Choose the Correct Hennepin Drop-Off Before You Load the Vehicle
Hennepin County operates two major drop-off facilities: one in Brooklyn Park and one in Bloomington. Both handle household hazardous waste, electronics, batteries, appliances, recycling and other problem materials, but several rules and limits differ by location.
The most important examples are mattresses, which go to Brooklyn Park only, larger household cardboard loads, which should be routed to Brooklyn Park, and Bloomington’s Free Product Center, which is currently temporarily closed for construction even though the main Bloomington drop-off facility remains open.
Quick answer for Hennepin County residents
Use Brooklyn Park Recycling Center and Transfer Station at 8100 Jefferson Highway or South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center at 1400 West 96th Street in Bloomington.
Both facilities currently operate Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday and Monday are closed. Bring proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill and bring payment if your load includes fee-based materials.
Residents should normally remain in their vehicle unless staff instruct otherwise. Load materials in the trunk, pickup bed or trailer so staff can inspect and remove items safely.
On this page
- Locations and facility differences
- Hours and holidays
- Best visiting times
- Residency and eligibility
- Current fees
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Tires
- Mattresses
- Household hazardous waste
- Batteries
- Needles and sharps
- Free recycling
- Cardboard
- Plastic bags and film
- Organics
- Scrap metal
- Propane cylinders
- Free Product Centers
- Business rules
- Not accepted
- Before-you-drive checklist
- Maps
- Official sources
- FAQs
Brooklyn Park vs Bloomington: Which Hennepin Facility Should You Use?
| Facility | Address | Best reason to choose it | Important difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Park Recycling Center and Transfer Station | 8100 Jefferson Highway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 | HHW, electronics, appliances, recycling, organics, scrap metal, mattresses | Mattresses and box springs are accepted here only. Larger household cardboard quantities should also use Brooklyn Park. |
| South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center | 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431 | HHW, electronics, appliances, batteries, recycling, organics and problem materials | No mattresses. Household cardboard is limited to one pickup-truck load per visit. Free Product Center currently temporarily closed. |
Hennepin Recycling Center Hours and Holiday Closures
| Day | Current hours | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Do not leave items outside the facility. |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | County identifies Tuesday as one of the busier days. |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | One of the county’s recommended lower-traffic days. |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Another recommended lower-traffic day. |
| Friday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Avoid 10–11 AM when possible. |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | County identifies Saturday as a busy day. |
| Sunday | Closed | No public drop-off. |
Holiday schedule
The current Hennepin County facility page shows closures for major holidays including Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Green Disposal Guide also currently lists MLK Jr. Day as a facility closure.
The current county holiday table shows the Friday after Thanksgiving at regular business hours, with reduced 9:00 AM–2:00 PM hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Holiday details can change by year, so verify the county page before a holiday trip.
Best Time to Visit and When to Avoid the Line
Hennepin County currently recommends Wednesday and Thursday for smoother visits. Tuesday and Saturday are identified as the busiest days.
For business recycling deliveries, the county recommends Tuesday through Thursday afternoons and specifically asks customers to avoid 10:00–11:00 AM Tuesday through Friday when possible.
Who Can Use Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities?
Most household services are intended for Hennepin County households. Proof of residency is required, so bring a driver’s license, utility bill or similar documentation.
Household hazardous waste has a broader metro reciprocity arrangement. Hennepin County currently accepts HHW from households in Hennepin, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties.
Business definition matters
Hennepin County’s business definition includes rental properties, condominium associations, neighborhood or townhouse associations, governmental entities, home-based businesses, nonprofits and other activities intended to produce income.
Waste generated by a commercial activity does not become household waste simply because it is stored at a house.
Current Hennepin County Drop-Off Fees
| Item | Current fee | Facility | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire | $5 each | Brooklyn Park or Bloomington | Less than 4 ft diameter; up to 16 per load and 32 per household per year |
| TV | $10 each | Either | Five of same electronic type per year |
| Computer monitor | $10 each | Either | Five of same type per year |
| Laptop | $10 each | Either | Five of same type per year |
| Large appliance | $15 each | Either | Households only; no commercial appliances |
| Mattress | $25 each piece | Brooklyn Park only | Household mattresses only; condition rules apply |
| Box spring | $25 each piece | Brooklyn Park only | Factory split box spring counts as two pieces |
Hennepin County currently lists cash, check, major credit cards and debit cards as accepted payment methods.
Electronics Recycling: Fees, Free Items and Annual Limits
TVs, computer monitors and laptops currently cost $10 each. Many other electronics are accepted at no charge.
$10 items
Televisions, computer monitors and laptops currently carry a $10-per-item fee.
Free peripherals
CPUs, mice, keyboards, printers and other listed computer peripherals are accepted without the TV/monitor/laptop fee.
Other electronics
Audio/video equipment, cordless phones, cell phones, smartphones and many rechargeable electronic products are listed as accepted.
Protect your data first
Hennepin County warns that it is not responsible for data left on electronic devices. Remove personal information, accounts, files and storage media before recycling when possible.
Remove batteries from computer peripherals where practical and recycle the batteries separately.
For additional preparation guidance, see the electronic recycling center guide.
Large Appliance Recycling
Large household appliances currently cost $15 each. The county’s accepted examples are broader than just refrigerators and washers.
Kitchen appliances
Dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, ranges, refrigerators, freezers, stoves and trash compactors are listed.
Laundry and water
Washers, dryers, stackable washer/dryer units, water heaters, sump pumps and water coolers are among the listed items.
Heating and cooling
Air conditioners, compressors, dehumidifiers, furnaces, heat pumps, gas-powered appliances and certain pool heaters are listed.
Tire Recycling: Current $5 Fee and Quantity Limits
Hennepin County’s current drop-off page lists tires at $5 each, with or without rims. Older county documents showing $3 should no longer be used for trip budgeting.
| Tire rule | Current requirement |
|---|---|
| Fee | $5 each |
| Rims | Same current listed fee with or without rims |
| Diameter | Less than 4 feet |
| Per-load limit | Up to 16 tires |
| Annual household limit | 32 tires per household per year |
| Bicycle tires | Not accepted |
| Commercial tires | Not accepted |
For general rim, size and alternative tire-drop-off guidance, see the tire recycling center guide.
Mattresses and Box Springs: Brooklyn Park Only
Hennepin County accepts mattresses and box springs at Brooklyn Park only. The current fee is $25 for each piece.
Accepted household items
Mattresses, futon mattresses, crib mattresses and box springs are currently listed.
Not accepted
Waterbeds, air mattresses, hospital bed frames, sleeper sofas, business mattresses, soiled mattresses and bedbug-infested mattresses are not accepted through this program.
For pickup and alternative mattress routes, see the mattress recycling center guide.
Household Hazardous Waste: Paint, Chemicals, Automotive Fluids and More
Both Hennepin County facilities accept a broad range of household hazardous waste. The county advises residents to search the Green Disposal Guide for the exact item before driving because the published general list is not exhaustive.
Paint and coatings
Paint, stain, varnish, solvents and driveway sealer are accepted from households.
Lawn and pool
Pesticides, herbicides and pool chemicals are common accepted HHW categories.
Automotive
Motor oil, oil filters, automotive fluids, gasoline and related fuels are among the accepted household materials.
Mercury products
Mercury thermometers and thermostats are listed for proper hazardous-waste handling.
Aerosols
Pressurized aerosol products are accepted under household hazardous-waste rules.
Fluorescent bulbs
The current facility page lists a household limit of 25 fluorescent bulbs per year.
Safe HHW transport rules
Paint quantity detail
For latex and oil-based paint, Hennepin County currently limits households to three 5-gallon pails per 12-month period. The county states that this limit does not apply to 1-gallon-size cans.
Gasoline container detail
Gas, fuel and similar liquids must be in containers no larger than five gallons. The county currently states that fuel cans left with gasoline or similar fluids must remain at the facility to be emptied for pickup, so do not use a container you cannot leave behind.
Battery Recycling: Terminal Tape, Damaged Lithium Batteries and EV Exclusion
Both facilities accept all common household battery types, including alkaline, button, rechargeable and standard vehicle batteries, at no charge.
Normal batteries
Place batteries in a clear plastic bag or put clear tape over both the positive and negative terminals to reduce fire risk.
Damaged lithium-ion
Bulging or damaged lithium-ion batteries should be brought to a county drop-off facility and placed individually in a clear plastic bag.
EV batteries
Automobile electric-vehicle batteries are not accepted. Contact the vehicle manufacturer or dealership for an appropriate recycling route.
For general battery-type guidance, see the battery recycling center guide.
Free Recycling Accepted at Both Facilities
Normal recycling is accepted at no charge from households and qualifying businesses. Businesses are limited to one pickup-truck load of recyclables per week.
| Material | Accepted examples | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Bottles, jugs, cups and containers | Empty and rinse |
| Metal | Food and beverage cans | Keep scrap metal separate from container recycling |
| Paper | Mail, office paper, school paper, magazines, catalogs, newspapers and inserts | Keep dry; shredded paper is not accepted |
| Phone books | Phone books | Current county page lists a limit of 100 |
| Glass | Bottles and jars | Do not mix in mirrors, dishes or window glass |
| Cartons | Milk, soup, broth and wine cartons; juice boxes | Empty first |
| Plastic bags | Clean bags and certain film | Clean, dry and placed in an open bag |
Cardboard Rules: 3-by-3-Foot Limit and Bloomington Load Cap
Cardboard must be 3 feet by 3 feet or smaller at both county facilities. Remove Styrofoam, plastic film and other packaging first.
Bloomington
Households are limited to one pickup-truck load of cardboard per visit. Larger household quantities should be taken to Brooklyn Park.
Brooklyn Park
Use Brooklyn Park for larger household quantities, but individual cardboard pieces still need to meet the 3-by-3-foot maximum.
Plastic Bags and Film: Accepted, but Clean and Dry
Plastic bags and certain flexible plastic films are accepted free at both Hennepin County facilities. This includes examples such as grocery bags, produce bags, newspaper sleeves, bread bags, dry-cleaning bags, bubble wrap and stretch/shrink wrap.
The current Green Disposal Guide lists a limit of five full 13-gallon white kitchen bags. Larger quantities should use another approved option.
Organics Recycling: Five-Bag Daily Limit
Organics recycling is free at both facilities for Hennepin County households and small businesses.
| Organics rule | Current requirement |
|---|---|
| Daily limit | Five bags per day per Hennepin County household or small business |
| Bag type | BPI-certified compostable plastic bags |
| Paper bags | Not accepted under the current drop-off bag rule |
| Food | Fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bones, dairy, eggs, bread, rice, pasta and similar food scraps |
| Food-soiled paper | Pizza boxes, napkins, paper towels and paper egg cartons |
| Certified compostables | Use products carrying appropriate compostable/BPI certification |
Scrap Metal: Free Drop-Off, but No Cash Payment
Both facilities accept qualifying scrap metal from households and businesses at no charge, but Hennepin County explicitly states that there is no material redemption payment.
Examples include grills, lawn mowers, pipes, poles, metal shelving, bed frames, snowblowers and treadmills when properly prepared.
Propane and Gas Cylinders: Permanent Facility Limits
The permanent Brooklyn Park and Bloomington drop-off facilities currently accept one-pound non-refillable propane cylinders from households at no charge.
Hennepin County household hazardous-waste collection events can have different gas-cylinder limits, so use the event page if you have a larger propane cylinder.
Free Product Centers: Paint, Cleaners and Automotive Products
Reusable products brought to Hennepin County can be screened and placed in Free Product Centers for residents to take at no charge.
Typical products
Paints, stains, adhesives, glues, aerosols, automotive products and cleaners may be available.
Age rule
Residents must be at least 18 years old to take products.
Weekly limits
No more than 10 total items per week, including a maximum of two aerosol cans per week.
Reselling products is prohibited, availability is not guaranteed and products are taken at the resident’s own risk.
Can Businesses Use Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities?
In general, business waste is not accepted through household drop-off services. The main exceptions are certain recycling streams, scrap metal and organics from qualifying small businesses.
| Business material | Current rule |
|---|---|
| General recycling | Accepted; business must self-haul; one pickup-truck load or less per week |
| Cardboard | Accepted under business recycling limits; pieces must meet size rules |
| Scrap metal | Accepted free, with no payment; must be properly prepared |
| Organics | Hennepin County small businesses may use the program, five BPI-certified bags per day |
| Hazardous waste | Not accepted through the household route |
| Business batteries | Not accepted through the household battery program |
Items Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities Do Not Accept
The current official list includes several materials that commonly cause wasted trips.
General waste
Garbage, carpet, furniture, non-reusable textiles and ordinary bulky trash are not accepted as general drop-off items.
Construction
Concrete, asphalt, construction material, remodeling debris and wood require another disposal route.
Dangerous material
Ammunition, explosives, asbestos and radioactive waste are not accepted.
Medical
Medicines and infectious waste need separate disposal programs. Household sharps are accepted only when properly contained.
Yard waste
Yard and tree waste are not accepted through the normal county drop-off facilities.
Empty gas cans
Empty gas cans are listed as not accepted through the main facility program.
Business HHW
Commercial hazardous waste must use an approved business hazardous-waste disposal route.
Wood furniture
Wood, plastic and upholstered furniture are not accepted as scrap metal. Only qualifying metal furniture with non-metal parts removed may fit the scrap-metal stream.
Before-You-Drive Hennepin Drop-Off Checklist
Related Recycling Guides
Electronics
Use the electronics recycling guide for TV, computer and data-preparation questions.
Batteries
Use the battery recycling guide for lithium, rechargeable, alkaline and damaged-battery routes.
Tires
Use the tire recycling guide for size, rim and alternative drop-off questions.
Mattresses
Use the mattress recycling guide for pickup, condition and alternative recycling options.
Hennepin Recycling Center Maps
Brooklyn Park Recycling Center and Transfer Station
South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center
Official Hennepin County Sources
Use the main county drop-off page for facility status and fees, and use the Green Disposal Guide for the final decision on a specific item.
Still unsure about an item?
Call Hennepin County Environment and Energy at 612-348-3777 or email environment@hennepin.us. The current Green Disposal Guide lists phone support Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, excluding listed holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hennepin Recycling Centers
Where are Hennepin County’s recycling drop-off facilities?
Brooklyn Park is at 8100 Jefferson Highway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445. Bloomington is at 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431.
What are the current Hennepin recycling center hours?
Both facilities currently list Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday and Monday are closed, and holiday closures apply.
Which days are usually less busy?
Hennepin County recommends Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesday and Saturday are identified as the busiest days.
Do I need proof of residency?
Yes. Hennepin County requires proof such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
Can residents of other counties use Hennepin’s HHW facilities?
Household hazardous waste is currently accepted from Hennepin, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott and Washington County households. Sherburne and Wright County residents are not eligible under the current arrangement.
How much are tires?
The current county page lists tires at $5 each with or without rims. Tires must be under four feet in diameter, with a limit of 16 per load and 32 per household per year. Bicycle and commercial tires are not accepted.
How much does electronics recycling cost?
TVs, computer monitors and laptops are $10 each. Many computer peripherals, phones and audio/video electronics are accepted without that item fee.
How many electronics can I bring?
The current county rule lists a limit of five of the same electronic type per year, such as five TVs or five laptops.
How much are appliances?
Large household appliances are currently listed at $15 each. Commercial appliances are not accepted through the household program.
Which location accepts mattresses?
Brooklyn Park only. The current fee is $25 per mattress or box-spring piece.
Are bedbug-infested mattresses accepted?
No. Hennepin County specifically says soiled and bedbug-infested mattresses are not accepted at the Brooklyn Park mattress drop-off.
Can I bring cardboard?
Yes. Cardboard must be 3 feet by 3 feet or smaller, with packaging removed. Bloomington limits household cardboard to one pickup-truck load per visit; larger household loads should use Brooklyn Park.
Does Hennepin County accept shredded paper?
No. The county’s current drop-off guidance says shredded paper is not accepted through the normal recycling drop-off.
Can I recycle plastic bags there?
Yes, qualifying clean and dry plastic bags and film are accepted. The current Green Disposal Guide lists a limit of five full 13-gallon white kitchen bags.
Can I recycle food scraps?
Yes. Hennepin County households and small businesses may bring up to five bags of organics per day. Organics must be in BPI-certified compostable plastic bags.
Does Hennepin County pay for scrap metal?
No. Qualifying scrap metal can be dropped off at no charge, but the county states that there is no material redemption payment.
How should I prepare batteries?
Place household batteries in a clear plastic bag or tape both terminals with clear tape. Damaged lithium-ion batteries should be individually bagged in clear plastic.
Does Hennepin County take electric vehicle batteries?
No. Automobile EV batteries are not accepted. Contact the vehicle manufacturer or dealership for recycling options.
Can I bring propane tanks?
The permanent facilities currently accept one-pound non-refillable propane cylinders only. Normal grill tanks and helium tanks are not accepted under that permanent-facility category.
Can I bring needles and sharps?
Yes, from households, when stored in a rigid puncture-resistant plastic container with a screw-on lid and labeled “Do not recycle: Household sharps.” Do not use glass.
Is Bloomington’s Free Product Center open?
Hennepin County currently says Bloomington’s Free Product Center is temporarily closed because of construction. The main Bloomington recycling and problem-waste drop-off facility remains open.
Can businesses use the facilities?
Most business waste is not accepted. Limited business recycling, cardboard, scrap metal and organics are allowed under specific quantity and preparation rules. Business hazardous waste is not accepted through the household program.
Can I bring furniture or construction debris?
General furniture, carpet, concrete, asphalt, construction materials, remodeling debris and wood are on the county’s not-accepted list. Use the Green Disposal Guide to find an appropriate landfill, transfer station, reuse option or disposal facility.
Is Recycling-Centre.org affiliated with Hennepin County?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide and does not operate either Hennepin County drop-off facility.
The Safest Hennepin Drop-Off Plan
Search your exact material in the Hennepin County Green Disposal Guide first. Then choose Brooklyn Park or Bloomington, check the current day and holiday schedule, bring proof of residency and payment where required, and prepare hazardous items before loading the vehicle.
Use Brooklyn Park for mattresses and larger household cardboard quantities. Either facility can handle many household hazardous wastes, electronics, batteries, recycling, organics and properly prepared scrap metal, but item-specific quantity and residency limits still apply.