16 Items Now Banned From Recycling Bins in Minnesota

Ever stood in front of your recycling bin with something weird in your hand, thinking, “Can this even go in here?” Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

Recycling in Minnesota isn’t as simple as just tossing everything plastic or metal into the bin; there are rules. But, honestly, sometimes it feels like you need a PhD to figure out what’s recyclable and what’s not.

Is Recycling Mandatory in Minnesota?

Minnesota law makes it clear that recycling is a top priority, and counties are required to make sure all residents, whether they live in single-family homes or large apartment complexes, have easy access to recycling.

Minnesota Statute 115A.552 states that each county must have at least one recycling center and offer convenient options like curbside pickup or drop-off points. In larger cities, these services must cover at least four types of recyclable materials, with monthly pickups in metro areas.

RELATED: 20 Items Now Banned From Throwing in the Garbage in Minnesota

Counties are also responsible for handling tricky items like major appliances and must inform residents about how and where to recycle through educational programs.

What Are Minnesota's Recycling Rules?

Minnesota’s waste system is all about keeping things green and clean, and while there are standards, each county has its way of doing things.

In Minneapolis, there’s an educational tagging system that flags bins containing non-recyclable items to help inform residents. Get more than one tag on your bin and the city may take it away and give it back for a fee.

Knowing what not to recycle is just as important as knowing what you can. Here are some common (and surprising!) items you shouldn’t toss in the recycling in Minnesota.

16 Items You Should Not Put in Your Recycling Bin in Minnesota

Not everything that looks recyclable belongs in your bin—some items can cause major problems at recycling centers or contaminate the whole batch. To keep things running smoothly, here's a quick guide to common items you shouldn’t toss in your recycling bin in Minnesota.

Gallery Credit: Minnesota Now