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:

• Baby Gear Swap: Saturday, April 26, from 11 am to 2 pm at Civic Plaza Black Box Theater. Held in partnership with the Early Childhood Expo. Full event details at blm.mn/bgs.
• Creekside Community Center swap: details to be determined, likely to be held in the spring.

Past Swaps:

• Winter Gear Swap: On February 8, 2025, over 120 people swapped 349 lbs. of winter sporting gear, including hockey pads, skis, outerwear and more. Thanks to the Bloomington Ice Garden for hosting this fabulous event!
• Baby Gear Swaps: 
  • June 2024: About 100 attendees swapped 578 lbs. of baby gear at Smith Park.
  • August 2023: More than 150 community members swapped nearly 1,400 lbs. of baby gear at Moir Park.
  • Leftover items were donated to Strollers For Health and distributed to families and community members in need around the Twin Cities.
• Garden Tool Swap: In 2022, over 1,000 lbs. of gardening tools were swapped and kept out of a landfill.

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 2025 Citywide Recycling Drop-Off Event will be held on Saturday, September 20th 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 2025 Compost Giveaway will take place on Saturday, May 10.  Stay tuned for more details about how to sign up for your compost!