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Plastic Free July
Join the Plastic Free July Challenge! 
By now you are probably aware of the extremely hazardous effects single-use plastics have on our environment and ecosystems once they are disposed of. Help ease this growing problem by limiting your single use plastic by joining the Plastic Free July Challenge.
The Plastic Free July Challenge was started in 2011 by an Australian independent not-for-profit foundation. Their mission is to build a global movement that dramatically reduces plastic use and improves recycling. It aims to raise awareness of your growing plastic waste problem and support behavior change by avoiding single-use (disposable) plastic. This is everything from straws, plastic water bottles, grocery bags, and coffee cups (yes, even coffee cups contain plastic).
Join the over 2 million people across 159 different countries who are choosing to be part of the Plastic Free July Challenge! You can find more information and tips on how to go plastic free and register to be part of the challenge below.
Pumpkin Composting Events
Instead of throwing Mr. Jack-o-Lantern in the trash, residents of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, and Lakeville can drop off their pumpkins at Dakota Valley Recycling's annual pumpkin composting event. This year, the event will be held at FOUR locations making it easier than ever to carve some time into your schedule! The event is FREE for all participants. All collection bins will be available November 4th and 5th.
Drop-off Locations
Eagan Community Center
1501 Central Pkwy (southwest parking lot)
Eagan, MN 55121
Lakeville Police Station
9237 183rd St. W.
Lakeville, MN 55044
What happens to the pumpkins?
All pumpkins are brought to the local Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Organics Recycling Facility where they will be turned into compost - a valuable soil additive. Compost improves soil quality, reduces erosion, reduces greenhouse gases, and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers.
Questions about this event? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.to send an email or call 952-895-4515
Recycle on the Go!
Sport’s events, picnics, walks surrounded by nature: what else is in our parks? Recycling! The parks departments in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan and Lakeville are rolling out recycling containers in some parks making it easier than ever to recycle when you’re away from home.
With assistance from Dakota County, the following parks have been chosen to be the first to receive new bins. In Apple Valley they are Quarry Point Park and Johnny Cake East and West. In Burnsville, you can find recycling bins at Cliff Fen Park, Lion's Skate Park and in ‘The Heart of the City’ at Nicollet Commons. In Eagan, you can discover recycling bins now available at Northview and Lexington-Diffley Parks. And in Lakeville you can find these bins at King, Quigley-Sime, Michaud and Aronson Parks.
Help play a part in reducing the amount of material going to the landfill by recycling your bottles, cans and cardboard in the receptacles just like at home. To help you remember what is recyclable all the new bins now have labels with pictures to show you what is accepted. See for yourself at your next visit to the park.
Just remember, we don’t have to ‘trash’ our parks. Eat, play, have fun and then recycle. Let’s keep our parks healthy, it’s that easy!
Recycling After Home Renovations
Recycling around the home has become easier than ever as more materials are being accepted by haulers and facilities. However, reusing or recycling parts of the home itself after a remodel isn't as easy as throwing it in your curbside bin. Luckily, there are resources in the metro county to reuse and recycle just about any part of the home including carpet, cabinets, insulation, roofing material and more! Check out the reuse and recycling opportunities list below for the names and numbers of locations near you.
Reuse opportunities
For a item to be reused, it must be in excellent condition free of stains, rips or tears. Each reuse location will have specific standards that must be adhered to. Call ahead to see if your item will be accepted or email the locations with a photo of the item you wish to donate.
Habitat for Humanity Restore
2700 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapoilis
612-588-3820
Accepts: Appliances, building materials, carpet, flooring, hardware, kitchen cabinets, paint, tools and other misc. items
See full list of accepted items
Better Futures MN
2620 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis
612-455-6133
Accepts: Doors, cabinets, lighting, lumber, appliances, tiles and plumbing
See a full list of accepted items
Bridging MN
201 W 87th St, Bloomington MN
952-888-1105
Accepts: Furniture, housewares, small appliances & electronics, mirrors, artwork and pictures
See a full list of accepted items
Recycling opportunities
Dem-Con Companies
13161 Dem-Con Drive, Shakopee MN
952-445-5755
Accepts: Asphalt, cabinets, carpet, concrete, fencing material, fiberboard, house wrap, molded fiberglass, pipe, plywood, roofing material, sheetrock, siding, treated wood and more
See a full list of accepted items
Randy's Sanitation
12620 Vincent Ave S, Burnsville MN
763-972-3335
Accepts: Appliances, construction material, bath tubs, pallets, sinks, toilets and more
See a full list of accepted items