Title
Solid Waste Events & Outreach
Residential Solid Waste Program Links
Sections
Upcoming Solid Waste Events
Sep
26
Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
The event is open to all Bloomington residents. Certain items will be accepted at no cost, and other items a fee will apply.
Find Solid Waste staff at these community events and pop-ups:
Note, staff are often but not always present for full event duration. For example, staff typically leave once Arts in the Parks performances start up. Contact Solid Waste Division with questions on specific events.
Jun
24
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Solid Waste and Sustainability staff will have an informational table at Oxboro Library on this date. Stop by to learn more about ways you can reduce energy and waste in your household, ask questions, and pick up free lightbulbs and organics buckets.
Jun
25
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Solid Waste staff will have an informational table at Bloomington Ice Garden on this date. Stop by to learn how you can reduce waste in your household, ask questions, and pick up a free organics kitchen pail.
Jun
30
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 - 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Solid Waste staff will have an informational table at Bloomington Ice Garden on this date. Stop by to learn how you can reduce waste in your household, ask questions, and pick up a free organics kitchen pail.
Jul
07
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - 7–8:30 p.m.
Music and dance performances on select Tuesdays at Normandale Lake Bandshell beginning at 7 p.m.
Jul
08
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 - 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Solid Waste staff will have an informational table in the VEAP lobby on this date. Stop by to learn how you can reduce waste in your household, ask questions, and pick up a free organics kitchen pail.
Jul
11
Saturday, July 11, 2026 - 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Solid Waste and Sustainability staff will have a booth at the Bloomington Farmer's Market on this date. Stop by to learn more about recycling and waste reduction best practices, ask questions, and pick up a free organics recycling kitchen pail.
Jul
15
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - 4–7 p.m.
Join us for a fun and informative day at the Healthy Living & Sustainability Resource Fairs! Staff from Bloomington Public Health, Solid Waste and Sustainability will be on hand to share valuable resources to help you live a healthier, more sustainable life.
Jul
19
Sunday, July 19, 2026 - 6–8 p.m.
Sunday Funday heads to Normandale Lake Bandshell on July 19.
Jul
20
Monday, July 20, 2026 - 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Enjoy the finest in free kids entertainment at Valley View Park, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Jul
22
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 2–4 p.m.
Join us for a fun and informative day at the Healthy Living & Sustainability Resource Fairs! Staff from Bloomington Public Health, Solid Waste and Sustainability will be on hand to share valuable resources to help you live a healthier, more sustainable life.
Jul
29
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - 5–8 p.m.
Music, games, food trucks, a farmers market and more await at Bloomington Civic Plaza, Wednesdays in July and August.
Aug
01
Saturday, August 1, 2026 - 12–2 p.m.
Join us for a fun and informative day at the Healthy Living & Sustainability Resource Fairs! Staff from Bloomington Public Health, Solid Waste and Sustainability will be on hand to share valuable resources to help you live a healthier, more sustainable life.
Aug
04
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Solid Waste and Sustainability staff will have an informational table at Oxboro Library on this date. Stop by to learn more about ways you can reduce energy and waste in your household, ask questions, and pick up free lightbulbs and organics buckets.
Aug
06
Thursday, August 6, 2026 - 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Thursdays offer incredible music, food and more, all summer at Normandale Lake Bandshell.
Aug
10
Monday, August 10, 2026 - 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Enjoy the finest in free kids entertainment at Normandale Lake Bandshell, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Aug
19
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Solid Waste staff will have an informational table in the VEAP lobby on this date. Stop by to learn how you can reduce waste in your household, ask questions, and pick up a free organics kitchen pail.
Aug
19
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 5–8 p.m.
Music, games, food trucks, a farmers market and more await at Bloomington Civic Plaza, Wednesdays in July and August.
Aug
22
Saturday, August 22, 2026 - 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Solid Waste staff will have a booth at the Bloomington Farmer's Market on this date. Stop by to learn more about recycling and waste reduction best practices, ask questions, and pick up a free organics recycling kitchen pail.
Sep
12
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Solid Waste staff will have a booth at the Bloomington Farmer's Market on this date. Stop by to learn more about recycling and waste reduction best practices, ask questions, and pick up a free organics recycling kitchen pail.
Sep
16
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Solid Waste staff will have an informational table in the VEAP lobby on this date. Stop by to learn how you can reduce waste in your household, ask questions, and pick up a free organics kitchen pail.
Oct
17
Saturday, October 17, 2026 - 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Solid Waste staff will have a booth at the Bloomington Farmer's Market on this date. Stop by to learn more about recycling and waste reduction best practices, ask questions, and pick up a free organics recycling kitchen pail.
Additional information
Compost Giveaway: Every spring, the City offers bagged compost to organics recycling participants. The compost is provided through a Hennepin County grant, and celebrates the final product of residents' efforts to compost their food waste and scraps. Learn more at blm.mn/compost.
Citywide Recycling Drop-Off: This event takes place every fall, typically on a Saturday in September. Open to all Bloomington residents, the drop-off helps recycle bulky items and certain items that can't go in regular recycling, such as paper for shredding, electronics, appliances, scrap metal, tires, mattresses, and bicycles. Learn more at blm.mn/bulkies.
- Swaps: Community swap events are organized by Bloomington Solid Waste staff to supplement the Bulky Item Management Program. These events allow bulky items to continue being used, bring together residents, and make costly items more accessible to swap participants. Swaps are always free, and items are given and taken freely and at no cost. Any upcoming swaps are highlighted above. The City has held the following swaps in recent years:
- Baby Gear Swap (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Winter Gear Swap (February 2025)
- Garden Tool Swap (2022)
- We plan to hold more swaps in the future and try new swap categories to reduce waste in new ways. Contact Solid Waste Staff at 952-563-4660 or cpardubsky@bloomingtonmn.gov to weigh in on what items we should swap next!
City Solid Waste staff often attend community events to answer questions, share resources, and help you recycle right. Visit our table to pick up a free organics recycling kitchen pail while supplies last.
Solid Waste staff typically attend these community events:
- Bloomington Farmers Market (not in attendance at all dates)
- Midweek Market (not in attendance at all dates)
- Bloomington Home Fair
- Public Works Open House
- Bloomington Pride
- Juneteenth Celebration
Events are always being added above. Check back soon!
Want us to attend your event? Solid Waste staff are available on a first come, first served basis. Staff frequent events and community spaces in the spring and summer, but are available year-round.
Contact Information