Solid Waste Program Events

Join us Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Moir Park. All are invited to freely give and take gently used or like new baby gear intended for babies ages 0 - 24 months. Visit blm.mn/swaps to view a detailed list of accepted and unaccepted items.

• When: Wednesday, September 6th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Virtual (Register here)

Join Jenny Kedward, Hennepin County Food Waste Prevention Specialist virtually to learn how to store food to make it last, including end-of-season harvest preservation tips. Jenny will also share information about the Stop Food Waste Challenge that is taking place this month.

We look forward to seeing you there. And, if you are interested in reducing your food waste, it's not too late to join the Stop Food Waste Challenge!

Webinar registration link

This year's citywide drop-off event will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

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. 

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 2023 Events

• Bloomington Pride: Saturday, September 10. 12-5 p.m. at Civic Plaza
• Bloomington Farmers Market: October 14. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Civic Plaza

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

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.

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

The 2023 Compost Giveaway took place on May 6. Details for the 2024 compost giveaway will be posted here and on the events calendar.

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: August 20, 2023. Results coming soon.

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!