**This event has been CANCELED. Only document destruction services will be offered.**

Dakota County and the City of Burnsville are hosting their annual Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Burnsville Maintenance Facility. The drop off is open to all Dakota County Residents. A valid drivers license is required. 

Event Details

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Location: Burnsville Maintenance Facility
13713 Frontier Court, Burnsville MN 

ITEMS ACCEPTED AT NO COST:  

• Household Hazardous Waste: aerosols, auto batteries, cleaners, fire extinguishers, fluorescent bulbs/tubes, gasoline, lawn chemicals, paint, pesticides, propane cylinders, rechargeable batteries, thermostats, used oil/filters, most products labeled dangerous, corrosive, flammable, poison, or combustible.
• Electronics: VCRs, DVD players, computers (not monitors), printers, computer accessories, stereos, digital cameras, fax equipment, electronic gaming systems, cell phones and other miscellaneous electronic devices.
• Misc. Electric Household Items: Vacuum cleaners, carpet sweepers, coffee makers, blenders (without glass), mixers, bread makers, fryers, food sealing equipment, electric knives, clothes irons, shaving equipment, hair dryers, holiday lights, space heaters, radios, clocks, telephones, fans, cameras, toaster ovens and misc. electric tools (drills, sanders, etc).  Batteries must be removed from all devices.  
• Scrap Metal: Metal grills (separate propane tank for HHW disposal), metal lawn furniture and other scrap metal items (try to remove as many non-metal parts as possible).    
• Appliances: Furnaces and trash compactors
• Tires: please separate from rim.
• Bicycles: drop-off bicycles of any size in any condition to be either refurbished or recycled.      
• Document Destruction: Computer paper, copy paper, envelopes, letterhead, notepad/legal paper, fax paper, junk mail, file folders, phone message notes. Paper clips and staples DO NOT have to be removed. No cardboard boxes, binders or rubber bands.

ITEMS ACCEPTED FOR A PER-ITEM FEE (cash or check only):  

• Electronics: Televisions and computer monitors will be accepted for $10 each.   
• Appliances ($5-$10): Most appliances will be accepted for a fee, including washers, dryers, air conditioners, microwaves, hot water heaters, water softeners, garbage disposals, stoves/ovens, heat pumps, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and dishwashers.
• Power equipment ($10-$35): Push & riding lawn mowers, snow blowers, weed whips, pressure washers, chainsaws, air compressors, and other electric and battery operated equipment. Drain all gas and engine fluids.

Items NOT ACCEPTED at this event:

• NO carpet: for disposal of carpet and carpet padding, click here.
• NO furniture: for reuse options of furniture in good condition, click here.  For disposal options, click here.
• NO ammonia-gas appliances (such as RV appliances): ammonia-power appliances can be brought to JR's Advanced Recycling for a fee. For more information, click here.
• NO business waste: If you are a business with small amounts of hazardous waste, you may qualify for Dakota County's Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) program. For more information, click here. 

For more information, or to find out if your item is accepted at the Drop-Off Day, call 952-895-4511

The Hazardous Waste Collection Event is partially funded by the city of Burnsville, Dakota County, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Get rid of problem materials safely, and FREE

When the time comes for spring cleaning, it can be hard to know how to dispose of certain items. Hazardous waste is illegal to put in the trash, and should stay out of your home recycling cart. So here is a short guide for disposing of problem materials.

Vaping devices –As concerns rise over the safety of vaping, people are ditching more frequently. Vaping pens, e-cigarettes and other similar devices have batteries that could cause fires, so it is important to keep them out of your home recycling and trash. Instead, bring vaping devices to The Recycling Zone in Eagan for proper disposal. Make sure it is turned off before dropping it off for recycling.

Mercury –Mercury, despite its toxicity, is still used in several products around your home, including thermometers, fluorescent bulbs and non-programmable thermostats. When you’re done using these products, bring them to the Recycling Zone for free, safe disposal. You can even pick up a free digital thermometer when you drop off an old mercury thermometer.

Ammunition –Due to its explosive properties, ammunition should not be placed in your home trash or recycling carts, as it can be dangerous for you and the people collecting them. Instead, bring your ammunition to The Recycling Zone for safe disposal. You may also bring ammunition to your local law enforcement center, but please do not bring ammunition to the Eagan or Burnsville Police Departments, as they have discontinued their collections.

Batteries –Some batteries contain toxic metals like lead and cadmium, which can pose a harm to human health and our water and land if trashed. Bring all your batteries – single-use and rechargeable, small or big – to The Recycling Zone for free drop-off. The metals, acids and plastic that compose batteries can all be used to make new products. Please tape both ends of each battery with any kind of tape to help out Recycling Zone staff.

If you haven’t guessed already, The Recycling Zone accepts lots of hazardous materials for safe disposal, and the best part – it’s all FREE (except tires, TVs, and computer monitors). For a full list of accepted items, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search Recycling Zone.

Most businesses in Dakota County generate hazardous waste including items like light bulbs, batteries, paint and more. All generators of hazardous waste, including home-based businesses, must be licensed by Dakota County. For information about the Dakota County Ordinance No. 111--Hazardous Waste Regulation, as well as hazardous waste generator licensing and disposal resources, visit www.co.dakotacounty.mn.us and search ordinances. 

Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program

For businesses that produce less than 220 pounds or about 22 gallons per month, Dakota County offers the Very Small Quantity Generator program. More than 90% of businesses qualify as a VSQG. To apply, visit the Dakota County VSQG site and submit an application online. 

Other disposal resources

The Hennepin County hazardous waste disposal fact sheet lists business in the Twin Cities that help businesses dispose of hazardous waste. 

Other Dakota County programs

Dakota County offers recycling grants of up to $10,000 for businesses looking to start or improve recycling, and/or start organics recovery. To see if your business is eligible, visit our Dakota County Program Guideand fill out the short online questionnaire.

There are many household items that are hazardous to human health and the environment. These items cannot go in the garbage and must be handled with care. 

The Recycling Zone, Dakota County's recycling facility in Eagan, accepts household hazardous waste from residents at no charge. For more information including location, hours, and a full list of acceptable items, visit our Recycling Zone page. 

From lithium ion to alkaline to zinc-carbon, there are many different types of batteries that you may encounter every day in your home. But do you know what to do with them?

In many cases, you are able to bring your batteries directly back to the retailer. In Dakota County this includes but is not limited to: Target, Walmart, Home Depot, all car parts stores, Best Buy, RadioShack, Sams Club, Staples, Batteries Plus, and Lowe's. 

Lithium Ion  

Also known as a rechargeable battery, these batteries have become extremely common due to their convenience and cost savings. However, they do contain hazardous materials and are illegal to dispose of in your household garbage bin. Instead, place tape over the terminals and bring them to a retailer or the recycling zone to dispose of them for free.

Alkaline 

Alkaline batteries are another very common household battery and come in many shapes, colors and sizes. Perhaps the common is the gold and black battery with the word “alkaline” written somewhere on the battery. These types of batteries can be disposed of in your household garbage bin, but they do contain valuable materials so it is better to bring them to The Recycling Zone to be recycled. These batteries are not accepted in your curbside recycling bin because they are too small and often get lost in the process or fall through the cracks in the materials recycling facility. When it comes to batteries, if in doubt- bring it to The Recycling Zone.

Car Batteries    

Automotive batteries, also commonly referred to as lead-acid batteries, are large square lead blocks. These batteries are a type of lithium ion batteries and are illegal to dispose of in your household garbage bin. Instead, you can recycle them at your local automotive store, or take them to The Recycling Zone in Dakota County. 

Nickel-Cadmium Batteries      

Nickel-cadmium batteries are another type of rechargeable battery that uses nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium instead of lithium. These batteries are also illegal to throw away in your household garbage and must be disposed of responsibly either through a retail store or by bringing them into The Recycling Zone.   

The Recycling Zone

3365 Dodd Road (South Highway 149)
Eagan, MN 55121
651-905-4520

For more information about materials accepted and hours, visit our Recycling Zone guide. 

Battery Handling Tips

• Store batteries in a vented plastic bucket or sturdy cardboard box away from light bulbs and other breakable items
• Tape the terminals with electrical or plastic tape to prevent short circuiting
• Older batteries may rust and leak. If a battery appears to be dirty or have a film around the terminals, use caution and do not touch the areas leaking. 
• Always wash your hands after handling batteries or use gloves to prevent touching hazardous materials

Many products and chemicals we use in our homes can be harmful to health and the environment if not disposed of properly. But there are also some simple ways to reduce the use of these products in our homes in the first place.

1. Read product labels to judge the hazard level and choose products that contain less harmful ingredients.  Look for signal words like poison, danger, warning and caution. 
2. Reduce the number of hazardous cleaning products in your home.  Use one general-purpose cleaner for multiple jobs or non-toxic "green" cleaners such as baking soda, lemon juice or vinegar.  Find more information on Green Cleaners.
3. Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides in your yard. A great way to do that is through backyard composting! Learn how to properly backyard compost and find other "how-to" tips on the Dakota County Environmental Resources Site..
4. Don't toss CFL's or mercury-containing batteries in the garbage. Take them to the Recycling Zone or find a CFL recycling location near you through our Fluorescent Bulb Guide.

Get more tips on the Dakota County website.

According to the EPA, indoor air is considered one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes.

Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application.  The source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). New environmental regulations have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC variety of paint. These new paints are durable, cost-effective and less harmful to human and environmental health.

Why use low or no VOC paints?

• Reduced toxins benefit everyone, including those with allergies and chemical sensitivities. There is low odor during application and no odor once cured. There is no off-gassing and painted areas can be occupied sooner.
• It reduces landfill, groundwater and ozone depleting contaminants. It is not deemed hazardous waste so disposal is greatly simplified.
• Low-VOC products perform well in terms of coverage, scrubability and hideability (covering flaws on previous coats).  It is water-based so cleanup is easy.  Just use soap and warm water.

What are VOCs?

VOCs are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that readily vaporize into the air. When they enter the air, they react with other elements to produce ozone, which causes air pollution and a host of health issues including breathing problems, headache, burning, watery eyes and nausea.

The Recycling Zone is the County-run recycling center in Eagan, MN. This facility is where all Dakota County residents can bring recyclables, electronics, scrap metal, paint, household chemicals, hazardous waste and other items that shouldn't go in the trash. The Recycling Zone is open to all residents living in Dakota County or the other metro-area counties. A full list of accepted items and more information about available programs can be found on the Dakota County Recycling Zone website.

Businesses can only dispose of their hazardous waste at The Recycling Zone through the Very Small Quantity Generator Program. Visit Dakota County's For Businesses page for more information and to schedule an appointment

Location

3365 Dodd Road (South Highway 149)
Eagan, MN 55121
651-905-4520

*The Recycling Zone is closed New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Acceptable Items From Residents (free unless otherwise noted)

• Household hazardous waste such as paint, automotive oil, chemicals, cleaners and fertilizers
• Ammunition (Please do NOT bring ammunition to your local Police Department)
• Electronics such as laptops, stereos, DVD players, satellite dishes, and cell phones (Computer monitors and TV's have a $10 per-item drop-off fee)
• Small household electronics such as toasters, vacuums, radios and coffee makers
• Scrap metal
• Tires (Fees starting at $5)
• Basic recyclables: aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, glass, and plastic bottles 
• More recyclable plastics: yogurt, pudding and fruit cups, plastic disposable drinking cups, margarine, cream cheese and cottage cheese tubs, and deli containers
• Recyclable paper cartons: milk cartons, juice cartons, juice boxes, and broth/soup cartons.

Not Accepted

• Appliances(including humidifers, dehumidfiers, microwaves, and water heaters)
• Medicines 
• Plastic Bags
• Styrofoam (place in trash) 

Other Services

• Reuse Zone: Residents can also pick up free products from The Reuse Zone. When items are brought in and are still usable, The Recycling Zone puts them out for reuse. Items in The Reuse Zone include paint, chemicals, cleaners, solvents, etc. 
• Lead Sinker Exchange: Exchange your lead sinkers for non-hazardous alternatives, free of charge.
• Thermometer Exchange: Exchange your old mercury thermometers for non-hazardous alternatives, free of charge.

Household Hazardous Waste, or HHW, is any chemical or product that can cause serious illness or pose an environmental or health threat if improperly stored, transported or disposed of. When hazardous waste is disposed of in the trash, down the drain, or on the ground, our water and soils can be contaminated or trash collectors can be harmed. Most products labeled dangerous, flammable, poison, combustible and corrosive are considered hazardous waste.

Examples of Household Hazardous Waste:

Automotive:

• Auto batteries
• Antifreeze
• Oils/Filters
• Tires

Lawn and Garden:

• Fertilizers
• Lighter Fluid
• Pesticides
• Pool chemicals

Household Items:

• Aerosol cans
• Batteries (non-alkaline)
• Cleaners
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Furniture polish
• Needles/syringes/lancets
• Nail polish
• Propane/compressed gas cylinders

Home Improvement:

• Driveway sealer
• Paint
• Paint remover/stripper/thinner
• Solvents

Special Disposal for Household Hazardous Waste:

• Keep it out of the drains, storm sewers, and off the ground. Chemicals disposed of through these methods can pollute rivers, lakes and aquifers.
• Keep it out of the trash.  Hazardous products can cause a problem for waste haulers and at waste facilities.

If you can't use up household hazardous chemicals or give them to someone who will, take the items to The Recycling Zone, Dakota County's recycling facility in Eagan, MN. Residents can bring household hazardous waste to be properly disposed of at The Recycling Zone for free.