Minnesota Statewide Rule

Minnesota Banned Materials and Bulk Disposal Restrictions

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota state law bans appliances, electronics, tires, lead-acid batteries, and mercury-containing devices from solid waste disposal. These items must be recycled through approved channels regardless of local bulk pickup rules.

Key Facts

Appliances banned: Minn. Stat. 115A.9565
Tires banned: Minn. Stat. 115A.9155
Battery take-back: Retailer required
Electronics: Producer responsibility
CFC removal: Required pre-disposal

Source: Minnesota Revisor of Statutes

Full Breakdown

Several Minnesota statutes prohibit bulk items from landfill or solid waste disposal statewide. Minn. Stat. 115A.9565 bans major appliances (refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washers, dryers) from mixed solid waste; CFC removal is required before disposal. Minn. Stat. 115A.9155 bans waste tires from landfills. Minn. Stat. 115A.915 bans lead-acid batteries; retailers must accept used batteries. Minn. Stat. 115A.932 bans mercury thermostats and certain mercury devices. Electronics fall under the Electronics Recycling Act (Minn. Stat. 115A.1310-1330). These bans apply universally; cities may offer collection programs but cannot allow landfilling banned materials. Producers and retailers have take-back obligations.

Violations & Penalties

Disposing of banned bulk items in solid waste is subject to MPCA administrative penalties up to $10,000 per violation. Haulers knowingly accepting banned materials face enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my old refrigerator at the curb?

Only if your local hauler accepts white goods for recycling. Minn. Stat. 115A.9565 bans appliances from landfills statewide. Refrigerators and freezers also need certified CFC refrigerant removal before disposal.

What do I do with old car batteries?

Lead-acid batteries are banned from solid waste under Minn. Stat. 115A.915. Auto parts retailers selling new batteries must accept used ones for recycling, often with a small core fee.

Are tires accepted at landfills in Minnesota?

No. Minn. Stat. 115A.9155 prohibits whole tires from landfills statewide. Take tires to retailers, county collection sites, or approved tire recyclers; small disposal fees typically apply.

Sources

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