As we wind down the year and gear up for holiday festivities, the city's recycling rules remain steadfast—and they're making sure we know what's green and what's not this season. According to the latest bulletin from the City of Brooklyn Park, all residents should have their recycling carts out at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on collection day—crews will be sweeping through until 6:00 p.m. to clear recyclable goods, keeping our streets clean and our conscience clear as we celebrate.
The city reminds residents to follow proper cart etiquette when setting out recyclables. Carts should be kept at least three feet from obstacles, including other carts and mailboxes, with handles facing away from the street. Officials stress that materials must be placed loosely in the cart. Plastic bags should remain unopened, while paper bags can tangle during truck compaction, potentially sending recyclables to the landfill instead of recycling.
During the holidays, when waste tends to pile up, residents with extra recyclables have options. Items that don’t fit in standard carts—or aren’t accepted curbside—can be taken to the Hennepin County Drop-Off Facility, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 8300 Jefferson Highway in Brooklyn Park, as noted by the City of Brooklyn Park. The facility accepts a wide range of materials, including bottles, cans, batteries, electric cords, and holiday lights.
Some items can be dropped off free of charge, including cardboard boxes and organics if placed in a compostable bag. However, larger items such as appliances, electronics—including TVs and computers—as well as mattresses and box springs, require a recycling fee, as per the City of Brooklyn Park.
