A Guide to Trash and Recycling Collection in Bloomington, MN

Understanding your local trash and recycling collection schedule is key to successful curbside pickup. This article provides a comprehensive overview of trash and recycling collection in Bloomington, MN, including accepted materials, preparation tips, schedules, and more.

Trash Collection

• Trash is collected weekly on your designated collection day
• Find your collection day by entering your address
• Collection occurs in set zones on specific weekdays:
  • Monday: East city limit to Portland Ave S
  • Tuesday: Portland Ave S to Penn Ave S
  • Wednesday: Penn Ave S to France Ave S
  • Thursday: France Ave S to Normandale Blvd
  • Friday: Normandale Blvd to West city limit
• Trash must be bagged and fit in your provided cart with lid closed
• Any bags outside cart are “overflow” and incur extra fees
• Overflow fees can be avoided by upgrading cart size

Preparing Trash

• Bag all trash
• Double bag ashes, dust, pet waste, sawdust
• Do not overfill – lid must close
• Consider larger cart if overflow is regular issue

Extra Trash

• Overflow bags outside cart incur extra fees
• Upgrade cart size if overflow is regular
• Extra carts can be added for more space

Accepted Trash Items

• Bags, plastic film
• Personal care products, diapers, pet waste
• Chip bags, candy wrappers, pouches
• Non-recyclable glass and dishes
• Non-recyclable paper, plastic, containers
• Plastic #3, #6, #7, and black plastic
• Old clothing, shoes, decor
• Kids toys, garden hoses, window blinds

Unaccepted Items

• Automotive parts, building materials
• Dirt, soil, hazardous waste
• Liquids, batteries, railroad ties, tires

Recycling Collection

• Recycling is collected every other week on your trash day
• Check the collection calendar for recycling weeks
• Recycling must be loose in the cart, not bagged
• Rinse and empty all containers

Preparing Recycling

• No plastic bags
• Empty and rinse containers
• Keep paper dry
• Don’t flatten cans/cartons

Accepted Recyclables

• Paper, cardboard, cartons
• Plastic bottles and jugs
• Glass bottles and jars
• Metal food cans and clean foil
• Milk and juice cartons

Yard Waste Collection

• Yard waste collection is seasonal from April-November
• Collected weekly on your trash day during yard waste season
• Place yard waste next to carts on collection day

Preparing Yard Waste

• Use compostable bags, reusable containers, or bundle with twine
• No plastic bags
• Cut branches under 3 inches diameter into 4-foot lengths

Accepted Yard Waste

• Grass, leaves, weeds
• Garden plants and vegetables
• Flowers and soil
• Brush and branches

Schedules, Exceptions, and Changes

• Holidays delay collection by one day that week
• Report missed collection immediately
• Upgrades and changes require contacting Utility Billing

Get full details on Bloomington’s trash and recycling programs on the City website. Follow the collection requirements and schedules for smooth waste and recycling pickup.