Solid Waste Program Events

The City is closing the loop by providing finished compost made from food scraps and other compostable collected in our organics recycling program.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Western Maintenance, 10500 Hampshire Ave S (Google map)

New this year, residents must be participating in the organics program (curbside or drop-off) to pick up compost.  Residents need to RSVP by May 3 to secure compost as well as a designated timeslot to pick it up.  This may help alleviate lines, and will allow the City to verify participation in the organics program.  

The compost giveaway, funded through a Hennepin County grant, is intended to encourage participation in full circle organics recycling that begins and ends with residents.

To secure your bags, RSVP by May 3 at blm.mn/compost. Compost supply is limited. 

Not signed up for organics recycling yet? Sign up at blm.mn/organics. 

Interested in helping at the compost giveaway event?  Sign up to volunteer at blm.mn/compost-volunteer.

Find City Solid Waste staff at upcoming events near you! We are often out in the community 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 (must be signed up for curbside organics recycling or an organics recycling drop-off location).

Upcoming Events

• There are no upcoming community events that Solid Waste staff plan to attend at this time. Check back for events soon!

Want us to attend your event?

• Contact Solid Waste staff at the phone number and email listed on this page. Solid Waste staff are available on a first come, first served basis. Staff frequent events in the spring and summer, but are available year-round!

Times listed are when Solid Waste staff will attend. See linked event pages for full event details.

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.

Past Swaps:

• Garden Tool Swap: In 2022, over 1,000 lbs. of gardening tools were swapped and kept out of a landfill.
• Baby Gear Swap: On Sunday, August 20, 2023, more than 150 community members attended the Baby Gear Swap. Nearly 1,400 lbs. of gear were swapped. Items left over at the end of the event were taken by Strollers For Health or City staff and donated to families and community members around the Twin Cities.

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!

The 2024 Citywide Recycling Drop-Off Event will be held on Saturday, September 28th from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Open to all Bloomington residents, this event helps recycle bulky items as well as certain items that can't be recycled in your recycling cart. Paper shredding is available on site, and other collected items include electronics, appliances, scrap metal, tires, mattresses, and bicycles.

To learn more about what items are accepted for free or a small fee, visit blm.mn/bulkies.