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A-Z Recycling and Safe Disposal Guide
This guide provides recycling and disposal options for common items. If you don’t find answers to your questions here, call the Solid Waste Hotline, (651) 633-EASY (3279), to talk to one of Eureka Recycling’s information specialists.
Saint Paul residents can also see Eureka Recycling’s neighborhood-specific Recycling and Waste Disposal Guides. These guides point you to the most convenient recycling and disposal options in your neighborhood.
This guide is primarily intended for use by Ramsey County residents, and most of the businesses listed are located in Ramsey County. This list may not be comprehensive. Hennepin County Environmental Services maintains its own disposal guide.
Choose a category from the list below:
Appliances Autos, Engines & Parts Bicycles Books Building, Construction & Home Improvement Building Materials Carpet Cars Cell Phones Charities Clothing & Rags Construction Debris Dirt & Rocks Electronics Engines Furniture & Mattresses Metal Pallets (Wood) Pickup Service Plastic Bags Sod Styrofoam Tires Transfer Stations Wood Wood, Treated Yard Waste
Materials classified as household hazardous waste are not included in this guide. HHW includes paint, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, flourescent lamps, batteries, mercury thermometers, aerosol cans, some cleaning products, pesticides and other products labelled poisonous, flammable or corrosive. Call (651) 633-EASY (3279) to talk to one of Eureka Recycling’s information specialists about household hazardous waste disposal, or visit Ramsey County Environmental Health’s HHW page.
Businesses can call the Ramsey County Environmental Health Department at (651) 773-4466 or visit their website. Most of the resources listed in this guide will also accept materials from businesses.
This guide is not intended to be an endorsement of any business, organization, or product. Any omissions or inaccuracies are unintentional.
Appliances
The following items are classified as appliances: air conditioners, clothes washers and dryers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, freezers, furnaces, heat pumps, hot water heaters, incinerators, garage door openers, garbage disposal units, humidifiers, microwaves, refrigerators, stoves, trash compactors, water coolers and water softeners.
Appliances contain compounds that pose a health risk when released into the environment, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury. In Minnesota it is illegal to dispose of appliances in mixed municipal solid waste.
Reuse:
Free Market An Internet service connecting reusable goods with people who can use them.
Catholic Charities For pick-up service, a $20 donation is requested.
Very few charities accept appliances because they do not want to be responsible for the disposal fees associated with nonworking appliances.
Recycle:
Appliance recyclers accept nonworking appliances for a fee. Some of them offer a pick-up sevice. Many appliance recyclers will not accept gas refrigerators, incinerators or heat pumps.
A + Appliance 747 Payne Ave. N. Saint Paul, MN 55101 (651) 298-1929 Pick-up and drop-off services offered. No central air conditioning units accepted.
Appliance City 785 University Ave. W. Saint Paul, MN 55104 (651) 224-8606 Pick-up and drop-off services offered. Accepts all major appliances.
Don Barbeau Appliances 2301 37th Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55421 (763) 788-0778 Pick-up and drop-off services offered. No water softeners accepted.
Certified Appliance 2090 County Road 42 Suite 104 Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 898-1448 Pick-up and drop-off services offered Metro wide.
JR’s Appliance 8980 Hwy. 149 Inver Grove Heights, MN 55417 (651) 454-9215 Pick-up and drop-off services offered. Accepts gas refrigerators.
Plaza TV and Appliance 1918 Beam Ave Maplewood, MN 55106 (651) 731-3603 and 946 Robert St. S West St. Paul, MN 55118 (651) 457-1196
Veolia Environmental Services 309 Como Ave. St. Paul, MN 55103 (651) 487-8546 Pick-up and drop-off services offered. See Transfer Stations for details.
Transfer stations also accept appliances. See Transfer Stations for more drop-off and pickup options.
Related Topics: Charities Transfer Stations Top
Autos, Engines and Parts
For Auto Parts see below. See Cars for automobile donation and recycling options. See Engines for small engine items such as snowblowers and lawnmowers. See Tires for tire disposal options. See Metal for scrap metal dealers who will accept auto parts and junk cars. For automotive fluids, which are considered hazardous waste, call (651) 633-EASY (3279).
Auto Parts
The businesses listed below accept some auto parts and may or may not charge a fee to take items. Call businesses for details on what they accept.
Reuse:
Free Market An Internet service connecting reusable goods with people who can use them.
Rogers Auto and Truck Parts Inc. 10870 Ideal Ave. S. Cottage Grove MN 55016 (651) 768-0000 Accepts auto parts and cars. No campers, motor homes or vehicles with insulation accepted.
Disposal:
J & J Recycling 607 Barge Channel Rd. Saint Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-4457
Twin City Refuse 318 W. Water St. Saint Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-1549
Veolia Environmental Services 309 Como Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55103 (651) 487-8546
Related topics: Metal Cars Engines Tires Top
Bicycles
The businesses and charities listed below accept reusable bicycles. Bicycles that are beyond repair can be brought to a scrap metal yard or transfer station for recycling.
Reuse:
Twin Cities Free Market An Internet service connecting reusable goods with people who can use them.
Express Bike Shop 234 Snelling Ave. N. St Paul, MN 55104 (651) 644-9660
Disabled American Veterans 572 University Ave. St Paul, MN 55102 (651) 292-1707
Goodwill (multiple locations) 553 Fairview Ave. N. St Paul, MN 55104 (651) 379-5800
Salvation Army (multiple locations) 1654 White Bear Ave. St Paul, MN 55119 (651) 771-7779
See Charities for details on individual organizations.
Recycling:
See Metal for bicycle disposal.
Related Topics: Charities Metal Top
Books
Paperback and hardcover books cannot be included with mixed paper in curbside recycling programs, because the bindings and covers complicate processing of the material. If residents are able to remove the binding by cutting the paper out of the book, the pages can be be recycled with mixed paper in Saint Paul’s curbside program. Most books can be reused or recycled through the organizations listed below.
Reuse: Free Market An Internet service connecting reusable goods with people who can use them.
Books for Africa 253 E. 4th St. Saint Paul, MN 55101 (651) 602-9844 Accepts hardcover books only—primarily textbooks or books that would be appropriate for a school library. See their website for more donation guidelines.
Half Price Books (multiple locations) 2041 Ford Parkway Saint Paul, MN 55116 (651) 699-1391 Books, magazines and music are accepted.
Midway Books 1579 University Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55104 (651) 644-7605 Accepts history, art, military and literary books. Also accepts new paperback, mystery and science fiction books. No text, library or club books accepted.
Pilot City 821 2nd Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN (612) 348-4700 Books are given to North Minneapolis residents. Call first to see if currently collecting books.
Arise Bookstore 2441 Lyndale Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 871-7110 Any soft cover book is accepted. Books are donated to the Women’s Prison Book Project.
University of Minnesota Wilson Library 309 19th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 624 9064 Books must be boxed. No damaged books are accepted. Textbooks must be less than 5 years old. Pick-up service is available for large quantities.
The Salvation Army, Goodwill and Disabled American Veterans will usually take books. See Charities. Call to confirm that they are currently accepting books.
Recycling:
Rohn Industries 862 Hersey St Saint Paul, MN 55114 (651) 647-1300 Call first to make sure they can accept your items.
Books that cannot be reused or recycled can be put in the trash.
Related Topics: Charities Also see Recycling in Saint Paul Top
Building, Construction & Home Improvement
For reusable home improvement items see Building Materials below. For demolition debris that cannot be reused, see Construction Debris. For carpet, see Carpet. For lumber, see Wood.
Building Materials
The businesses listed below accept reusable construction and home improvement items, such as plumbing and light fixtures, windows, doors, cabinets, lumber and brick. They may accept other usable items; call each business for details. For items that cannot be reused, see Construction Debris.
Reuse:
All State Salvage 1354 Jackson St. Saint Paul, MN 55117 (651) 488-6675 Donations are accepted based on what is in stock. No carpet, lumber or furniture is accepted.
Bauer Brothers Salvage 2432 2nd St. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411 (612) 521-9492 All building materials that do not contain hazardous waste are accepted. Carpet is accepted only if in very good condition. Pick-up service available for some items.
Northwest Architectural Salvage 981 Selby Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55104 (651) 644-9270 No toilets accepted. Pick-up service available for some items.
The Reuse Center 4801 21st Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 724-2608 New and used materials in saleable condition are accepted, including paint, carpet, landscape material and other building materials.
Related Topics: Carpet Construction Debris Wood Top
Carpet
Reuse:
Twin Cites Free Market An Internet service connecting reusable goods with people who can use them.
Bauer Brothers Salvage 2432 2nd St. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411 (612) 521-9492 Carpet is accepted only if in very good condition. Pick-up service available for some items.
The Reuse Center 4801 21st Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 724-2608
Recycling:
Hank's Specialties 2050 Old Highway 8 New Brighton, MN 55112 (651) 633-5020
Requirements:
- Maximum 8 ft. width
- Must be dry and free of debris (glue, wood, tack stripping, etc.)
- Glue-backed carpet not accepted
Visit the MN Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) website or the Carpet America Recovery Effort for more information about carpet recycling.
Disposal:
Carpet in poor condition must be disposed of.
Carpet Recovery Innovation (763) 441-8300 Will pick up or remove carpet for disposal.
Carpet can be brought to any transfer station.
Related Topics: Building Materials Construction Debris Top
Cars
Reuse:
Most of the organizations listed below require cars to be operational, but some will accept junk cars. Read each entry for details. Donations to many of the organizations are tax deductible.
Catholic Charities 1910 Suburban Ave. St Paul, MN 55119 (651) 222-1787
Crosstown Auto 1440 Marshall Ave. St Paul, MN 55104 (651) 645-7715 Nonworking cars are accepted. Cars are repaired and resold, and a portion of the proceeds is donated to MN Vietnam Vets Recycle Donation Program. Pickup service is available; call for details.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 572 University Ave. St Paul, MN 55102 (651) 291-1212
Goodwill (multiple locations) 553 Fairview Ave. N. Saint Paul, MN 55104 (651) 379-5800 Call Goodwill’s Como Avenue location for automobile donations.
Salvation Army (multiple locations) 1654 White Bear Ave. St Paul, MN 55106 (651) 771-7779
Courage Center: Cars for Courage (763) 520-0540 or (888) 440-2277 3915 Golden Valley Rd. Golden Valley, MN 55422
American Lung Association (ALA) (800) 583-4425 New York Office Nonworking cars are accepted if they have all of their parts. The ALA can provide local pick-up service. Automobiles do not have to be running, but they cannot have flat tires.
Recycling:
Nonworking cars can be brought to one of the businesses below:
J & J Recycling 607 Barge Channel Rd. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-4457
Kaplan’s Metal Reduction 355 University Ave. E. St. Paul, MN 55106 (651) 222-8551
North Country Auto Salvage 1221 Pierce Butler Route St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 644-3114
Twin City Refuse 318 W. Water St. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-1549
Rogers Auto and Truck Parts Inc. 10870 Ideal Ave. S. Cottage Grove, MN 55016 (651) 768-0000
Related Topics: Auto Parts Charities Engines Metal Tires Top
Cell Phones
Reuse:
Most of the organizations listed below are interested only in working cell phones with the battery and charger. A few of them take any cell phone and sell it to be recycled if it can't be fixed. Be sure you have deactivated service before donating a phone.
Call first to see if your cell phone will be accepted.
Alexandra House P.O. Box 49039 Blaine, MN 55449 (763) 656-1365 Drop off (call for address) or mail to the P.O. Box
Call to Protect Mail to: c/o Motorola 1580 E. Ellsworth Road Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Project P.E.A.C.E. 5637 Brooklyn Blvd., Suite 201 Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 (763) 533-0733 Drop off phones in drop box in the Cub Foods in Brooklyn Center, at the office, or mail.
RSP Architects Inc. 1220 Marshall St. NE Minneapolis, MN (612) 339-0313 Drop off or mail to their Donate a Phone program.
Sojourner Project Inc. P.O. Box 272 Hopkins, MN 55343 (952) 933-7433 Mail phones to P.O. Box.
Twin Cities Wireless 99 5th Ave. NW #900 New Brighton, MN (651) 379-4000 Only accepted at this location.
University of MN, The Aurora Center 407 Boynton Health Services 410 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 626-2929
Women's Advocates 588 Grand Ave. Saint Paul, MN (651) 726-5217 Drop off any time (24 hour shelter).
Also see the Wireless Foundation and the Charitable Recycling Program.
Recycling:
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory 1225 Estabrook Drive Saint Paul, MN 55103 (651) 487-8201
Drop off your cell phone at the Visitor's Center or any Saint Paul Public Library branch.
Cell phones are sent to Eco-Cell for recycling and the funds raised benefit The Orangutan Conservancy.
Also see Electronics for more cell phone recycling options.
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Charities
Charities will accept a variety of reusable items. See each entry for details.
Bridging, Inc. 201 W. 87th St. Bloomington, MN 55420 (952) 888-1105
1633 Terrace Drive Roseville, MN 55113 (651) 631-3255 Accepts small electronics, small appliances, furniture, household goods, linens, mattresses, music, movies, some large electronics. Some items such as sleeper sofas are accepted for drop-off only. Not accepted: office furniture, king sized beds, medical equipment or items in poor condition. Pick-up service is available.
Courage Center 3915 Golden Valley Rd. Golden Valley, MN 55422 (763) 520-0539 Accepts reusable medical equipment including wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, walkers, eyeglasses and hearing aids, and sporting equipment such as skis, fishing gear and riding equipment. Call first. Pickup service is available. The Courage Center also operates a vehicle donation program at (888) 440-2277.
Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church 217 Mackubin St. Saint Paul, MN 55102 (651) 227-7389 Clothing is accepted seasonally. Call to see if it is currently being accepted.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 20 W. 12th St., 3rd Floor Saint Paul, MN 55155 (651) 291-1212 Accepts small appliances, baby equipment, bicycles, books, clothing, working electronics, eyeglasses, furniture, household goods, lawnmowers, linens, mattresses, sports equipment, tools, toys and vehicles. Not accepted: building materials or items in need of repair. Pick-up service is available; call for details.
Goodwill 553 Fairview Ave. N., Saint Paul, MN, (651) 379-5800 2250 White Bear Ave., Maplewood, (651) 770-2401 1627 County Rd. B West, Roseville, (651) 634-3609 1425 S. Robert, West St Paul, (651) 541-2014 Accepts small appliances, bicycles, books, clothing, working electronics, furniture, household goods, sports equipment, tools, vehicles and medical equipment. Not accepted: appliances, carpet, TVs, mattresses, rags or damaged items.
Salvation Army 1654 White Bear Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55119 (651) 771-7779 Accepts working small appliances, bicycles, books, clothing, some electronics (no console TVs; computers must be 486 or newer), household goods, furniture, mattresses, rags, tools and working vehicles. Not accepted: large appliances, carpet, exercise equipment, medical equipment or items in need of repair. Pick-up service is available; call (612) 332-5855 for details.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores: The following stores accept clothing, in and out of season, household items, sports equipment, books and furniture. 461 West 7th St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 227-1332
511 Rice St. St. Paul, MN 55103 (651) 602-0477
2939 12th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 722-7882
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Clothing & Rags
Reuse:
Clothing and household linens in good shape are accepted in Saint Paul’s curbside recycling program. Place clean reusable clothing in a plastic bag, label it “Clothes and Linens,?and place it at the curb on your recycling day. Rags are not picked up at the curb.
Saint Paul Curbside Recycling Schedules
Many charities also accept reusable clothes and linens.
Recycling:
The organizations below accept clean cloth that cannot be reused.
Salvation Army 1654 White Bear Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55106 (651) 771-7779
Wipers Recycling (651) 222-7247 (RAGS) 1255 Cope Ave Maplewood, MN 55109 www.wipersrecycling.com
Related Topics: Charities Top
Construction Debris
Construction Debris refers to demolition materials that cannot be reused. The businesses below accept materials such as concrete, asphalt, brick and dirt; some also accept scrap lumber, sheetrock, insulation and miscellaneous debris. Read each listing for details. For reusable construction materials, see Building Materials. Businesses listed in this section will recycle or dispose of collected materials.
Asbestos is not accepted at most of these sites. Asbestos is often present in older homes, and can be found in insulation, vinyl floor tile, linoleum, shingles, stucco, textured spray on walls and ceilings, asbestos cement or adhesive. Call (651) 633-EASY (3279) for information on asbestos disposal.
Recycling and Disposal:
Bohlander Crusher Site 2035 Capp Rd. Saint Paul, MN 55114 (651) 224-6299 Concrete, asphalt, brick and dirt are accepted for recycling.No rocks and sand accepted. No other types of construction debris accepted.
Fra-dor Black Dirt and Recycle 3137 Country Drive Little Canada, MN 55117 (651) 484-8180 Clean concrete, asphalt, rocks and brick are accepted. No dirt, sod, clay or brush accepted. No other construction debris accepted.
J & J Recycling 607 Barge Channel Rd. Saint Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-4457 All nonhazardous construction debris is accepted. Concrete and several other materials are recycled.
Midwest Asphalt (multiple locations) 1400 Old Highway 8 NW New Brighton, MN (952) 937-8033 Concrete, asphalt, dirt, sod, sand, rock, aggregate and any masonry products are accepted. No brick, clay, tile, wood or rubbish accepted. No other construction debris accepted.
NRG C&D Transfer 630 Malcolm Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 331-4610 Located near 280 and University Ave. Accepts any nonhazardous construction and demolition debris. Carpet, metal, treated wood, sod, and brush are also accepted. No railroad ties, telephone poles, or burnt wood accepted.
MSW Transfer - St. Paul Transfer Station 195 Minnehaha Ave. E. St Paul, MN (651) 228-1324 All nonhazardous construction debris accepted.
National Recycling Incorporated (NRI) 15717 Highway 61 Hugo, MN 55038 (651) 407-0092 Located just north of White Bear Lake near the border of Anoka and Ramsey Counties. General construction debris is accepted; call with questions on specific items. NRI pays for nonferrous scrap.
Pine Bend Landfill (BFI) 2495 E 117th St. Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 (651) 457-2778 All nonhazardous construction debris accepted. Treated wood and railroad ties also accepted.
SRC (Forest Lake Sanitation) 6320 Viking Blvd. Wyoming, MN 55092 (651) 462-1099 General construction debris is accepted. Call with questions on a specific item or visit their website.
Veolia Environmental Services 309 Como Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55103 (651) 487-8546 All nonhazardous construction debris accepted.
Veit Demo 1305 Pierce Butler Route Saint Paul, MN 55104 (651) 919-0142 All nonhazardous construction debris accepted. Treated wood also accepted.
Waste Management, North Hennepin 8550 Zachary Lane Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 425-3218 All nonhazardous construction debris accepted. Not all Waste Management sites accept the same materials.
Related topics: Building Materials Wood Carpet Dirt & Rocks Top
Dirt & Rocks
Dirt, rocks and sand are referred to as “fill.?The businesses listed below accept various types of fill. See each listing for details.
Reuse:
Twin Cities Free Market An Internet service connecting reusable goods with people who can use them. Clean fill is a popular item on the Free Market.
Recycling and Disposal: The composting businesses listed below only accept clean fill. For fill mixed with construction debris or other materials, see Transfer Stations.
Affordable Processing Solutions 9050 Jefferson Trl. Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 (651) 641-1939
Buberl Recycling and Compost 5750 Memorial Ave. N. Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-8399 Accepts dirt.
Midwest Asphalt (multiple locations) 1400 Old Highway 8 New Brighton, MN (952) 937-8033 Accepts dirt, rock and sand.
NRG Processing Solutions 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes, (651) 429-3723 630 Malcolm Ave., Minneapolis, (612) 331-4610 805 Yankee Doodle Rd., Eagan, (651) 683-9020 Not all sites are open during the winter. Most kinds of fill are accepted; call first.
Walters Recycling and Refuse 2830 101st Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55449 (763) 780-8464 Accepts dirt.
Related Topics: Construction Debris Sod Transfer Stations Top
Electronics
See Cell Phones for information on donating your cell phone.
Electronics and electrical items include computers, monitors, TVs, stereos, printers, fax machines, VCRs and anything else that runs on electricity.
Electronic products contain hazardous materials that can leak into the environment if they are thrown away with other household garbage. Computer monitors and televisions in particular contain several pounds of lead. In addition, printed circuit boards contain heavy metals such as lead, chromium, cadmium and mercury, and mercury-containing components are found in some electronic products. For more information, see the OEA website Plug Into Recycling.
Businesses are required to recycle electronic products because of the hazards associated with large scale disposal of electronic waste. As of July 1, 2006, residents are required by law to recycle electronics containing a cathode ray tube (CRT), most commonly found in TVs and computer monitors. Residents can bring CRT-containing electronics, as well as many other electronic items, to an electronics recycler to ensure proper handling. Call each business for details on fees charged and items accepted.
Reuse:
Free Market
An Internet service connecting reusable goods with people who can use them.
See Cell Phones for cell phone donation information.
Return to the Manufacturer:
Manufacturers often run programs to take back their products. Call or visit the manufacturer’s website to see if a take-back program is available.
Apple Computer (888) 638-2761
Compaq Contact United Recycling (800) 270-8220
Hewlett Packard (888) 485-1849
IBM (888) 746-7426
Sony Contact Waste Management, Asset Recovery Group (612) 379-1360 ext. 11
Recycling:
The businesses listed below refurbish and recycle electronics.
Asset Recovery Corp 2299 Territorial Rd. Saint Paul, MN 55114 (651) 602-0789
Retrofit Recycling 2960 Yorktown Blvd. Little Canada, MN (651) 766-7422 (800) 274-1309
Green Lights Recycling 10040 Davenport Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 (763) 766-7422
Waste Management Lamptracker 2007 W. County Rd. C2 Roseville, MN 55113 (651) 628-9370 Pick-up service is offered for large quantities.
Electronic Recovery 124 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 338-2466
Materials Processing Corp. 2805 W. Service Rd. Eagan, MN 55121 (651) 681-7363 Some collected items are refurbished and resold.
JR's/Advanced Recyclers 8980 Jefferson Trail (Hwy 149) Inver Grove Heights, MN 55417 (651) 454-9215
Plaza TV and Appliance 1918 Beam Avenue Maplewood, MN 55109 (651) 731-3603
and
Plaza TV and Appliance 946 Robert St. S St. Paul, MN (651) 457-1196
For more drop-off locations, see Transfer Stations. Most transfer stations accept electronics. Several of them bring electronics to Asset Recovery.
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Engines
Many businesses repair and resell small engine items such as lawnmowers and snowblowers. These options are listed under “Reuse.?For items beyond repair, refer to the “Recycling?options.
Reuse:
ABM Small Engine Service 791 Smith Ave St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 248-7943 louizm@msn.com Accepts lawnmowers, snowblowers, chainsaws, riders, pressure washers, tillers, pumps, trimmers, leaf vac/blowers and other small engines.
Carpenteur Small Engines 2621 7th Ave. E. North St Paul, MN 55109 (651) 777-2347 Accepts all types of small engines, working and nonworking.
Garceau’s Hardware and Power Equipment 3429 Centerville Rd. Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 (651) 483-0292 Accepts lawn mowers, snowblowers, ATVs, tractors and boats. Call first.
Joe’s Small Engine Repair 826 Jackson St. St. Paul, MN 55117 (651) 298-9129 Accepts working and nonworking lawn mowers, snowblowers, generators and outboard motors.
Hamline Hardware (Hardware Hank) 755 Snelling Ave. N. St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 646-4040 Accepts working and nonworking lawn mowers and snowblowers. Call first to see if they are currently accepting donations.
Retool 13965 Grand Ave. Burnsville, MN (952) 898-7160 Accepts working tools and lawnmowers. Nonworking tools or snow blowers are not accepted.
Rogers Auto and Truck Parts, Inc. 10870 Ideal Ave. S. Cottage Grove, MN 55016 (651) 768-0000 Accepts working and nonworking lawn mowers and snowblowers.
Recycling:
Scrap Metal yards accept nonworking small engine items, provided all hazardous materials are removed and plastic parts are taken off. Drain oil and gas and remove nonmetal parts.
Great Western Recycling Industries, Inc. 521 Barge Channel Rd. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 224-4877
J & J Recycling 607 Barge Channel Rd. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-4457
Kaplan's Metal Reduction 355 University Ave. E. St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 222-8551
Related Topics: Auto Parts Cars Metal Tires Top
Furniture & Mattresses
Charities will accept reusable furniture and mattresses as donations. Transfer stations charge a fee to accept items for disposal.
Reuse:
Free Market An Internet service connecting reusable goods with people who can use them.
Bridging, Inc. 201 W 87th St. Bloomington MN 55420 (952) 888-1105
1633 Terrace Drive Roseville, MN 55113 (651) 631-3255 Accepts furniture, household goods, linens, mattresses. Some items such as sleeper sofas are accepted for drop-off only. Not accepted: office furniture, king sized beds or items in poor condition. Pick-up service is available for two or more large furniture items.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 20 W. 12th St., 3rd Floor Saint Paul, MN 55102 (651) 291-1212 Pick-up service is available for some items.
Goodwill 553 Fairview Ave. N., Saint Paul, (651) 379-5800 2250 White Bear Ave., Maplewood, (651) 770-2401 1627 County Rd. B West, Roseville, (651) 634-3609 1361 S. Robert, West St Paul, (651) 451-2014 No mattresses accepted.
Pilot City 821 2nd Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN (612) 348-4700 (612) 381-1789 (warehouse) Pick-up service available.
Salvation Army (multiple locations) 1654 White Bear Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55106 (651) 222-1787 Pick-up service available. Call (612) 332-5855 for details.
Disposal:
For disposal, see Transfer Stations.
Related Topics: Charities Transfer Stations Top
Metal
Scrap metal dealers and other businesses that accept metal are listed below. They may pay for certain items. Most transfer stations also accept metal, along with other types of refuse. See Transfer Stations for details.
Alter Scrap 801 Barge Channel Rd. Saint Paul, MN 55107 (651) 222-2751
Accepts all types of metal including cans, electric motors, lawn mowers and snowblowers. Not accepted: cars or appliances. Pays for cans. Collected materials are processed and shipped to foundries.
Great Western Scrap Metal 521 Barge Channel Rd. Saint Paul, MN 55107 (651) 224-4877
Accepts a varity of metal items, including cans, electric motors, vehicles, lawn mowers and snowblowers. Not accepted: appliances or electronics. Pays for cans.
Kaplan’s Metal Reduction 355 University Ave. E. St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 222-8551
Accepts any metal. Cars are accepted if oil and gas is drained. There is a fee for tires on cars. Lawn mowers and snowblowers are accepted if tires are removed. Not accepted: appliances or electronics. Pays for cans.
National Recycling Incorporated (NRI) 15717 Hwy. 61 Hugo, MN 55038 (651) 407-0092
Pays for nonferrous scrap metal including cans. Also accepts construction debris, steel and general refuse. Call before dropping off items. Pick-up service available.
Rogers Auto and Truck Parts, Inc. 10870 Ideal Ave. S. Cottage Grove, MN 55016 (651) 768-0000
Accepts auto parts, junk cars, tires, working cars, lawn mowers, snowblowers, batteries, aluminum siding, metal, used oil filters and antifreeze. Not accepted: campers, motor homes or anything with insulation.
J & J Recycling 607 Barge Channel Rd. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-4457
See Transfer Stations for details.
Veolia Environmental Services 309 Como Ave. St. Paul, MN 55103 (651) 487-8546 See Transfer Stations for details.
Scrap Metal Dealers also listed under:
Auto Parts Bicycles Top
Pallets (Wood)
Recycling:
Pallet Recycling 391 Topping St. St. Paul, MN 55117 (651) 488-0474 Accepts clean reusable pallets for free. Pick-up service offered only for quantities above 100.
Tilsners Carton Co. 162 York Ave. E. St. Paul, MN 55117 (651) 227-8261 Accepts clean reusable pallets for free.
Burbel Recycling & Compost 5750 Memorial Ave. N. Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-8399 Some collected pallets are ground up for sawdust.
Disposal:
See Transfer Stations for disposal.
Related Topics: Transfer Stations Wood Top
Pickup Service
Some of the businesses listed under individual topics offer pick-up service for the items that they accept. If a pick-up service is not available through the specific recycling or disposal business, the businesses below can provide one-time pickup of almost any nonhazardous item.
Often residents can also arrange for pick-up of difficult to transport items through their regular garbage hauler for an extra charge. Call you garbage hauler, look in the yellow pages under “garbage?or call (651) 222-SORT (7678) to receive Eureka Recycling’s Independent Hauler Fact Sheet.
A1A Beyers Hauling 10130 Palm St. NW Coon Rapids, MN (651) 490-5434 Serves all of Ramsey County.
A1 Clean-up Minneapolis, MN 55416 (763) 522-8554 Serves all of Ramsey County.
1-800-GOT JUNK 1-800-468-5865 National company, serves all areas.
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Plastic Bags
The recently launched "It's in the Bag" program has collection bins located throughout the metropolitan area where you can drop-off plastic bags to be recycled. All Rainbow Foods stores have bins to collect and recycle plastic bags through a separate program. "It's in the Bag" is a Minnesota Waste Wise program.
| Keep in mind that you can conserve resources by using fewer bags. Avoiding the use of plastic bags or reusing your own canvas or cloth bags are your best options since recycled plastic bags do not become new plastic bags. They are re-made into something that is not recyclable like plastic lumber, so they are ultimately destined for the landfill or the incinerator (where they produce harmful chemicals). It's challenging to reduce your use of plastic bags, so recycling is a great last resort! |
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Sod
Ramsey County resident can bring sod free of charge to the White Bear Township compost site, located on Sherwood Road just south of County Road J. Call (651) 633-EASY (3279) for hours. This is the only one of the seven Ramsey County compost sites that accepts sod.
Transfer Stations accept sod for a fee. The businesses listed below will also take sod.
Midwest Asphalt 1400 Old Highway 8 NW New Brighton, MN (952) 937-8033 Midwest Asphalt primarily accepts construction and demolition debris, but also takes sod.
NRG Processing Solutions 915 N. Albert St., Saint Paul, (651) 641-1939 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes, (651) 429-3723 630 Malcolm Ave., Minneapolis, (612) 331-4610 2901 Maxwell Ave., Newport, (651) 768-6600 NRG is a composting business. Only the Malcolm Avenue site is open during the winter.
Related Topics: Dirt & Rocks Transfer Stations Yard Waste Top
Styrofoam
Recycling options for polystyrene products, better known as Styrofoam? are very limited. Polystyrene packing peanuts can be reused.
Reuse (Packing Peanuts):
Mail Boxes Etc. stores will accept Styrofoam?packing peanuts for reuse when needed. Check your phone book or visit their website to find a location near you. Call first to see if they are currently accepting donations.
Recycling (Packing Blocks):
The closest site that accepts Styrofoam?packing blocks for recycling is located about 40 miles west of Minnetonka:
Poly Foam, Inc. 116 Pine St. S. Lester Prairie, MN 55354 (952) 445-4089 Accepts EPS packing foam only. Call for assistance in identifying EPS polystyrene.
Plymouth Foam 13900 Industry Ave. Becker, MN 800-759-3626 Accepts clean EPS packing or insulation foam. No tape, dirt, etc.
Disposal:
Styrofoam that cannot be reused or recycled can be disposed of in regular household trash.
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Tires
Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure will increase their life expectancy and conserve fuel. You can check your tire pressure and inflate your tires for free at most gas stations.
It is illegal to throw tires in the garbage or dump them on the land. Stockpiled tires provide a breeding place for mosquitoes.
Recycling:
Any business that sells tires will accept them for a small fee—usually between $2 and $4.
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Transfer Stations
A transfer station is a site where materials are stored temporarily before being transported to a final destination. Depending on the type of material, items brought to a transfer station might end up at a landfill, incinerator or recycling business. Transfer stations will usually accept any refuse that does not contain hazardous waste. The transfer stations listed below are private businesses and charge a fee for disposal of most items.
There are five transfer stations in Saint Paul:
J & J Recycling 607 Barge Channel Rd. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-4457 Located on the West Side near the Saint Paul airport. Accepts a wide variety of items including appliances, brush, non-friable asbestos, auto parts, carpet, cars, concrete, construction debris, electronics, fill, furniture, mattresses, insulation, lumber, metal (no fee), railroad ties, small engines, sod, treated wood, trees with Dutch elm disease and tires. Not accepted: hazardous waste and liquid waste. Materials that have a market are recycled. Materials that are cheaper to recycle than dispose of, such as cement, are also recycled. Ask to find out what is being done with a particular material.
RRT - St. Paul Transfer Station (Formerly NRG) 195 Minnehaha Ave. E. St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 228-1324 Located north of downtown just west of 35E. RRT is leasing this transfer station from Waste Management (United Waste). They recently moved from their old location at 800 Westminster.
RRT accepts a wide variety of materials including appliances, brush, asphalt (not recycled), auto parts, carpet, concrete (not recycled), construction debris, electronics, furniture, mattresses, insulation, lumber, metal, rocks, sand, small engines, smoke detectors, sod, treated wood, tires and wood pallets. Not accepted: trees with Dutch elm disease, asbestos and railroad ties. This transfer station participates in the Sony electronics take-back program.
Twin City Refuse 318 W. Water St. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-1549 Located on the West Side. Accepts virtually any nonhazardous waste, including appliances, brush, carpet, cars, construction debris, electronics, fill, furniture, insulation, lumber, metal (for a fee), railroad ties, telephone poles, engines, sod, treated wood, tires, vegetable oil and wood pallets. Not accepted: asbestos and hazardous waste.
Veolia Environmental Services (formerly Vasko) 309 Como Ave. St. Paul, MN 55103 (651) 487-8546 Located at the intersection of Como and Minnehaha. Offers an appliance pickup service. Accepts virtually all nonhazardous materials, including household trash, furniture, tires, appliances, electronics, brush, fill, insulation, construction debris, insulation, mattresses, metal, lumber, carpet, sod and wood pallets. Call to see if they accept other items. Veolia also hosts the recycling drop-off center for the curbside recycling program.
Veit Demo 1305 Pierce Butler Route Saint Paul, MN 55104 (651) 919-0142 Veit primarily serves as a demolition contractor for the construction industry. However, the above site accepts a variety of materials from residents, including appliances, electronics, construction debris, fill, sod and tires. Not accepted: household garbage or hazardous waste.
Transfer stations outside Saint Paul:
RRT- Minneapolis Transfer Station (Formerly NRG) 630 Malcolm Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 331-4610 This is primarily a construction and demolition site that accepts any kind of construction debris, including concrete, asphalt, lumber, carpet, insulation, metal and treated wood. RRT also accepts appliances, brush, electronics, furniture, sod, tires and wood pallets. General refuse is not accepted. Railroad ties, telephone poles, burnt wood and asbestos are also not accepted.
SRC (also called Forest Lake Sanitation) 6320 E. Viking Blvd. Wyoming, MN 55092 (651) 462-1099 Located in Anoka County near Forest Lake. Accepts a variety of items including scrap metal, household rubbish, construction debris, appliances, tires, furniture, brush, fluorescent lamps, treated lumber, some electronics and a number of miscellaneous items. Call to see if they accept a particular item.
Waste Management, North Hennepin Transfer Station 8550 Zachary Lane Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 425-3218 Accepts furniture, mattresses, electronics, appliances, tires, construction debris, household garbage, brush and yard waste. Hazardous materials not accepted. Other Waste Management sites may accept different materials.
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Wood
For brush, christmas trees and leaves, see Yard Waste. For wood pallets, see Pallets. For treated wood, including green treated wood, railroad ties and telephone poles, see Wood, Treated. For wooden furniture see Furniture and Mattresses.
The business listed below will accept lumber.
Reuse:
The Reuse Center 4801 21st Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 724-2608
Recycling:
Burbel Recycling & Compost 5750 Memorial Ave. N. Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-8399 Scrap lumber is accepted.
Dunham Brothers Shavings 10831 215th St. W. Lakeville, MN 55044 (952) 469-2427 Scrap lumber accepted. Nails okay. Not accepted: painted, stained or treated wood.
Disposal:
See Transfer Stations for disposal of wood that is not accepted at the above businesses.
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Wood, Treated
Green treated and creosote treated wood contains hazardous chemicals and cannot be placed with regular trash. Railroad ties and telephone poles are treated with creosote. The businesses below accept some kinds of treated wood. See each listing for details.
Burbel Recycling & Compost 5750 Memorial Ave. N. Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-8399 Accepts green treated wood, railroad ties and telephone poles.
Elk River Landfill 24460 Hwy. 169 NW Elk River, MN 55330 (763) 441-2464 Accepts green treated wood, railroad ties and telephone poles.
J & J Recycling 607 Barge Channel Rd. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-4457 Accepts green treated wood, railroad ties and telephone poles.
MSW Transfer - St. Paul Transfer Station 195 Minnehaha Ave. E. St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 228-1324 Accepts green treated wood.
NRG C & D Transfer Station 630 Malcolm Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 331-4610 Accepts green treated wood.
Pine Bend Landfill 2495 E. 117th St. Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 (651) 457-2778 Accepts green treated wood and railroad ties.
SRC (also called Forest Lake Sanitation) 6320 E. Viking Blvd. Wyoming, MN (651) 462-1099 Accepts green treated wood.
Twin Cities Refuse 318 W. Water St. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-1549 Accepts green treated wood, railroad ties and telephone poles.
Related Topics: Wood Top
Yard Waste
For sod, see Sod. For clean dirt, sand and rocks, see Dirt & Rocks. For leaves, grass, brush and Christmas trees, see below.
When a large quantity of yard waste is deposited in a landfill, it produces harmful quantities of methane gas. As a result, Minnesota state law requires that yard waste be separated from residential garbage.
Leaves and Grass:
Ramsey County residents can bring soft-bodied material, such as leaves, grass, weeds and vines, to any of Ramsey County’s compost sites. These sites accept material free of charge.
Brush:
Brush refers to any woody waste, including branches, sticks, twigs, Christmas trees and shrubs. Brush is accepted at 4 of the Ramsey County’s compost sites beginning this year. Call (651) 633-EASY (3279) or visit their website to find out about hours and locations of sites that accept brush.
There are several other options for getting rid of brush:
Call your garbage hauler to see if they can arrange a special pickup. Brush has to be kept separate from the rest of your garbage, so there will be an extra charge for this.
Saint Paul residents can bring brush to any neighborhood cleanup in the spring or fall. Fees are usually lower than other options.
There are many businesses where residents can drop off brush for a fee. The commercial composters listed below and most transfer stations accept brush. These sites also accept yard waste if the Ramsey County Compost Sites are closed. See each listing for details.
Affordable Processing Solutions 9050 Jefferson Trail Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 (651) 641-1939 (closed Nov.-March)
All Wood Products 553 Barge Channel Rd. St. Paul, MN 55107 (651) 224-7527 Accepts clean construction wood (nails are okay), brush, stumps and Christmas trees. The brush material is often used for electricity generation. Mulch is often donated to churches and city projects.
NRG Processing Solutions (Compost Services) 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, (651) 429-3723 (closed Nov.-March) 630 Malcolm Ave., Minneapolis, (612) 331-4610 (open year-round) Only the Malcom Avenue site is open during the winter. NRG accepts brush, soil, sod, woodchips, leaves, grass and trees with Dutch elm disease. Not accepted: treated wood or lumber.
Walters Recycling & Refuse 2830 101st Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55449 (763) 780-8464 Leaves only accepted April through November. Not accepted: stumps or trees with Dutch elm disease.
Burbel Recycling & Compost 5750 Memorial Ave. N. Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-8399 Leaves and most wood products accepted, including stumps, logs, dirt, treated wood, railroad ties, telephone poles, clean wood scraps, lumber and wood pallets.
Eager Beaver Tree Service 2112 N. Dale St. Roseville, MN 55113 (651) 488-4477 Provides a pick-up service; no drop-off site available. Eager Beaver specializes in brush, tree limbs and stumps. They chip the wood on site and haul it away or leave wood chips behind if requested. Not accepted: pine cones, wreaths, corn husks, cobs, stalks, leaves, grass clippings, plants, flowers, dirt or sod.
Also see our Backyard Composting page.
Last Update: March 21, 2007

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