Latest News
How to Recycle Aluminum Foil and Trays
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.
How To Recycle Batteries
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
How To Recycle Plastic Bags
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!
Lakeville Ames Arena Recycles Organics
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!