Eagan Recycling Center Hours, Holidays & Drop-Off List 2026
Use this guide before driving to Dakota County’s The Recycling Zone in Eagan. It explains the official hours, holiday closures, fees, ID rules, accepted items, rejected-load risks, Reuse Zone rules, the official PDF drop-off process, and what to do when your item does not belong there.
Fast Answer for Eagan Residents
The recycling center most Eagan searchers mean is Dakota County’s The Recycling Zone at 3365 Dodd Road / Highway 149, Eagan, MN 55121. The official phone number is 952-891-7800, and the listed email is recyclingzone@co.dakota.mn.us.
Resident drop-off hours are Wednesday 9 AM-8 PM, Thursday noon-8 PM, Friday 9 AM-5 PM, and Saturday 8 AM-5 PM. The facility is not listed for normal resident drop-off on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday.
The most important rule is to choose this facility by item type, not just by distance. The Recycling Zone is useful for accepted household hazardous waste, electronics, small household electronics, recyclables, scrap metal, tires and Reuse Zone items. It is not a general dump for furniture, mattresses, appliances, yard waste, plastic bags or Styrofoam.
Eagan Recycling Center Hours, Holidays and Address
The Recycling Zone does not operate like a seven-day public drop-off yard. Wednesday is the late resident drop-off day, Thursday starts at noon, and Friday/Saturday close at 5 PM. Holiday closures override normal hours.
| Day / Closure | Resident Drop-Off Hours | Practical Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Not listed for normal resident drop-off | Do not plan a Sunday visit unless Dakota County posts a special update. |
| Monday | Not listed for normal resident drop-off | Use the Recycling Guide or wait for a listed public drop-off day. |
| Tuesday | Not listed for normal resident drop-off | Do not assume Tuesday resident access. |
| Wednesday | 9 AM-8 PM | Best late-day option if you cannot visit during normal work hours. |
| Thursday | Noon-8 PM | Do not arrive Thursday morning. |
| Friday | 9 AM-5 PM | Useful weekday choice for chemicals, batteries and electronics. |
| Saturday | 8 AM-5 PM | Often the most convenient day; sort items before arrival to keep the line moving. |
2026 Holiday Closures to Check Before You Go
Dakota County lists The Recycling Zone as closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. During holiday weeks, verify before loading batteries, paint, bulbs, electronics, screens, tires or chemicals.
Official Screenshot Guide: Eagan Recycling Zone Hours and Holiday Closures
The screenshot belongs in the hours section because it helps visitors recognize the correct Dakota County information before driving. Use it as a visual guide only, not as a live open-status claim or proof of official affiliation.
Image description: This visual reference supports the main user action of checking the correct Dakota County hours and location page before loading hazardous waste, electronics, cardboard, tires, televisions or monitors.
Who Can Use The Recycling Zone?
The Recycling Zone is a Dakota County facility in Eagan, but its official page says it is open to residents and businesses from several metro counties. That matters because “Eagan recycling center near me” users may live outside Eagan but still be eligible.
| User Type | What the Facility Is For | What to Check First |
|---|---|---|
| Dakota County residents | Accepted residential hazardous waste, electronics, recyclables, scrap metal, tires and Reuse Zone items. | Bring ID and follow the resident drop-off process. |
| Residents of listed metro counties | Official page notes service availability for residents from Anoka, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. | Verify rules before visiting, especially with large or unusual loads. |
| Businesses | Small qualifying businesses may need the VSQG program, application and appointment. | Do not arrive with business hazardous waste as if it were residential waste. |
| Eagan curbside recycling users | Curbside recycling is different from The Recycling Zone. | Use The Recycling Zone for special accepted materials, not normal cart overflow unless the item is accepted. |
The Recycling Zone Drop-Off Process: What the Official PDF Adds
The official brochure makes the visit process clear: prepare items in boxes, keep products labeled, place items in the trunk or back, bring ID, and stay in your vehicle while staff unloads. Those details are easy to miss if a user only looks at hours.
- Put items in a box you can leave behind. Use original or labeled containers when possible. Do not bring leaking chemicals loose in the vehicle.
- Load most items in the trunk or very back. Staff unloads most materials from the back of the vehicle.
- Keep sharps near the front seat. You will place the sharps container into a large sharps bin while staying in your car.
- Have ID ready. Staff may scan the barcode on the back of your license or ask for proof of residency.
- Stay in your vehicle. This is a staffed unloading process, not a self-service recycling yard.
- Prepare payment. Have a credit card or exact change ready for TVs, monitors and tires.
- Call for larger-than-truck-bed loads. Large loads need advance contact through 952-891-7800 or recyclingzone@co.dakota.mn.us.
TV, Monitor and Tire Fees at Eagan Recycling Zone
Most accepted residential items are free, but screens and tires are not. The official Dakota County materials page lists televisions and monitors at $10 each, and standard automotive tire fees by size.
| Fee Item | Listed Fee | Before-You-Drive Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Televisions | $10 each | Keep screens secure so they do not break during transport. |
| Monitors | $10 each | Bring payment even if the monitor is old or non-working. |
| Tires 15 inches or smaller | $6 each | Accepted tire category is standard automotive tires only. |
| Tires 16-17 inches | $7 each | Check tire size before leaving home. |
| Tires 18-19 inches | $8 each | Have exact payment or card ready. |
| Tires 20-22 inches | $10 each | No race car tires or slicks are accepted. |
| Tire on rim | Add $1 each | Rim status changes the final price. |
Eagan Recycling Center Drop-Off List: What Is Accepted
The Recycling Zone accepts several categories of residential material: household hazardous waste, electronics, small household electronics, many recyclables, scrap metal and standard automotive tires. The key is preparation; accepted does not mean “throw everything in one box.”
Household Hazardous Waste Accepted
| Category | Accepted Examples | Preparation Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Chemicals and cleaners | Aerosols, household cleaners, bug killer, weed killer, pool/spa chemicals, lawn and garden products. | Do not mix products. Keep lids tight and containers upright. |
| Automotive products | Antifreeze, gasoline, used oil and oil filters. | Used oil containers should be 5 gallons or smaller for resident drop-off. |
| Batteries | Auto batteries, rechargeable batteries, single-use batteries and button-cell batteries. | Tape battery ends when needed to prevent shorting, and keep batteries separate. |
| Bulbs and mercury items | Fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermometers and thermostats. | Keep bulbs and thermometers separate from batteries to reduce breakage risk. |
| Paint and cylinders | Paint, propane/helium tanks, gas cylinders, fire extinguishers and fireworks. | Call ahead if quantity, container condition or transport safety is unclear. |
| Sharps | Home needles, syringes and lancets. | Use a rigid container, tape the lid shut and label it “Do not recycle: household sharps.” No medicines with sharps. |
Electronics and Small Household Electronics Accepted
The Recycling Zone accepts many electronics, including computer equipment, laptops, tablets, phones, DVD/VCR players, game systems, stereos, radios, desktop printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, televisions and monitors. TVs and monitors have a fee.
Small household electronics include items such as blenders, cameras, clocks, coffee makers, electric knives, electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, irons, mixers, portable fans, radios, remotes, shavers, toasters, toaster ovens and vacuums. If batteries can be removed, remove them and bring them separately.
Recyclables, Scrap Metal and Tires Accepted
Items Not Accepted at The Recycling Zone and What to Do Instead
The most common failed trip happens when a resident brings bulky waste or general cleanout items to The Recycling Zone. Dakota County’s not-accepted list includes several items that many people wrongly assume belong at a recycling center.
| Not Accepted | Why It Gets Rejected | Better Action |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, microwaves, water heaters and water softeners | These are not listed as accepted Recycling Zone items. | Use the Dakota County Recycling Guide for item-specific routes. |
| Furniture, mattresses, box springs and exercise equipment | These are bulky disposal or reuse items, not Recycling Zone drop-off materials. | Search the county guide before hauling. |
| Plastic bags, shredded paper, Styrofoam and packing peanuts | These are specifically listed as not accepted on the current materials page. | Use retail drop-off, trash, county guidance or another listed route where available. |
| Carpet, lumber, wood products and yard waste | These need separate disposal or composting routes. | Use the county Recycling Guide before loading. |
| Medicines, medical waste and medical equipment | These need special disposal paths and should not be mixed with home sharps. | Use pharmacy, take-back or official medical disposal guidance. |
| Asbestos-containing materials and radioactive materials | These require specialized handling and can create serious safety risk. | Do not bring them to The Recycling Zone. |
| Empty containers that held hazardous products | They are listed as not accepted. | Use Dakota County guidance for the specific container type. |
Reuse Zone Rules: Free Products, But Use Carefully
The Reuse Zone is open with the same business hours as The Recycling Zone. Residents may take free usable products, but the county does not guarantee safety, usability or effectiveness. Treat it as a reuse opportunity, not a store with warranties.
Business Waste, VSQG and Why Businesses Should Not Use Resident Rules
Businesses are a separate user intent. Dakota County’s VSQG program is for businesses that produce smaller amounts of hazardous waste or need to dispose of electronics, fluorescent lamps and batteries. Business waste is not the same as a household drop-off.
| Business Question | Practical Answer | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Can a business drop off hazardous waste like a resident? | No. Businesses should review VSQG eligibility and apply if needed. | Use Dakota County’s business program before arriving. |
| Does business drop-off require an appointment? | Yes, business hazardous waste is not accepted without an appointment after review. | Submit the application and wait for staff scheduling. |
| Are business prices different? | Yes. Dakota County lists business disposal costs by material category. | Verify the current business price list before budgeting. |
| How should batteries or lamps be transported? | The business page gives specific transport rules such as taping batteries and protecting lamps from breakage. | Follow official transport rules to avoid refusal. |
Use Dakota County’s Recycling Guide for Confusing Items
If the item is not clearly accepted, use Dakota County’s Recycling Guide before driving. The guide is especially useful for mattresses, furniture, microwaves, refrigerators, plastic bags, carpet, electronics, yard waste, tree waste and large or unusual materials.
Before-You-Go Checklist for The Recycling Zone
- Confirm the facility. This guide is for The Recycling Zone at 3365 Dodd Road in Eagan.
- Check the schedule. Normal resident drop-off is Wednesday-Saturday only.
- Check holiday closures. Do not assume access on listed holidays or holiday weeks.
- Pack correctly. Place most items in the trunk or very back of the vehicle.
- Prepare sharps separately. Keep sharps near the front seat in a rigid, taped and labeled container.
- Keep chemicals safe. Use sturdy, non-leaking, tightly closed containers. Do not use garbage bags.
- Separate bulbs and batteries. Keep bulbs and thermometers separate from batteries.
- Cut cardboard down. Flatten cardboard and cut it no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet.
- Bring payment. TVs, monitors and tires have listed fees.
- Use official guidance for doubts. Check the Recycling Guide before hauling confusing materials.
Official Dakota County Links for Eagan Recycling Zone
Use official Dakota County links for current hours, closures, accepted materials, fees and special rules. These links are placed near the relevant decisions instead of being used as a generic footer list.
Eagan Recycling Center Map and Directions
The map below points to The Recycling Zone at 3365 Dodd Road / Highway 149 in Eagan, Minnesota. Use the map for driving directions, but use official Dakota County pages for current hours, closures, fees, accepted materials and large-load rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eagan Recycling Center
What is the recycling center in Eagan called?
The main recycling center in Eagan is called The Recycling Zone. It is a Dakota County facility at 3365 Dodd Road / Highway 149.
Where is The Recycling Zone in Eagan?
The address is 3365 Dodd Road / Highway 149, Eagan, MN 55121.
What are The Recycling Zone hours?
Resident drop-off hours are Wednesday 9 AM-8 PM, Thursday noon-8 PM, Friday 9 AM-5 PM and Saturday 8 AM-5 PM.
Is The Recycling Zone open Sunday, Monday or Tuesday?
No normal resident drop-off hours are listed for Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Verify official updates before planning any trip outside the listed schedule.
What holidays is The Recycling Zone closed?
The official closure list includes New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
How much does it cost to recycle TVs and monitors?
Televisions and monitors have a listed $10 recycling fee each. Bring a credit card or exact change.
How much are tire recycling fees?
Standard automotive tire fees start at $6 for 15-inch or smaller tires, increase by tire size, and tires on rims add $1 each.
Does The Recycling Zone accept household hazardous waste?
Yes. Accepted examples include aerosols, antifreeze, batteries, cleaners, gasoline, fluorescent bulbs, paint, pool chemicals, propane/helium tanks, thermostats, used oil and similar hazardous household products.
Does The Recycling Zone accept electronics?
Yes. Dakota County lists many accepted electronics, including computer equipment, laptops, tablets, phones, printers, scanners, DVD/VCR players, game systems, TVs and monitors. TVs and monitors have a $10 fee each.
Does The Recycling Zone accept plastic bags, Styrofoam or shredded paper?
No. The current Dakota County materials page lists plastic bags, Styrofoam and shredded paper as not accepted.
Can I bring mattresses, furniture or appliances?
No. Mattresses, box springs, furniture and appliances are listed as not accepted. Use the Dakota County Recycling Guide for item-specific disposal options.
Do I need ID at The Recycling Zone?
Yes. Dakota County says to have your ID ready because staff may scan the barcode on the back of your license or ask for proof of residency.
Can businesses use The Recycling Zone?
Businesses should use Dakota County’s VSQG process when applicable. Business hazardous waste is not handled the same way as a resident household drop-off and may require application, appointment and payment.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Eagan Recycling Zone website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Always verify current hours, fees, materials, holiday closures and drop-off rules with official Dakota County pages before visiting.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use The Recycling Zone in Eagan
Use The Recycling Zone at 3365 Dodd Road in Eagan for accepted household hazardous waste, electronics, small household electronics, recyclables, scrap metal, tires and Reuse Zone items. Normal resident hours are Wednesday through Saturday, with listed holiday closures.
Before visiting, put items in the trunk or back, keep sharps near the front seat, bring ID, cut cardboard down, keep chemicals upright and labeled, bring payment for TVs, monitors and tires, and use Dakota County’s Recycling Guide for not-accepted or confusing items.