Minneapolis, MN Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Buildings with 4 or fewer units
- Also covers
- All townhouses per chapter definition
- Administered by
- Director of Public Works
- Exceptions
- Case-by-case, private hauling allowed
- Citation
- Code § 225.600
Summary
The City of Minneapolis provides mandatory municipal solid waste collection for residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and for townhouses; the director of public works may grant case-by-case exceptions allowing private hauling instead.
The director of public works shall collect, remove and dispose of all contained solid waste from all residential buildings containing not more than four (4) dwelling units and from all townhouses as defined in this chapter.
(b)The director of public works may grant exceptions to subsection (a) as follows:(1)To allow or require owners of buildings with more than four (4) dwelling units to use city solid waste collection in the same manner and with the same frequency as required under subsection (a).(2)To allow or require owners of buildings with not more than four (4) dwelling units and townhouses to use private solid waste collection instead of city collection. Exceptions granted under this subsection shall be made on a case by case basis, and nothing herein shall require the director of public works to grant an exception. Exceptions may be originated by the city engineer or by application of the building owner.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 225.600(a) directs the director of public works to collect, remove, and dispose of all contained solid waste from every residential building with four or fewer dwelling units and from townhouses covered by the chapter. Under subsection (b), the director may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis, requiring larger buildings to use city service or allowing four-unit-and-under buildings to switch to private haulers, after weighing the factors listed in subsection (c), such as unit-count accuracy, available container space, and building usage. Properties not served by the city under subsection (d) must still arrange for lawful removal of all solid waste generated on site.
Violations & Fines
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 1.30(a) makes violation of any Code provision, including the collection requirements of this chapter, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or imprisonment up to Minnesota's misdemeanor maximum; each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the city pick up trash at my apartment building?
Can a small building opt out of city collection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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