Household hazardous waste collection events

Hennepin County organizes collection events throughout the year to give residents more convenient local disposal options for their household hazardous wastes.

Please note: the county will not be accepting electronics at the collection events; household hazardous waste will be accepted only.

What to know

Residents should remain in their vehicles unless otherwise directed by staff.
Items should be stored in the trunk of the vehicle, bed of truck, or in a trailer. Only bring in items that one person can load in a vehicle by themselves. Staff will remove most items from vehicles.
Our events welcome residents arriving via bicycles and walk-ups. Because of the hazardous nature of the products being collected at these events, be sure to pack your HHW items to prevent spills, leaks, and breakage. We ask residents attending by foot to stay out of the collection areas. Bikers can use the drive through traffic system as if they were a car.
Residents are encouraged to safely store their household hazardous waste until they are able to attend a collection event. Safe storage tips can be found by viewing our household hazardous waste page.

Face coverings

As of June 15:

All residents who attend an HHW collection event who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear face coverings.
Fully vaccinated people do not have to wear face coverings, but are welcome to do so.
Fully vaccinated is defined as 14 days after the last dose in a person's vaccine series. Children under 5 are exempt from this requirement.
We ask that people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms not attend a collection event.
We do not require visitors to have received a COVID-19 vaccination to attend HHW collection events.

Open all

Locations and hours

2016 collection events are held Thursday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at these dates and locations.

September 15-17
City of Minneapolis

Public Works Garage
3607 44th St. E
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Directions

October 13-15
City of Shorewood

Public Works Site
24200 Smithtown Road
Shorewood, MN 55331
Directions

Spread the word

Get a newsletter article, social media posts, flyer and images to promote the household hazardous waste collection events.

Guidelines

Follow the signs and stay in line.
Be prepared to show your driver's license or other proof of county residence.
Events will be shut down during inclement weather.
Secure products so they don't tip over or leak.

Materials accepted

Accepted

Materials are accepted for free from households only. Businesses must manage their waste properly — see our commercial hazardous waste information.

Please note: The county will not be accepting electronics at the collection events.

Household, lawn and garden products

Adhesives – flammable or petroleum based

Aerosols – pressurized or containing product

Batteries

Cleaners

Drain cleaner

Driveway sealer

Fire extinguishers

Flammable products

Gas cylinders

Propane less than 40 lbs.
Specialty gases less than 59 lbs. will be evaluated
Some may not be accepted due to management restrictions

Paint

Limit three 5-gallon pails
No limit on pails 1-gallon or smaller

Paint thinners, solvents and strippers

PCB ballasts – must be removed from fixtures

Pesticides, insecticides and herbicides

Photographic and hobby chemicals

Pool chemicals

Rechargeable tools

Wood preservatives

Mercury-containing items

Fluorescent bulbs and HID lamps – limit 25

Thermometers

Thermostats

Auto and fuel wastes

Diesel fuel

Fuel additives

Gasoline – containers will not be returned

Kerosene

Starter fluid

Vehicle lead-acid batteries

Waxes

Not accepted

Appliances*

Asbestos

Electronics*

Explosives

Garbage

Food waste
Furniture
Carpet
Lumber
Empty paint cans
Etc.

Gas cylinders

Propane greater than 40 lbs
Gases requiring special management
All gases greater than 59 lbs.

Medicines or infectious wastes – find medicine disposal drop boxes.

Motor oil and filters*

Photocopiers

Recyclables

Scrap metal
Paper
Cardboard
Cans and bottles
Etc.*

Tires*

*Accepted at the county's permanent drop-off facilities. Fees may apply on certain items.

Refer to the Green Disposal Guide for additional disposal options.

2023 collection event results

results of 2021 collection events

Hennepin County hosted four household hazardous waste collection events in 2023. Participation in the events was strong with 2,563 households partaking and 133,955 pounds of hazardous waste collected. This included 4,019 pounds of household batteries. This averages to 52 pounds of hazardous waste collected per participating household.

The county offers collection events throughout the spring, summer, and fall to provide residents a convenient, local option for disposing of household hazardous waste. Event locations and dates for 2024 will be announced in the spring.

Household hazardous waste can be disposed of year-round at county drop-off facilities. Learn more about drop-off facilities and what they accept.