Recycling and Waste Reduction

The City of Saint Paul contracts with Eureka Recycling to provide citywide recycling services to residential properties. Recycling and Solid Waste Services also provide support for public space and event recycling, organics recycling, and other waste reduction activities, litter collection and cleanup programs, as well as education and outreach. Having residents participate in the City’s recycling programs helps Saint Paul track and meet our community’s waste diversion goals and improves the livability and safety of our neighborhoods.

Two women with arms locked next to a garbage and recycling can

Recycling Collection

Information on how to use your cart, collection schedules, collection misses, and more.

Man dropping off recycling

Recycling Drop-Off

All Saint Paul residents and small businesses can bring loose recyclable materials to the drop-off site for free.

throwing a banana peel in an organics recycling bin

Waste and Organics Resources

All Saint Paul residential properties with 1-4 units, including rentals and townhomes, must each have garbage service and a cart per unit. Saint Paul residents can also collect household organics in their home and take them to a drop-off site listed below.

woman putting recyclables into a recycling cart at an apartment building

About Residential Recycling

The City of Saint Paul partners with zero-waste non profit Eureka Recycling to provide weekly recycling service to all Saint Paul households. New residents do not need to set up service - simply place your blue recycling cart out for collection by 6:00 am on your collection day.

pw_recycle_come clean

Citywide Clean Up and Litter Control

To help address the ongoing problem of trash and litter in our community, the city is encouraging community members to help clean, beautify and improve their neighborhoods.

Recycling and Waste Reduction Announcements

Find the latest information about modified Recycling and Waste Reduction services.

Recycling Announcements

Recycling and Waste Reduction Guidelines

The City of Saint Paul has a single-sort recycling system. This means that all recyclable materials should be put into one cart. Use this page as a guide for what you can and cannot place in your recycling cart. If it is not listed as an acceptable item - Recycle Smart and keep it our of your cart.

Instructions for Using Your Recycling Cart

Set out your recycling cart by 6:00 a.m. along the edge of the alley or curb with arrows on the top lid facing out.
- Make sure snow is cleared away from the recycling cart. Do not place in or on a snow bank, or in standing water (to prevent your cart from freezing to the ground in the winter).
- Do not place the cart on or behind any retaining wall, inside a fence, or behind a car.
- Place your recycling cart at least two feet away from objects such as garages, trash cart, trees, fences, etc.
- All material must fit loosely inside your cart with the lid closed. Do not place extra cardboard next to your cart.
- Remember to remove your cart from the curb after collection.
Cart Sizes

All households received a 64-gallon cart at the start of the program. If you would like to try a smaller (32-gallon) or larger (95-gallon) cart you may request a switch by calling Eureka Recycling at 651-222-7678. One switch will be allowed at no charge.

Missed Collection

If your recycling was not picked up by 8pm on your collection day, check the list below for proper placement information. If you followed these guidelines and collection was still missed, call Eureka Recycling: 651-222-7678.

Click the link to find out your recycling and garbage collection days.

Interactive Map
Saint Paul’s recycling drop-off center is hosted by Advanced Disposal. All Saint Paul residents and small businesses can bring loose recyclable materials to the drop-off site for free. See below for location, hours, and a list of accepted items.

Location:

Advanced Disposal
309 Como Avenue (Como & Minnehaha)
Saint Paul, MN 55103

Hours:

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays and holidays.

Look for the large containers to the right of Advanced Disposal’s entrance.

Note: Advanced Disposal also accepts other materials at this site for a fee. This includes brush, tires, appliances, and electronics. Call Advanced Disposal at (651) 487-8546 for more information.
Plastic Containers

Empty, rinse, & replace caps/lids
- Plastic Containers #1, #2, & #5
  
  Plastic bottles & jugs
  
  Water, soda, and juice bottles
  
  Milk and detergent jugs
  
  Shampoo, soap, & lotion bottles
  
  Plastic cups & containers
  
  Yogurt, pudding, & fruit cups
  
  Margarine, cottage cheese, & other food tubs
  
  Hard-plastic produce & take-out containers
Metal

Empty & rinse
- Food & beverage cans
- Aluminum foil & trays
- Decorative tins & pie tins
- Empty aerosol cans
Glass

Empty, rinse, & remove caps/lids
- Food & beverage bottles & jars
Cartons

Empty, rinse, replace caps/lids
- Soup, broth, & wine cartons
- Milk cartons
- Juice boxes
Paper

Keep dry & flat
- Office & school papers
- Newspapers & inserts
- Magazines, mail, & phone books
Boxes

Empty & flatten
- Cardboard
- Delivery pizza boxes
- Cereal, cracker, shoe, & gift boxes
- Toiletry boxes

Last Edited: December 7, 2021

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