What we can’t take, and where it goes instead

We take almost everything. The exceptions are legal rather than fussy. Hazardous material has to go through specific facilities, and no licensed hauler in Minnesota can take it in a truck.

What we cannot take

• Paint, solvents, pesticides and pool chemicals
• Motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, and propane tanks
• Asbestos, including old floor tile and pipe wrap in pre-1980 houses
• Medical waste and sharps
• Ammunition and explosives

Where those actually go

Every metro county runs a household hazardous waste drop-off, and for residents they are free. Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka and Washington all have permanent sites. Search your county name plus "household hazardous waste" for current hours, which change seasonally.

Latex paint is the common surprise: it is not hazardous once solid. Leave the lid off until it dries out, or stir in cat litter to speed it up, and then it goes in the regular bin. Oil-based paint has to go to the drop-off.

Things we can take that people assume we cannot

• Mattresses and box springs
• Fridges, freezers and air conditioners with refrigerant
• Televisions and computer monitors
• Tires, in reasonable numbers
• Construction debris, including concrete and roofing

If you are not sure

Send a photo to 612-208-7435 before the day. It takes a minute and it means the crew turns up with the right plan instead of leaving something behind.