holiday Lights and Seasonal Recycling in Eagan
Holiday lights and cords are accepted at The Recycling Zone. Dakota Valley Recycling also shares seasonal holiday-light drop-off options in the area, including year-round drop-off at The Recycling Zone. If you have holiday lights after Christmas, keep them out of regular trash and use an approved drop-off route.
Eagan Recycling Center Accepted Drop-Off List
The official Dakota County materials page lists several categories of accepted items at The Recycling Zone. The list includes household chemicals and hazardous waste, electronics, small household electronics, many common recyclables, scrap metal and tires. All listed items are accepted for free except TVs, monitors and tires.
Household Chemicals and Hazardous Waste Accepted in Eagan
Accepted household chemical and hazardous waste examples include aerosols, antifreeze, auto batteries, rechargeable batteries, single-use batteries, button cell batteries, bug killer, e-cigarettes and vaping devices with nicotine only, fire extinguishers, fireworks, fluorescent light bulbs, gasoline, home sharps, household cleaners, lawn and garden products, mercury thermometers, paint, pool and spa chemicals, propane and helium tanks or gas cylinders, thermostats, used oil and filters, weed killer, and most products labeled dangerous, flammable, poison, combustible or corrosive.
Electronics Accepted at The Recycling Zone
Accepted electronics include answering machines, computer equipment, keyboards, mice, towers, hard drives, modems, desktop printers, copiers, scanners, DVD players, VCR players, electronic game systems, fax machines, iPods, MP3 players, laptops, monitors, stereos, radios, tablets, readers, telephones, cell phones, smart phones and televisions. Dakota County also states that data is destroyed to U.S. Department of Defense standards for accepted electronics.
Small Household Electronics Accepted
Small household electronics accepted include blenders without glass pitchers, bread makers, cameras, carpet sweepers, clocks, coffee makers without glass carafes, electric knives, electric toothbrushes, food sealing equipment, fryers, hair dryers, irons, massagers, metal tools, mixers, portable fans, radios, remotes, shaving equipment, small heaters, toasters, toaster ovens and vacuum cleaners with bags removed.
Common Recyclables Accepted in Eagan
Accepted recyclables include clean aluminum foil, bicycles, cardboard, cartons, cooking oil, books, dry-goods boxes, eyeglasses, glass bottles and jars, grills, holiday lights and cords, lawn mowers with drained fluids, magazines, catalogs, mail, metal cans, newspapers, office and school papers, plastic bottles and jugs, plastic cups and tubs, shampoo bottles, detergent jugs, phone books, inkjet printer cartridges, scrap metal and snow blowers with drained fluids.
| Accepted Category | Examples | Preparation Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous household products | Paint, pesticides, gasoline, cleaners, pool chemicals, aerosols, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, used oil and filters. | Use sturdy, non-leaking containers; keep lids tight; label contents when not original. |
| Batteries and bulbs | Rechargeable, single-use and button cell batteries; fluorescent bulbs; mercury thermometers. | Keep bulbs and thermometers separate from batteries. |
| Electronics | Computers, laptops, hard drives, printers, copiers, scanners, phones, tablets, televisions and monitors. | TVs and monitors have a $10 fee each. |
| Small electronics | Toasters, coffee makers, fans, hair dryers, irons, mixers, radios, remotes, tools and vacuum cleaners. | Remove batteries and bring batteries separately. |
| Cardboard and paper | Cardboard, books, catalogs, magazines, mail, newspaper, office paper and phone books. | Flatten cardboard and cut it no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet. |
| Containers and packaging | Glass bottles and jars, metal cans, cartons, plastic bottles, jugs, cups, tubs and deli containers. | Empty and keep materials clean enough for recycling. |
| Metal and equipment | Scrap metal, bicycles, grills, lawn mowers and snow blowers. | Drain fluids and bring fluids separately when required. |
| Tires | Passenger car, SUV, pickup truck and minivan tires. | Fees vary by size; no race car tires or slicks. |
Eagan Recycling Center Fees for TVs, Monitors and Tires
Most accepted items at The Recycling Zone are listed as free, but TVs, monitors and tires have fees. Dakota County asks visitors to have a credit card or exact change ready for these fees. This is important because a resident who brings several screens or tires without payment may slow the drop-off process.
TV and Monitor Recycling Fees in Eagan
Televisions and computer monitors are accepted with a $10 recycling fee each. This applies even if the screen is old, heavy or no longer works. Bring payment and keep screens accessible in the back of the vehicle so staff can unload them safely.
Tire Recycling Fees in Eagan
Standard automotive tires from passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans are accepted. Tires 15 inches or smaller are listed at $6 each. Tires 16-17 inches are $7 each. Tires 18-19 inches are $8 each. Tires 20-22 inches are $10 each. Tires on rims add $1 each to the base tire price.
| Fee Item | Current Listed Fee | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Television | $10 each | Accepted as an electronics item with fee. |
| Computer monitor | $10 each | Accepted as an electronics item with fee. |
| Tire 15 inches or smaller | $6 each | Standard passenger vehicle tire sizes only. |
| Tire 16-17 inches | $7 each | No race car tires or slicks. |
| Tire 18-19 inches | $8 each | Bring credit card or exact change. |
| Tire 20-22 inches | $10 each | Large standard tires cost more. |
| Tire on rim | Add $1 each | Added to the tire-size price. |
Items Not Accepted at The Recycling Zone in Eagan
The official Dakota County accepted-materials page also lists items The Recycling Zone does not accept. This is not a small detail. Bringing non-accepted items can waste your trip, slow traffic, create safety issues and shift the burden to staff who must redirect you.
Appliances, Furniture and Building-Type Items
Not accepted items include appliances, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, microwaves, water heaters, water softeners, furniture, mattresses, box springs, carpet, exercise equipment, wood products, lumber and yard waste. These items usually need a different local disposal or recycling route.
Plastic Bags, Styrofoam and Shredded Paper
Plastic bags, shredded paper, packing peanuts, Styrofoam, plastic plant pots and microwavable food trays are listed as not accepted. These are common “wishcycling” mistakes. If the item is not accepted, do not drop it off just because it feels recyclable.
Medical, Hazardous and Special Materials Not Accepted
Medical equipment, medical waste, medicines, asbestos-containing materials and radioactive materials are not accepted. Home sharps are accepted only under specific preparation rules, and medicines are not accepted with sharps. Use the Dakota County Recycling Guide for alternate disposal routes.
Eagan Recycling Drop-Off Guidelines and Vehicle Rules
The Recycling Zone has detailed drop-off rules because many accepted items are hazardous, breakable, sharp, heavy or fee-based. These rules protect workers and speed up service for residents.
- Remain in your vehicle Visitors are instructed to stay in the vehicle at all times while staff unloads eligible items.
- Place items in the trunk or very back All items except sharps should be in the trunk or very back of the vehicle so staff can unload safely.
- Keep sharps near you Sharps containers should stay near you in the front seat. You will be required to put the container into a large sharps bin while staying in the car.
- Label chemicals and keep lids secure Use sturdy, non-leaking, tightly closed containers. Keep chemicals in original labeled containers when possible and do not mix products together.
- Separate bulbs, thermometers and batteries Dakota County asks visitors to keep bulbs and thermometers separate from batteries.
- Flatten and cut cardboard Cardboard should be flattened and cut to no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet.
- Prepare payment for fees Have a credit card or exact change ready for TVs, monitors and tires.
Free vs Paid Recycling Options in Eagan
Most listed items at The Recycling Zone are accepted for free. That includes many household hazardous waste items, accepted electronics other than TVs and monitors, small household electronics, scrap metal, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, selected plastics, paper and cartons. The main paid categories are TVs, monitors and tires.
Free Eagan Recycling Drop-Off Items
Examples of free accepted items include paint, household cleaners, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, used oil, propane tanks, e-cigarettes with nicotine only, computer equipment, laptops, phones, tablets, small household electronics, scrap metal, cardboard, cartons, glass bottles, jars, books, office paper, newspapers, magazines, metal cans and selected plastic containers.
Paid Eagan Recycling Drop-Off Items
Televisions and monitors cost $10 each. Tires have size-based fees starting at $6, and tires on rims cost an additional $1 each. Have a credit card or exact change ready. Do not assume staff can waive fees because the item is old, broken or difficult to move.
Reuse Zone: Free Products for Residents
The Reuse Zone is open with the same business hours as The Recycling Zone. Residents can take usable products such as paint, chemicals, cleaners and solvents. Visitors should bring a box or bag if needed, avoid opening or spraying products, and take only items they will use so products remain available for others.
Business, Large-Load and Appointment Rules
Business and large-load rules are separate from normal household drop-off. Dakota Valley Recycling states that businesses can dispose of hazardous waste at The Recycling Zone only through Dakota County’s Very Small Quantity Generator program. Businesses should use the official Dakota County business page to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Large Loads Larger Than a Truck Bed
Dakota County says that for loads larger than a truck bed, residents should call 952-891-7800 and leave a voicemail or email recyclingzone@co.dakota.mn.us with contact information. A staff member will contact the resident to schedule a drop-off time. Do not surprise the facility with an oversized load.
Businesses and Commercial Hazardous Waste
Businesses should not use household drop-off rules as a shortcut. Commercial hazardous waste, institutional materials and large business quantities may need the Very Small Quantity Generator program or another compliant disposal option. If the material came from a business, school, church, nonprofit or landlord operation, verify first.
Why Appointment Rules Matter
Appointment and program rules protect the facility, staff and residents. A small household box of paint is not the same as a commercial load of chemicals, electronics or spent shop materials. Mixing those categories can create safety, legal and operational problems.
Reuse Zone, Lead Sinker Exchange and Thermometer Exchange
The Recycling Zone is not only a disposal facility. It also includes reuse and exchange programs that reduce waste before disposal becomes necessary. This is useful for residents who want practical, low-cost environmental options.
Reuse Zone Open Hours
The Reuse Zone is open with the same business hours as The Recycling Zone. Free products are available to residents for reuse, including paint, chemicals, cleaners and solvents. The Reuse Zone may close briefly during the day so shelves can be restocked.
Lead Sinker Exchange
The facility lists a Lead Sinker Exchange program where residents can exchange lead sinkers for non-hazardous alternatives free of charge. This helps reduce toxic lead entering lakes, rivers and wildlife systems.
Mercury Thermometer Exchange
The Thermometer Exchange allows residents to exchange old mercury thermometers for non-hazardous alternatives free of charge. Mercury-containing items require careful handling and should not be thrown into regular trash.
Portal Confusion: Eagan Recycling Center vs Dakota Valley Recycling vs Curbside Haulers
The phrase eagan recycling center can point to several different resources. The physical drop-off facility is The Recycling Zone on Dodd Road. Dakota Valley Recycling is the shared recycling education and support program for Eagan, Burnsville, Apple Valley and Lakeville. The City of Eagan does not provide garbage service and requires licensed haulers to provide curbside recycling to residential customers.
Dakota Valley Recycling Is Not a Drop-Off Facility
Dakota Valley Recycling provides recycling guidance, education, local event information and disposal lookup help, but it states that it is not a drop-off facility and does not accept materials for recycling. Do not drive to DVR expecting a physical recycling drop-off.
City of Eagan Recycling and Trash Page
The City of Eagan’s recycling page points residents to Dakota Valley Recycling resources, curbside recycling information, annual events and Dakota County recycling resources. It also lists licensed residential haulers and explains that the city does not provide garbage service directly.
Use the Correct Route for Each Item
For household hazardous waste, electronics, paint, batteries, tires and special recyclables, The Recycling Zone is often the correct route. For curbside cart service, contact your licensed hauler. For yard waste, appliances, mattresses, medicines, lumber or other not-accepted items, use Dakota County’s Recycling Guide or Dakota Valley Recycling lookup tools.
Official Eagan Recycling Resources and Related Guides
Use official Dakota County, City of Eagan and Dakota Valley Recycling links first when verifying hours, accepted items, fees, holidays and local disposal routes. The related guides below help with material-specific questions, but the official local pages should control final decisions.
Eagan Recycling Center Map and Directions
This is a location-specific Eagan, Minnesota guide, so the map below uses the verified official address for The Recycling Zone: 3365 Dodd Road, Eagan, MN 55121. Use the map for directions, but use Dakota County’s official pages for current hours, fee rules, accepted materials, large-load scheduling and closure updates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eagan Recycling Center
📍 Where is the Eagan Recycling Center?
The Eagan recycling center most residents mean is The Recycling Zone at 3365 Dodd Road, Eagan, MN 55121. It is a Dakota County-run recycling and household hazardous waste facility.
🕒 What are The Recycling Zone hours in Eagan?
Resident drop-off hours are Wednesday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday noon to 8:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
📆 What holidays is the Eagan Recycling Zone closed?
The Recycling Zone is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
📦 What items are accepted at the Eagan recycling center?
Accepted items include many household chemicals, paint, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, electronics, small household electronics, scrap metal, cardboard, cartons, glass bottles and jars, books, paper, metal cans, selected plastics, cooking oil, tires and more.
💵 Is The Recycling Zone free?
Most listed items are accepted for free. TVs and monitors cost $10 each, and tires have size-based fees starting at $6. Have a credit card or exact change ready.
📺 Can I recycle TVs and monitors in Eagan?
Yes. TVs and monitors are accepted at The Recycling Zone with a $10 recycling fee each. Place them in the back of the vehicle so staff can unload safely.
🛞 Can I recycle tires at The Recycling Zone?
Yes. Standard automotive tires from passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans are accepted. Fees vary by size and tires on rims add $1 each. Race car tires and slicks are not accepted.
🚫 What items are not accepted at The Recycling Zone?
Not accepted items include appliances, asbestos-containing materials, carpet, dehumidifiers, furniture, mattresses, medicines, medical waste, microwaves, plastic bags, shredded paper, Styrofoam, radioactive materials, water heaters, lumber and yard waste.
🏢 Can businesses use the Eagan Recycling Zone?
Businesses can only dispose of hazardous waste through Dakota County’s Very Small Quantity Generator program. Business users should check the official Dakota County business page and schedule properly.
ℹ️ Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Eagan Recycling Zone?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify hours, holiday closures, accepted materials, fees and business rules with Dakota County before visiting.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not the official Dakota County Recycling Zone page. Hours, holiday closures, accepted materials, fee amounts, tire prices, drop-off guidelines, Reuse Zone rules, business requirements and contact details can change. Always verify directly with Dakota County before loading items or driving to The Recycling Zone in Eagan.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use the Eagan Recycling Center
The eagan recycling center most residents need is The Recycling Zone at 3365 Dodd Road in Eagan, Minnesota. It is the correct local route for many items that should not go in normal trash, including household hazardous waste, paint, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, electronics, scrap metal, cardboard, glass, selected plastics, paper cartons and tires.
The official resident hours are Wednesday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday noon to 8:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The facility closes on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Do not leave materials outside the facility when it is closed.
Before visiting, sort your load, label chemicals, keep lids secure, separate bulbs and batteries, cut cardboard no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, place items in the trunk or back of the vehicle and prepare payment for TVs, monitors and tires. For business waste, large loads or uncertain items, contact Dakota County before driving. That small check protects your time and keeps hazardous materials out of the wrong waste stream.