Whether it has been recycled or is just sitting in a landfill, nearly every piece of plastic ever created still exists in some form. The fraction of plastic that does get recycled is shockingly low, sitting at just about 30%. The vast majority that isn't being recycled is accumulating in landfills or ending up as litter in roadways and water systems. Our society is making a shift towards disposable and/or single-use plastics and, according the the National Geographic, if current trends continue we can expect about 12 billion metric tons of plastic to end up in landfills. It can be extremely hard to give up plastic entirely, but small shifts in our behavior can make a huge difference in reducing our plastic pollution.

1. Reusable Bags 

According to the EPA, Americans use over 380 billion plastic bags and wraps every year. Although there are plastic bag drop-offs for recycling, most bags end up in landfills. By switching to reusable bags for shopping and produce items, you could dramatically lower your need for plastic. 

2. Reusable Water Bottle

Americans use approximately 50 billion water bottles every year yet the recycling rate for plastic is only 23%. By bringing a reusable water bottle when you're at work, school, or on-the-go, you will reduce your need to buy a single-use plastic water bottle. Not only will you be saving natural resources but you will also save a lot of money over time. 

3. Say No to Straws 

500 million plastic drinking straws are used and disposed of every day. Many of these straws end up littering our road and waterways making them one of the most treacherous pollutants because of the harmful effects they have on marine animals. Next time you're out to eat or at a coffee shop, remember to ask for your drink without a straw. And, if you're with a group, encourage them to follow your lead! Change often starts with one person.

4. Avoid the Microplastics 

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic (about the size of a sesame seed) that are found in many cosmetic and toiletry items including face wash and toothpaste. These small pieces of plastic get flushed down sinks and drains and end up in our water systems including oceans, lakes an rivers. Unfortunately, plastic does not break down or dissolve in water so it continues to pose a threat for marine life and birds. Studies are still being done to see what sort of long-term affects this might have on animal and human life, but what we do know is that avoiding it completely is a better option. 

5. Pack In Or Pack Out Lunches

If you normally eat out for lunch, try packing your own lunch in a reusable container instead. Not only will you save some money, but you'll also avoid any single use plastics that your food might otherwise come in. In addition, if you do go out to eat for lunch, consider bringing your own Tupperware to the restaurant for leftovers instead of using the disposable to-go containers. 

6. Shop in Bulk Bins 

Many items such as nuts, fruits and beans are available in bulk bins which can be found at most grocery stores. By purchasing items from the bulk bins, you can avoid the single-use plastic that most items are wrapped in, and you can get the amount you need to avoid wasting food. Keep in mind that purchasing from bulk bins is not the same as buying in bulk because even though buying in bulk can be a better option to reduce excessive packaging, you'll find that you end up with more food than you need and it can be wasteful. 

7. Buy Loose and Fresh 

To go along with the tip above, buying fruits and veggies loose versus packaged will help lower your use of plastic. In addition, the small plastic bags that are available at grocery stores to put your food in is not at all necessary so if you're looking to use less plastic, you should skip them entirely. If you still prefer to bag your loose fruits and veggies, consider buying reusable produce bags to bring to the store with you. You can even find some that might increase the shelf life of certain foods! 

8. Reusables at Parties 

Parties and get-togethers are one of the most common places to see waste from disposable Styrofoam© plates and plastic silverware to one-time use decorations. Next time you host, consider using reusable and washable plates, cups and silverware instead of disposable. Not only will you reduce your waste, but it'll help make your party feel more personal and homey. In addition, if you do want to buy decorations, consider buying supplies that can be reused for years such as a universal "happy birthday" banner or cake topper.  

9. Make Your Own Cleaners

In the U.S. we generate 1.6 million tons of harmful household chemicals with the average home accumulating as much as 300 pounds of household hazardous waste. By making your own cleaner in a reusable bottle, you'll avoid the single use plastic bottles that most cleaners come in and you'll greatly decrease harmful chemicals in your home. For recipes on DIY green cleaners, visit our green cleaner guide. 

10. Get it Fixed 

It's often easier for us to throw away common items when they break, but did you know you can get many of them fixed for free? In fact, every month Dakota County offers a free fix-it clinic where you can get expert help fixing common household items. Many residents have visited these clinics to fix old vacuum cleaners, broken fans, ripped clothing and so much more. To find an upcoming clinic near you, visit the Dakota County websiteand search "fix it."

New Recycling Requirement for Businesses

Starting January 1, 2016, recycling will be the law for many businesses. Commercial building owners operating or leasing to a retail establishment, restaurant, educational or professional service, health care service or any other business with a North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code between 42 and 81 and contracting disposal of at least four cubic yards of solid waste per week must recycle at least three materials, such as paper, glass, plastic, metal and organics (food waste and soiled paper). 

The New Year is a time for resolutions that are made to bring about positive changes in your life. This year, make a difference in your community and start off the New Year right by adding some easy green resolutions to your list. Here are five ideas to help you get started:  

1. Reduce your food waste: 40% of food is currently being wasted in the United States. That means wasted resources, time, energy, and money. Reducing your food waste might be as easy as making smaller trips to the store with a clear list in mind, or just storing your food properly to make it last as long as possible. For more tips, visit our Reduce Your Food Waste Guide. 
   
   
2. Reuse with ease: Why buy something new when you can fix something you have for free? This year, resolve to attend a Dakota County Fix-It Clinic when you have something in need of repair. Clinics are offered every month in cities around Dakota County and you can bring up to five small household items such as torn clothing, broken vacuum cleaners, and more. 
   
   
3. Recycle everything you can: This year, recycle more by using the hauler specific recycling guides found here. While you’re at it, make sure to recycle the things that can’t go in your curbside bin such as electronics by taking them to the Recycling Zone!
   
   
4. Ditch the plastic: Approximately 50% of the plastic we use, we use once then throw away. Make 2018 the year you make a conscious effort to bring a reusable bag shopping and a reusable water bottle whenever possible. 
   
   
5. Recycle your organics: Organic material such as food scraps and food-soiled paper don't have to end up in the landfill. Instead turn them into a rich soil  amendment by recycling them. Dakota County now has two free drop sites for your household organics. You can also resolve to backyard compost this year too! Find out how using our Backyard Composting Guide here. 

The Burnsville Ames Center continues to "wow the crowds" with its newest venture: organics recycling. Guests at the Ames Center may notice the new, brightly colored bins around the venue that feature traditional recycling, trash, and a special spot just for organic waste.

To make recycling easier, the new containers have labels showing what can be thrown where, and most of the items in the concession/bar have been switched to BPI-Certified compostable alternatives. While bottles, cans and paper handouts can continue to go in the regular blue recycling bin, things such as cups, plastic forks, napkins, apple cores, and most food containers can go into the green organics bin. Other items such as candy wrappers or chip bags should still go in the trash.

Many of these new BPI-Certified compostable items are made of a plant based plastic and look like they could go in the recycling bin. However, in order for them to be turned into compost, they will need to go in the green bin with other compostable items. If you are unsure if the item you purchased is compostable, check the item for the BPI Logo or just ask any staff member at the Ames Center. 

Organics recycling plays an essential role in keeping valuable materials out of landfills. Organics collected at the Ames Center will be brought to a local organics recycling facility to be turned into compost, a valuable soil additive. Compost improves soil quality, reduces erosion, reduces greenhouse gases, and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers. 

So, next time you’re at the Ames Center, grab an ice cold refreshment and make to sure throw the whole cup in the green bin when you’re done- straw too!

Got a question about recycling? Not sure how to dispose of a household item?  Need information about yard waste sites, landfills, or The Recycling Zone?

If your question isn't covered by the content on this website, contact us directly via email or call us at 952-895-4559. 

Dakota County and the City of Burnsville are hosting their annual Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 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, Oct. 7, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM- 2:00 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):  

• Prices will be updated by August 2023
• Electronics: Televisions and computer monitors will be accepted for $10 each  
• Appliances: Appliances will be accepted for a per item fee including:
  • Washers $20 each
  • Dryers $20 each
  • Air conditioners $25 each
  • Microwaves $20 each
  • Hot water heaters $20 each
  • Water softeners $30 each
  • Stoves/ovens $20 each
  • Refrigerators $25 each
  • Freezers $25 each
  • Dehumidifiers $25 each
  • Dishwashers $20 each
  • Misc. Appliances $20 each
• Power equipment: 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 $35 per item
• Scrap metal: Miscellaneous scrap metal items will be accepted and charged per vehicle-load at $5 - 25/Vehicle Load as long as it is free of wood/plastic debris.

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

Camping and hiking are fantastic ways to adventure into and experience nature. Doing so in the summer lets us see plants and animals that don’t stick around in the winter. Although, sometimes we get so excited, we forget to plan accordingly and sustainably. It’s important to do this so that we can ensure nature remains if we want to keep exploring! Before you go out, take a look at these tips and tricks for camping in an environmentally friendly way. 

1. Borrow gear and go reusable: To begin your trip, do what you can to buy used gear or borrow from friends. Not only will this save you money, but it's also very eco-friendly. There's no need to invest in expensive equipment if you won't use it regularly. Reusable napkins, dishware, and silverware are essential, as is earth-friendly soap to wash them. Lastly, don't forget to pack all your food in a reusable container so that you aren't producing waste once you've eaten.

 2. Use non-toxic: No one likes to sport a sunburn or endure thick clouds of bugs, so you'll likely be bringing sunscreen and bug spray. When you do, keep in mind the flora and fauna around you that don't need that protection- bring non-toxic! Not only will the air, greenery, and animal life thank you for caring, but you'll also save yourself from breathing in harsh chemicals. 

3. Pack it in, pack it out: Bring something to bring all of your waste in, or pack so that you don't generate waste. Cook with a portable stove so that you keep from impacting the ground with ash and burns from a fire. Campfires leave evidence of humans having been there and remember, you're the guest. If you do build a campfire, utilize the wood found on the ground or on your site- don't bring wood in to prevent the spread of invasive species. 

 4. Stay on the trail: Hiking is a great way to experience the naturally formed infrastructure around us, but remember we are visitors. Stay on the trail as you explore to prevent erosion and disruption of habitats of those who live there, plants and animals alike. Refrain from picking flowers and leave the rocks and logs alone. 

5. Sleep sustainably: In your search of the perfect spot to lay your camp, keep in mind the softness of the ground. The softer it is, the more likely you are to provoke erosion in that area. This means going for gravel, solidly packed dirt, or even a slab of rock. Choose a spot that is designated for camping by the forest or park you're in- there's no need to make a new campsite if one already exits. By being conscious of where you sleep, you'll minimize your footprint as well as any damage to the area.

 6. Skip the gadgets: For your own enjoyment and to fully experience what's out there, keep your gadgets at home. Watch the stars and listen to the sounds at night instead of bringing a laptop or portable dvd player. Bring a map instead of a cell phone or use your cell phone sparingly to keep from staring at a screen. Do all that you can to fully immerse yourself in the experience and joys of camping! 

Dakota County is currently revising its 2012-2030 Solid Waste Master Plan to properly manage trash, recyclables, food waste, and hazardous materials for 2017-2037. Dakota Valley Recycling is a part of this important effort that affects everyone in the County including residents, businesses, schools, organizations, haulers, and waste facilities. 

First Round Complete

Over 500 County residents and businesses provided input on key issues from November 2016 through February 2017. Take a look at the Round 1 results, which will shape the County’s draft waste management strategies. Curious about the project timeline? Check out the project overview here. 

Your Voice Matters

Later this spring, watch for Round 2 opportunities to provide your feedback on those draft strategies, and get more information on the Master Plan process on the County Solid Waste Master Plan website. Dakota County is using the County's Planning Commission as the advisory committee to periodically review recommendations. For more information refer to the Planning Commission's meeting minutes. 

Disposal and recycling of large, bulky items is made easier than ever during annual spring collection events! This year, Dakota Valley Recycling is hosting a number of opportunities for Burnsville residents to dispose of unwanted items in a convenient, low-cost manner. In addition, residents of Burnsville will receive a "Bulky Item Landfill Coupon" in the Spring newsletter. Click the options below to learn more about the collection events! 

Appliances, Electronics, & Scrap Metal Drop-Off Event

Curbside Collection Week

This year, Dakota Valley Recycling is hosting their 2nd Annual Summer Drop-off Event on Saturday, June 4, 2022. The event is open to all residents of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan and Lakeville. Appliances, electronics, scrap metal, bicycles, and confidential documents will be accepted.

Event Details

Date: June 3, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Burnsville Maintenance Facility
13713 Frontier Ct, Burnsville, MN 55337
Additional Details: Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan and Lakeville residents only.

Items are accepted for a per-item fee.

ACCEPTED ITEMS 

• Appliances including washers, dryers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, freezers, furnaces, microwaves, refrigerators, ovens, water softeners, water heaters, and other miscellaneous appliances--$5 each
• Power tools, such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, and garden equipment--ALL FLUIDS MUST BE DRAINED--$10 each
• Scrap metal--REMOVE NON-METAL PIECES--$5/load
• Computer monitors and televisions--$25-$50 depending on size
• Other residential electronic devices such as computers, stereos, DVD players, and vacuum cleaners--$10 each
• Mattresses and box springs--$20 per unit
• FREE--confidential documents for shredding (limit 4 paper bags or small boxes per vehicle) 

NOT ACCEPTED

• Hazardous waste such as aerosols, household batteries, cleaners, paint, light bulbs, pesticides, etc.
• Furniture, including futons
• Air mattresses
• Construction/demolition materials
• Tires

How to prepare appliances, electronics, and scrap metal for the drop-off event:

• Remove all batteries from electronics
• Drain all fluids from power equipment
• Put similar materials together in trunk/trailer of vehicle and remove all other items from trunk/trailer

Burnsville residents: If you are unable to participate on this date, click the item in the list below for other disposal options.

• Appliances
• Electronics
• Scrap Metal

Questions? Call the Dakota Valley Recycling at 952-895-4511 or contact us via email.

Make your next event or gathering a green one! Dakota Valley Recycling can help you plan a low-waste event by providing free resources to residents and event planners. View the following guides to get started.

Free Guides

1. Planning a low waste event

2. Reduce your waste guide for vendors

3. Vendors that sell compostable products

Borrow Supplies

If you live in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, or Lakeville, Dakota Valley Recycling also has free and easy to use recycling resources for your event including: 

• Portable recycling, organics, and trash stations
• Signs and banners
• Bags and litter grabbers

Contact Jackson Becker by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or by phone (952-895-4511) to reserve equipment. Please note that for larger events requiring 10 or more frames/stations, we will direct you to use Dakota County resources. 

Set up disposal

In order to recycle what you collect, you will have to arrange for a pick up service through a licensed hauler. For a list of licensed commercial haulers, visit our hauler guide here. 

If you collected organics during your event including food and compostable products, you must arrange a separate pick-up for the material to go to a commercial organics recycling site. You may set that service up with your selected hauler. If food and food scraps only were collected, you may place that in a backyard composter.

If you collected any hazardous materials during your event including but not limited to paints, cleaners, fuels, and most products labeled dangerous, flammable, combustible, poisonous, or corrosive, you will need to bring these items to The Recycling Zone in Eagan. Residents are able to drop off hazardous waste for free during open business hours.  

Have a broken item at home gathering dust? Come to a fix-it clinic where residents can bring up to 3 small items to be repaired or mended. Bring in small household electronics, clothing and more and receive free guided assistance to fix your items. Common items include coffee pots, fans, jewelry, and clothes with tears or holes.

Oct. 21, noon–3 p.m. – Pleasant Hill Library
1490 S. Frontage Road, Hastings​

Nov. 18, noon–3 p.m. – Robert Trail Library
14395 Robert Trail, Rosemount

Dec. 2, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
401 Concord St., St. Paul

Sign up to be notified about fu​ture Fix-It Clinics.​ 

Volunteers Needed
Want to share your skills with others looking to learn how to repair their items? Volunteer!
For more information or to sign up, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 612-867-6524.

For More Informationvisit the Dakota County website.

Did you know that the volume of trash generally increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years? Help reduce that waste with some easy reducing and recycling holiday tips. 

Did you know that aluminum foil and trays are 100% recyclable? In fact, they are just as recyclable as aluminum cans! The problem is, not all recycling centers accept foil and trays due to the fact that they often contain food waste which can contaminate collection. This leads to a reusable material ending up in a landfill where it takes about 400 years to break down.

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
952-891-7800

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

Most plastic bags are made with materials that are recyclable, unfortunately this doesn’t mean they can go into your curbside bin. This includes grocery store plastic bags, zip lock bags, newspaper cover slips, bread loaf bags, and anything similar. Why? Because due to their size and shape, they end up clogging machines at recycling facilities. It just takes one bag to get caught and bring the entire operation to a halt, requiring an employee to remove the bag by hand; a time consuming, and possibly dangerous task. 

So what do you do with them?

Most retail and grocery stores offer free plastic bag drop-off bins for guests to use. Just take them there on your next trip! All you need to do is make sure it’s clean and remove any rigid parts including zippers, firm handles, and/or string ties. And of course, always try to reduce first by only taking plastic bags if you really need them.

Stores that offer plastic bag recycling at all locations

Cub Foods, Target, Whole foods, Walmart (super-centers), Rainbow Foods

*Some locations of Lunds & Byerlys, JCPenny’s, and Lowe’s also offer plastic bag recycling

*Some locations have temporarily stopped offering plastic bag drop-off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to check with the specific location prior to your drop-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I put my recyclables in a plastic bag to prevent machines from clogging-can it be recycled then?

Unfortunately no, the first step at many of these facilities is to sort the recyclables from any waste that might have found its way into the stream. If a recycling facility member sees a tied plastic bag, they most likely will assume its trash and throw it away.

What kind of plastic bags can’t go in curbside-is it just plastic grocery bags?

NO plastic bags (zip lock, grocery, film, newspaper slips, etc.) should go in curbside recycling. Take them to a retail location instead.

Do all recycling/trash companies have the same rules?

No, they do not. Some will accept things that others will not however, there are currently no haulers that accept plastic bags through curbside collection. Check out our curbside guide to see what your hauler collects!

The Lakeville Ames Arena is aiming for a new goal: zero waste. The Arena's new waste system provides three options for disposing waste including traditional recycling, trash, and green organics bins. Hockey players and fans alike will notice new green bins around the arena including in the concessions, restrooms and spectating areas. 

To make it easier, the containers all have photos showing what can be thrown where, and all of the items in the concessions have been switched to BPI-Certified compostable products that can be placed in the green bin. Of course, cans and water bottles should continue to go in the traditional blue recycling bin and everything else such as chip bags and candy wrappers belongs in the black trash bin. 

Organics recycling plays an essential role in keeping valuable materials out of landfills. Organics collected at the Ames Arena will be brought to a local organics recycling facility to be turned into compost, a valuable soil additive. Compost improves soil quality, reduces erosion, reduces greenhouse gases, and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers. 

Be sure to check out the Ames Arena's ongoing efforts towards zero-waste on your next trip to the rink! 

Once you've cleaned up for the holiday season, there are a number of ways to dispose of live greenery, such as trees, garlands and wreaths.

Is that old bed keeping you up at night? Not sure what to do with your now uncomfortable couch? Well rest easy, we've got you covered. 

From March 1 - December 22, 2023, Dakota Valley Recycling is partnering with Certified Recycling to offer discounted mattress and furniture recycling for residents of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan and Lakeville. The coupon grants $10 off each piece of furniture, mattress or box spring dropped off.

Before you bring your items to Certified, please consider donation first. If they are in good condition, free of rips and stains, then you can bring them to a local non-profit organization called Bridging located in Bloomington. Bridging accepts usable mattresses, furniture, and houseware for free to drop-off, or a flat rate of $125 to have picked up from your home.

If your items are not in good enough condition to donate, then this discounted collection is the perfect opportunity for you to recycle your old mattress or piece of furniture. To participate, residents must present Certified Recycling with the drop-off coupon shown below (print and digital versions accepted) along with proof of residence. Mattresses must be dry and free of bed bugs. See below for further details.

Where:

Certified Recycling, 14305 Ewing Avenue, Burnsville, MN
952-894-1448 

When:

March 1 - December 22, 2023
Mondays - Fridays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

Recycling Rate:

$10 off per unit (any size mattress, box springs are separate units -- no limit per resident)

Rules:

Must be a resident of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan or Lakeville. Must provide photo ID with current address and the event coupon.
All beds must be dry and free of bed bugs and other contaminants.
For more information about proper mattress disposal, visit our Mattress Recycling Guide.