Solid Waste Program Events

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. Swaps are always free, and items are given and taken freely and at no cost. Participants can take items, donate items, or both.

Upcoming 2025 Swaps:

• Winter Sports & Rec Gear Swap: Saturday, February 8, 11 am - 1 pm in the Bloomington Ice Garden Multipurpose room. Details forthcoming.
• Baby Gear Swap: Saturday, April 26, 11 am - 2 pm at Civic Plaza Black Box Theater. Held in partnership with the Early Childhood Expo. Details forthcoming.
• Creekside Community Center swap: details to be determined, likely to be held in the spring.

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 2023: More than 150 community members swapped nearly 1,400 lbs. of baby gear at Moir Park.
  • June 2024: About 100 attendees swapped 578 lbs. of baby gear at Smith Park.
  • Items left over at the end of Baby Gear Swaps are donated to Strollers For Health to be distributed to families and community members around the Twin Cities.

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!

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 Events

• 2025 events coming soon!

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. Staff frequent events in the spring and summer, but are available year-round!

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

The 2024 Citywide Recycling Drop-Off Event will be held on Saturday, September 28th from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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. 

The 2024 Compost Giveaway took place on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Thanks to all who attended! Stay tuned for next year's giveaway in spring of 2025.