South Hennepin Recycling & Problem Waste Drop-Off Holiday Hours 2026
Use this Bloomington drop-off guide before you load paint, batteries, electronics, tires, appliances, cardboard, organics, light bulbs, scrap metal or household hazardous waste. It explains the official hours, holiday closures, reduced holiday-eve hours, fees, proof-of-residency rules, accepted items, rejected items and safer visit steps.
Fast Answer: Holiday Hours and Drop-Off Basics
South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center is Hennepin County’s Bloomington drop-off facility at 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431. The regular schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed Sunday and Monday.
The holiday rule is stricter than the weekly schedule. Hennepin County lists facilities closed on Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The county’s Green Disposal Guide also shows Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve reduced hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..
On This Page
- Screenshot and video guide
- What this drop-off center is
- Regular hours and open-today rules
- 2026 holiday closures and reduced hours
- Who can use the facility
- Fees and payment
- Official PDF details that matter
- Accepted hazardous/problem materials
- Recycling and organics
- Items not accepted
- What to do instead
- Safe transport checklist
- Common rejected-load mistakes
- Map and directions
- FAQs
Screenshot Guide: Official Hennepin County Hours and Holiday Page
This screenshot is placed near the hours and holiday section because that is the main action for most visitors: confirm the official Hennepin County facility page, Bloomington address, weekly schedule, holiday closures, reduced holiday-eve hours, fee reminders and residency requirement before driving.
The video below is included only as a helpful visual explainer for the South Hennepin drop-off center. No VideoObject schema is included because the real verified YouTube upload date and thumbnail metadata were not confirmed.
Video schema note: VideoObject JSON-LD is intentionally not included. No fake upload date, current date, article date or guessed thumbnail has been used.
What the South Hennepin Drop-Off Center Is
The South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center is the Bloomington location in Hennepin County’s drop-off system. It is not a public dump, not a contractor disposal yard and not the same as curbside pickup. It is mainly for household hazardous waste, problem materials, electronics, selected fee items, recycling and organics.
The facility helps residents safely dispose of items that should not go in regular trash or curbside recycling, such as paint, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, mercury items, batteries, electronics, tires, large appliances and selected recyclable materials. For unusual items, Hennepin County tells visitors to check the Green Disposal Guide, email Environment and Energy or call before visiting.
South Hennepin Drop-Off Center Hours and Open-Today Rules
The regular public schedule is simple: Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday and Monday closed. Holiday closures and reduced Christmas Eve/New Year’s Eve hours can override that schedule, so use the holiday table before planning a long-weekend or end-of-year trip.
| Day / User Question | Posted Facility Rule | Practical Visitor Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Do not plan a Monday problem-waste or recycling drop-off. |
| Tuesday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Open under normal schedule, unless a holiday closure applies. Avoid 10–11 a.m. if possible. |
| Wednesday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | A good weekday option; Hennepin County recommends Wednesday and Thursday as less busy. |
| Thursday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Another good choice for easier service and lower traffic. |
| Friday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Open under normal schedule unless it is a listed holiday or reduced holiday-eve day. |
| Saturday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Open, but often busier because residents bring weekend cleanout items. |
| Sunday | Closed | Do not make a Sunday trip to the Bloomington drop-off facility. |
South Hennepin Holiday Closures and Special Holiday Hours 2026
Holiday intent is the core of this page. Hennepin County’s drop-off facilities are closed on listed holidays, and the Green Disposal Guide also gives special reduced hours for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
| Holiday / Special Day | South Hennepin Drop-Off Status | Resident Tip |
|---|---|---|
| MLK Jr. Day | Listed as closed on the Green Disposal Guide page | Plan another Tuesday–Saturday visit. |
| Memorial Day | Closed | Go earlier in the week or after the holiday. |
| Juneteenth | Closed | Check before loading hazardous waste or electronics. |
| Independence Day / July 4 | Closed | Important when July 4 falls near a weekend. |
| Labor Day | Closed | Do not plan a Labor Day drop-off. |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | No Thanksgiving Day drop-off. |
| Friday after Thanksgiving | Regular business hours | Still verify before hauling a large or fee item. |
| Christmas Eve | Open 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Go early; do not arrive close to 2 p.m. |
| Christmas Day | Closed | No Christmas Day drop-off. |
| New Year’s Eve | Open 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Go early and expect holiday-week traffic. |
| New Year’s Day | Closed | No New Year’s Day drop-off. |
Who Can Use South Hennepin Drop-Off Facilities?
Hennepin County’s facilities are mainly for Hennepin County households. Household hazardous waste is accepted from households in Hennepin, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. Residents from Sherburne and Wright counties are not eligible to use Hennepin County drop-off facilities for household hazardous waste.
Businesses are generally not accepted for hazardous waste. Hennepin County makes limited exceptions for cardboard, scrap metal, recycling and organics recycling from small businesses. If the material was generated or stored by a commercial activity, do not assume the household drop-off line is allowed.
South Hennepin Recycling Center Fees and Payment
Some materials are accepted for a fee. Bring payment even if most of your load is free recycling, because one TV, laptop, monitor, tire or appliance can change the visit from free to paid. Hennepin County lists cash, check, major credit cards and debit cards as accepted payment methods.
| Fee Item | Official / PDF Rule | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | The Green Disposal Guide lists tires at $3 each; the current PDF booklet lists tires at $5 each. | Because official county sources differ, verify the current tire fee before visiting. |
| TVs, computer monitors and laptops | $10 each | Bring payment and wipe personal data where applicable. |
| Large appliances | $15 each | Includes many appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers and microwaves. |
| Gas-powered appliances | PDF lists Bloomington-only appointment requirements and separate fees for certain gas-powered appliances. | Call 612-348-3777 before bringing air conditioners, refrigerators or gas-powered appliances. |
| Mattresses and box springs | $25 each item at Brooklyn Park only on the web page. | Do not bring mattresses or box springs to the Bloomington/South Hennepin facility unless Hennepin County updates the rule. |
Official PDF Details That Matter Before You Drive
The official drop-off facilities booklet adds several micro-level rules that are easy to miss on a quick hours page. These details can prevent a rejected load, a safety delay or a second trip.
| PDF Detail | Practical Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| South Hennepin is full service only | Staff remove items; residents should stay in the vehicle unless directed. | Load items in the trunk, truck bed or trailer so staff can access them safely. |
| Damaged lithium-ion batteries | Bring bulging or damaged lithium-ion batteries promptly and place them individually in clear plastic bags. | Damaged lithium batteries can be a fire hazard. |
| No EV batteries | The PDF excludes electric vehicle batteries from the standard battery rule. | Do not treat EV batteries like household batteries. |
| Ballasts and bulbs | Separate bulbs and ballasts from fixtures before arrival. | Staff will not separate ballasts from light fixtures for you. |
| Scrap metal | Scrap metal must be 4 feet or less, with non-metal parts removed and fluids drained before arrival. | You cannot remove parts or drain fluids on-site. |
| Cardboard size | Cardboard must be 3 feet by 3 feet or smaller. | Oversized cardboard can be rejected or redirected. |
| Tire limits | PDF lists tires under 4 feet in diameter, up to 16 per load and 32 per household per year; no commercial tires and no bicycle tires. | Large tire loads need planning before arrival. |
| Shredded paper | The PDF says shredded paper is not accepted. | Use Hennepin County’s Green Disposal Guide for confidential-paper options. |
Accepted Household Hazardous Waste and Problem Materials
South Hennepin accepts many household hazardous waste and problem materials, but the list is not unlimited. Keep hazardous products sealed, upright and labeled, and use the Green Disposal Guide for unusual items.
Recycling, Cardboard and Organics Accepted at South Hennepin
Recycling is accepted for no charge from households and businesses, with small-business volume limits. Organics recycling is accepted from Hennepin County households and small businesses only, with a five-bag-per-day limit and a BPI-certified compostable bag requirement.
| Material | Accepted Rule | Preparation Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | Cardboard must be 3 feet by 3 feet or smaller. Bloomington is limited to one pickup truck load per visit. | Remove Styrofoam, plastic and packing materials. Moldy cardboard is not accepted. |
| Cartons | Milk, soup, broth and wine cartons plus juice boxes are accepted. | Empty and rinse when possible. |
| Glass | Bottles and jars are accepted. | Keep glass clean and separate from trash. |
| Metal | Food and beverage cans are accepted; scrap metal should have non-metal parts removed. | Drain fluids and remove non-metal parts before arrival. |
| Paper | Mail, office paper, magazines, catalogs, newspapers, phone books and paperboard boxes are accepted. | Keep paper dry. Use the Green Disposal Guide for shredded paper. |
| Plastics | Bottles, jugs, cups and containers are accepted when empty and rinsed. | Clean/dry plastic bags must be placed in an open bag. Do not bag all recyclables in tied plastic bags. |
| Cords and lights | Electric cords and string/holiday lights are accepted from households only. | Bundle neatly to reduce tangling. |
| Media | DVDs, Blu-ray discs, CDs, pen drives, diskettes, thumb drives and similar media are accepted from households only. | Remove personal data from storage media first. |
| Organics | Accepted from Hennepin County households and small businesses only, limit five bags per day. | Use BPI-certified compostable bags. |
Items Not Accepted at South Hennepin Drop-Off Facility
South Hennepin is not a general dump. Hennepin County lists several materials as not accepted at its drop-off facilities. For those items, use the Green Disposal Guide, city curbside service, a transfer station, medicine drop boxes or specialized disposal.
What to Do Instead for Items South Hennepin Does Not Accept
A rejected load usually happens when a visitor treats the Bloomington facility like a general transfer station. Use the correct alternate route before driving.
| If You Have… | Do This Instead | Official Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Medicines | Use Hennepin County medicine drop boxes. | Medicine disposal page |
| Business hazardous waste | Use commercial hazardous waste disposal options; do not use household drop-off. | Business disposal guidance |
| Good usable items | Look for donation or reuse options before disposal. | Choose to Reuse |
| Unknown material | Search by the exact item name instead of guessing. | Green Disposal Guide |
| Large cardboard load | Use Brooklyn Park if the Bloomington pickup-load limit is exceeded. | Facility rules |
| Mattress or box spring | Use Brooklyn Park only if Hennepin County still lists mattress/box-spring acceptance there. | Verify mattress rule |
Safe Transport Rules for Paint, Batteries and Hazardous Waste
Before bringing household hazardous waste, keep containers sealed, upright and labeled. Hennepin County says containers should be five gallons or less and transported in a plastic-lined box. Store items in the trunk, truck bed or trailer, and remain in your vehicle unless staff directs otherwise.
- Check whether your item is accepted. Search the Green Disposal Guide or call Hennepin County before loading unusual materials.
- Pack hazardous waste upright. Keep products sealed, labeled and in containers of five gallons or less.
- Use a plastic-lined box. This helps contain leaks and keeps staff safer.
- Prepare batteries for fire safety. Put batteries in a clear plastic bag or tape both positive and negative terminals.
- Separate damaged lithium batteries. Place damaged lithium-ion batteries individually in clear plastic bags.
- Keep fee items visible. TVs, monitors, laptops, large appliances and tires may need payment.
- Bring proof of residency and payment. A driver’s license, utility bill and payment method can prevent a wasted trip.
Common Mistakes That Can Cause a Rejected or Wasted Trip
| Mistake | Why It Creates a Problem | Better Action |
|---|---|---|
| Showing up Sunday or Monday | The Bloomington facility is closed those days. | Plan Tuesday–Saturday and verify holidays. |
| Arriving near 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve | Those days have reduced 9 a.m.–2 p.m. hours. | Go early or choose another open day. |
| Bringing mattresses to Bloomington | Mattresses and box springs are listed for Brooklyn Park only. | Use the Brooklyn Park facility if the official rule still applies. |
| Bringing oversized cardboard | Hennepin County limits cardboard size at drop-off facilities. | Keep cardboard 3 ft × 3 ft or smaller and remove packing materials. |
| Loose batteries in a box | Batteries can create fire risk. | Bag batteries in clear plastic or tape terminals. |
| Light fixtures still assembled | Staff will not separate ballasts and bulbs for you. | Separate ballasts and bulbs before arrival. |
| Scrap metal with fluid or non-metal parts | You cannot remove parts or drain fluids on-site. | Prepare scrap metal before leaving home. |
| No ID or no payment | Proof of residency is required and fee items need payment. | Bring a driver’s license or utility bill plus payment method. |
Bloomington Free Product Center Construction Note
Hennepin County has posted that Bloomington’s Free Product Center is temporarily closed due to construction, while the Bloomington drop-off facility remains open. This means you can still use the South Hennepin drop-off facility for accepted drop-off materials, but you should not plan a Free Product Center pickup at Bloomington until the county updates the notice.
Best Visiting Times and Local Drop-Off Tips
Hennepin County recommends Wednesday and Thursday because those are less busy times when staff can provide better service. The county also asks visitors to avoid bringing materials between 10 and 11 a.m., Tuesday through Friday, where possible.
| Visitor Situation | Best Practical Move | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Senior visitor or first-time visitor | Try Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. | Likely easier than Saturday traffic. |
| Fee item like TV, monitor, laptop, appliance or tire | Bring payment and verify fee before driving. | Prevents a rejected or delayed visit. |
| Large cardboard load | Keep cardboard 3 ft × 3 ft or smaller and avoid more than one pickup load at Bloomington. | Matches Bloomington’s cardboard limit. |
| Batteries | Tape terminals or place batteries in clear plastic bags. | Reduces fire risk. |
| Mattress or box spring | Use Brooklyn Park only if county rules still list that option. | Bloomington is not the listed mattress/box spring drop-off location. |
South Hennepin Drop-Off Center Map and Directions
The map below points to the South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center at 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431. Use it for directions, but use Hennepin County pages for final hours, holiday closures, accepted materials and fees.
Independent guide note: Recycling-Centre.org is not the official Hennepin County website. Hours, holiday closures, fees, accepted materials, Free Product Center status, proof-of-residency rules and safe transport requirements can change. Always verify with Hennepin County before driving with hazardous waste, fee items or large loads.
Frequently 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 the Hennepin County Bloomington facility at 1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431.
What are South Hennepin drop-off center hours?
The standard hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The facility is closed Sunday and Monday.
Is South Hennepin open on holidays?
No, not on listed holiday closures. Hennepin County lists several holiday closures, including Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve have reduced 9 a.m.–2 p.m. hours on the Green Disposal Guide page.
Is South Hennepin open Sunday or Monday?
No. Hennepin County lists the Bloomington facility closed Sunday and Monday.
Do I need proof of residency?
Yes. Hennepin County says proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, is required.
What fees should I expect?
Fees apply to certain items. TVs, computer monitors and laptops are listed at $10 each; large appliances at $15 each; mattresses and box springs are listed at $25 each item at Brooklyn Park only on the web page. Tire fees should be verified before visiting because official county sources can differ.
Can I bring paint to South Hennepin?
Yes, household paint, stain, varnish, solvents and related products are listed as accepted. Keep containers sealed, upright, labeled and within container-size rules.
Can I bring batteries?
Yes. Hennepin County lists household batteries as accepted. Place batteries in a clear plastic bag or tape terminals to reduce fire risk. The PDF excludes electric vehicle batteries from the standard battery rule.
Does South Hennepin accept electronics?
Yes, many electronics are accepted, but TVs, computer monitors and laptops have a listed fee. Prepare devices by removing personal data before drop-off.
Can I bring cardboard?
Yes, cardboard is accepted, but it must be 3 feet by 3 feet or smaller. The Bloomington facility is limited to one pickup truck load of cardboard per visit.
Does South Hennepin accept shredded paper?
The official drop-off facilities PDF says shredded paper is not accepted. Use the Green Disposal Guide for confidential-paper recycling and shredding options.
Are mattresses accepted at South Hennepin?
No. Hennepin County lists mattresses and box springs as accepted at the Brooklyn Park facility only, with a fee.
Is Bloomington Free Product Center open?
Hennepin County says Bloomington’s Free Product Center is temporarily closed due to construction, but the Bloomington drop-off facility remains open.
What is not accepted?
Not-accepted items include garbage, ammunition, asbestos, business hazardous waste, carpet, concrete/asphalt, construction materials, empty gas cans, explosives, furniture, infectious waste, medicines, non-reusable textiles, remodeling debris, wood and yard/tree waste.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official South Hennepin website?
No. This is an independent guide. Always verify current hours, holiday schedule, fees and accepted-item rules with Hennepin County before visiting.
Final Local Summary
South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center is the Bloomington drop-off facility at 1400 West 96th Street. The normal schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. Holiday closures and reduced 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve hours can override that schedule.
Bring proof of residency and payment for fee items. Use the facility for accepted household hazardous waste, problem materials, electronics, selected recycling and organics. Do not bring garbage, construction debris, business hazardous waste, medicines, furniture, yard waste or mattresses to the Bloomington facility unless an official Hennepin County page says your item is accepted there.