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Acceptable Recyclables
Large Items
When bringing in large items other than appliances or electronics, please bring your own help. Staff is not allowed to lift/load large items.
Fees
Items that have a fee must be paid at time of drop off. Coon Rapids Recycling Center accepts cash, credit card (we are unable to accept American Express) or check payment. Fees are listed with each category.
Acceptable Recyclable Materials
The Recycling Center collects the following recyclable items listed below only. Any trash brought to the site by mistake must be taken with you for proper disposal.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze accepted, do not mix with other fluids.
Appliances
Bring appliances to the Coon Rapids Recycling Center during regular business hours. We no longer host special weekend events.
*More details about dates and items accepted here*
Athletic shoes
Athletic shoes only. No other shoes accepted in this specific program. Other shoes should go into the clothing bins outside the gate at the Recycling Center. All shoes should be ties together as a pair.
Baby Gear/Car seats
See Car seats (C)
Ballasts
The Recycling Center does accept ballasts at no charge. Remove the ballast from your light fixture prior to bringing in.
Batteries
All batteries are accepted for recycling including auto, alkaline, and rechargeable batteries.
Bed
See Mattress (M)
Bed Frame
Metal bed frames are recyclable in our scrap metal. Wooden (nonmetal) frames, headboards are not accepted.
Bicycles
All bicycles are accepted in all conditions. Bikes that are dropped off are not available take away by the public. Please ask an attendant if you have questions.
Books
All types of books are accepted for recycling. Look for the plastic tote boxes where hard cover, soft cover and magazines will be co-mingled together.
Boxes & Food Cartons
- Only boxes that are stored dry are accepted. Boxes that are made for storage in the refrigerator or freezer not accepted and should be thrown in your trash.
- Cake, cracker, cereal and fruit snack boxes accepted.
- Juice boxes, milk, soup, broth and wine cartons are accepted.
- Pop and Beer cartons need to be placed in the black plastic box at the recycling center. These boxes must be kept separate from other paper and cardboard because they contain a wet-strength additive.
Box Spring,
See Mattress (M)
Car Seats/Baby Gear
Current program only accepts CENTURY BRAND PRODUCTS
No other brand qualifies (Century funds the program)
Item MUST be boxed, 1 item per box. Shipping box should not exceed 96 inches in length and 130 inches in combined length and girth (length + 2X width + 2X height)
Items accepted: Car Seat, High Chair, Stroller, Play Yard
All boxes will be inspected to ensure brand and item are on the accepted list. Items not meeting terms above will be declined.
Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard is the only accepted form of cardboard. Staples and tape must be removed.
Carpet Pad/Carpet - no longer accepted
We hope to bring this back as soon as markets become available.
CDs & DVDs
CDs and DVDs are accepted at $1.00 per pound. Cases are allowed.
Christmas Lights
All holiday lights, strings and electrical cords are accepted for recycling year-round.
Clothing/Textiles
Currently accepting both usable and non-usable clothing, including fabric scraps. Look for the white metal bin located outside the fence.
Computer/Computer Monitor
See Electronics (E)
Cooking Oil (Vegetable - Cooking)
See (O)
Crib Mattress
See Mattress (M)
Dehumidifier
See Appliance (A)
Dryer
See Appliance (A)
Drywall
Currently not accepted
CDs & DVDs
CDs and DVDs are accepted at $1.00 per pound. Cases are allowed.
Egg Cartons
Re-use: Paper cartons only that are clean will be accepted- for the re-use program. If you need egg cartons these can be taken from the center for free.
Recycling: Styrofoam cartons can be partially recycled if they meet the following criteria. White, no print of any kind. Any colored cartons should be placed in the trash. If your white styrofoam carton has printing on the top portion, cut the carton apart, throw the top and place the bottom in the box of styrofoam at the Recycling Center.
Electronics
Bring electronics and small appliances to the Coon Rapids Recycling Center during regular business hours. We no longer host special weekend events.
*More details about dates and items accepted here*
| Type of Electronic | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tube Televisions and monitors up to 18" | $25 Each |
| Tube Televisions and monitors 19" to 31" | $35 Each |
| Tube Televisions and monitors 32" and over | $60 Each |
| Flat Screen Televisions and monitors up to 31" | $1.00 per pound |
| Flat screen Televisions and monitors 32" and over | $45 Each |
| Other electronics & small appliances: remote controls, keyboards, mice, pagers, MP3 players, small calculators, hairdryer, curling irons, DVD/VCR players, stereos, record players, coffee makers, toaster ovens, printers, video game consoles, computer towers with hard drive Vacuums | 1.00 per pound $5 Each |
| Cellphones | Free |
| Copy machines, treadmills, other large electronics | NOT accepted |
Load all items into the boxes that are located inside the roll-off after they are weighed. Please load the items neatly filling the boxes in the rear first. Pay inside the recycling center after you have loaded. Recycling Staff is not available to assist in loading/unloading electronics. Please bring assistance with you if you need it.
The Recycling Center is monitored by video surveillance, failure to pay is a crime, the City will prosecute offenders.
Scheduling Electronic Pick-Ups
If you are unable to get to the Recycling Center, several companies pick up electronics once a week. Click on the link above for more information.
Extension Cords
All electrical cords are accepted
Fabric/scraps
See textiles (T)
Filters (Oil)
Please drain all oil filers. Only residential filters will be accepted. No business waste will be accepted.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers will be accepted for a fee of $5 per extinguisher. All extinguishers are accepted.
Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs are accepted for free from Anoka County residents only. Any shape or size bulb will be accepted. Incandescent bulbs can be thrown in the trash. Bulbs will not be accepted from businesses and other organizations due to contractual agreements. Businesses and other organizations can bring bulbs to Recycle Technologies located at 10040 Davenport Street NE, Blaine, 763-785-0456.
Foam Mattress Topper
See Mattress (M)
Freezer
See Appliances (A)
Garden Pots -closing September 30 for the season-
Re-use program runs April 1 to September 30 (weather permitting)
These pots are not recyclable, only for re-use, please follow guidelines
Accepted: Gardening pots and seed starters in good usable condition
Not Accepted: Cracked or broken pots
Glass
Accepted: Food or beverage bottles and jars - please rinse first.
Not Accepted: Window glass, dishes, or light bulbs, table top glass, mirrors.
Grill/BBQ (See scrap metal)
Grills- gas or charcoal are accepted, no charge. Remove non metal items (wheels, handles, charcoal, propane tank) Grills should be placed in the scrap metal dumpsters, propane tanks go are collected in a separate area. Both are no charge.
Ink Cartridge
Small size accepted only. Must fit in the palm of your hand. Laser ink is not accepted.
Large, Bulky Plastic Items
Large bulky plastic items are not accepted. Some examples are:
- Toys
- Sheds
- Rubbermaid storage totes
- Patio furniture
- Hose reels
Lawn Chair
Plastic resin lawn chairs are not recyclable and should be thrown in the trash. Chairs with metal frames can be recycled, remove all non-metal portions prior to scrap metal.
Light Bulb
See Fluorescent Bulbs (F)
Mattresses/Box Spring- Daily drop off
Mattresses, box springs, foam mattress toppers unable to be donated can be recycled.
All Mattress/Box Spring -$25.00 per piece.
Crib Mattress $15.00 per piece Bring mattresses/box springs to the Coon Rapids Recycling Center during regular business hours.
Mattress Toppers- $15.00 3" and under
Mattress Topper 4" and larger-$25.00 foam only
remove any fabric, roll up and tie off.
As you enter the Recycling Center, follow the road to the far side of the lot. Look for the enclosed roll-off containers. Pull up to the set of containers marked "Mattresses". Fill out the payment slip, these are located on the inside of the roll-off door. Mark how many items you have and load them neatly into the roll-off from rear to front. Pay inside the Recycling Center.
Recycling staff is unable to load/unload your items, please bring assistance with you if it is needed.
The recycling Center is monitored by video surveillance, failure to pay is a crime, the City will prosecute offenders.
Metal Cans
Rinse out aluminum, tin and steel cans. No aerosol or paint cans accepted.
Microwave
See Appliance (A)
Motor Oil (Used)
5-gallon limit. No business waste accepted.
Newspaper
All newspaper including interior supplements are accepted.
Oil (Motor Oil -Used)
5-gallon limit. No business waste accepted.
Please re-use your containers or bring back home to throw away. Oil containers cannot be recycled. We have no trash on-site.
Oil (Vegetable - Cooking)
Vegetable-based oils are accepted. Grease, bacon grease or Crisco grease are not accepted.
Oven
See Appliance (A)
Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts are accepted in our re-use program. They must be clean and dry and bagged.
Paint
Up to five gallon containers will be accepted. There is a 100 gallon limit per visit. See list of accepted and not accepted items.
Paper (Mixed)
Envelopes
Mixed mail
Office paper
Phone books
School papers
Shred paper- for paper already shredded, place in a brown grocery bag, fold over and place in the mixed paper container.
Photographs
Photos are not recyclable, and should be placed in the trash.
Pizza Box
Pizza boxes are not recyclable, however they can be placed in the organics bin. Remove all stickers and non organics items prior to placing in organics.
Plastic
All items must have a recycling symbol and number. If the item is not marked we are unable to take it. Any item larger than a 5-gallon bucket will not be accepted.
Acceptable Types: Black accepted
- #1: All plastic
- #2: All plastic
- #5: All plastic
Plastic Bags - ALL COLORS ACCEPTED
If the bags stretch they are accepted. Bags that do not stretch or rip/tear are not accepted. Tarp material bags are not accepted unless both the inside layer AND outside layer BOTH stretch.
- Amazon bubble mailer
- Bread bags
- Cereal bags
- Dry cleaning
- Frozen food bags - test these bags by stretching them. Majority are NOT recyclable.
- Newspaper bags
- Plastic grocery
- Plastic stretch/shrink-wrap
- Plastic wrap from paper products
- Plastic zipper bags with rigid closing mechanism and food residue removed
- Produce bags
- Retail bags (string or hard plastic ties removed)
- Softener salt bags with plastic handles removed
- No foil-lined plastic bags
- No chip bags or candy wrappers
All material must be clean and dry. ALL COLORS ACCEPTED
Propane Tanks
Propane tanks larger than 1# and up to 40# accepted free of charge. Tanks must be empty.
1# tanks not accepted. (Anoka County Hazardous Waste will accept these)
Railroad Ties
Not accepted.
Refrigerator
See Appliance (A)
Range
See Appliance (A)
Scrap Metal
Please remove all non-metal material. Grills and snow blowers may be recycled with scrap metal- remove wheels, any fuel and all non-metal pieces. No compressed air cylinders allowed. All metal MUST be placed INSIDE the roll-off containers. Bring assistance with you if needed. Foil lined bags or candy wrappers do not belong in scrap metal.
Sharps
Sharps/needles are not accepted. Anoka County Hazardous Waste accepts them. 763-324-3400
Sheetrock/Drywall
Currently not accepted
Shoes
Athletic shoes should be placed with athletic shoe program inside the gate. All other shoes should be placed outside the fence in the clothing collection box. Tie all shoes together in a pair prior to drop off.
Shredded Paper
See Paper shredding link in the blue banner
Snow Blower
Drain all fluids (oil/gas) and remove tires. Place snow blower inside the scrap metal. Bring assistance if needed, staff does not assist.
Stove
See Appliance (A)
Styrofoam (Food Grade)
Meat trays, cups and take out containers are currently accepted. Material must be clean and dry. Only solid white material is accepted. No printed or colored material is allowed. (No print, logos, or colors - solid white only).
Styrofoam (Rigid Block & Shape)
Block & shape Styrofoam is thick and heavy. It is packing material for electronics or appliances typically. Material must be white, rigid, clean, dry and uncontaminated. Remove all tape, stickers, labels, cardboard, glue, etc. No bagged material accepted. Please empty your bags/boxes into the boxes staged at the Recycling Center. Staff may refuse material if it doesn’t meet standards, and then must be taken away.
We cannot accept insulation, colored material, or hot tub covers.
Textiles/Used clothing
Currently accepting both usable and non-usable materials. Look for the bin located outside the fence of the Recycling Center. Fabric scraps should be 12"x12" or larger. Smaller scraps are not accepted. No paint or oil stained clothing accepted.
Please bag all items.
Tires
No business tires accepted.
| Type | OFF Rim Cost ON Rim Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Tires | $4.50 each $5.50 each | |
| Light Truck Tires | $4.50 each $5.50 each | |
| Semi Truck Tires | $15 each $20 each | |
| Tractor Tires | $35 each $45 each | |
| ATV/ Motorcycle/Trailer Tires | $4.50 each $5.50 each | |
| Bike Tire | $1.50 each |
Other Recycling Options
Tire recycling is also available where tires are sold.
Toilets
Not accepted
Treadmills
Not accepted
TV
See Electronics (E)
Vacuum
See Appliance (A)
VCR Tapes
VCR tapes are accepted for a fee of $1.00 per pound. Cases are also accepted.
Vegetable Oil - Cooking
See (O)
Vinyl Siding
Not accepted.
Washer
See Appliance (A)
Water Heater
See Appliance (A)
Water Softener
See Appliance (A)
Window and Window Glass
Not accepted.
Wire
All electrical wire and cable is accepted
Wood
Not accepted.
Items Not Accepted for Recycling
Remodeling Waste including:
- Drywall
- Patio doors and screens
- Railroad Ties
- Fiberglass
- Windows and window glass
- Wood
- Large plastic items
Other items including:
- Furniture of any type
- Treated wood including doors, furniture, decks and others
- Child Car Seats
- Styrofoam with tape, cardboard and other items attached
- Styrofoam eggs cartons, take out boxes, meat trays or cups that are NOT white, or have printing on them
- Large plastic items, lawn furniture
- Plastic #3, #4, #6, #7 have been discontinued at this time
Where May I take Construction/Demolition Waste for Recycling?
SKB Environmental in Blaine will take construction/demolition waste for recycling. Visit the company’s website for more information.
For More Information
Please check with the Recycling Center first before bringing other items not listed. For disposal options, call your trash hauler or Elk River Landfill 763-441-2464, or Walters transfer station 763-780-8464.
Have a specific item and don’t know how to dispose of it properly? Not sure if it’s recyclable? Send us your questions!