Minnetonka, MN Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Minnetonka handles dumping through its public nuisance chapter rather than a stand-alone dumping offense. Section 845.010 lists the conduct the Minnetonka City Council declared a nuisance affecting public peace, safety and general welfare. Item 6 covers depositing, permitting or failing to remove garbage, trash, rubbish, bottles, cans and other refuse on any property, including large quantities of organic debris and materials that accumulated by other than natural means. Neatly maintained compost piles are the only carve-out. Because the item says permitting or failing to remove, a landowner answers for refuse someone else left.

The water-quality items are narrower and specific. Item 17 covers the intentional discharge of leaves, grass clippings, pet feces, solvents, antifreeze, oil, fireplace ashes, paint and cement rinsate into a street, storm sewer system, or a wetland, creek, pond or lake. Item 18 bars pet feces on frozen lakes, ponds, wetlands or creeks and on public right-of-way, trail easements and publicly owned property. Item 20 bars dumping organic materials on publicly-owned or tax-forfeited property without permission from the public owner.

Other items reach construction and storage sites: item 12 covers discarded construction material or litter not placed in an adequate waste container, item 4 covers piling or storing old machinery, junk, furniture, appliances or other debris, and item 5 covers glass, tacks, nails or bottles thrown on a street or sidewalk. Section 845.005, item 5, adds an accumulation of manure, rubbish, tin cans or other debris as a health nuisance.

Abatement under section 845.045 normally starts with written notice served in person or by certified mail, or posted on the property for at least 72 hours when the owner is unknown. The officer can skip notice when a public nuisance has been caused by private parties on public property.