 International Compost Awareness Week is coming up May 3 to 9 with the theme “feed the soil that feeds us” to raise awareness about the important role that composting food scraps plays in improving the soil that grows our food.
Food scraps and other organic materials you compost at home or in organics recycling programs are broken down by bacteria to create nutrient-rich compost. Compost is used in gardens, at farms, and in landscaping projects to add nutrients to the soil.
Get started putting your food scraps and other compostable materials to better use. Learn about organics recycling programs or register for a free backyard composting workshop.
 With assistance from a Community Zero Waste Grant, Free Geek Twin Cities began accepting donations of computers and electronics at mobile collection events, helping reduce transportation and other access barriers for residents. They continue to accept and resell items at their store in south Minneapolis.
Over 3,350 pounds of electronics were collected at the first mobile collection event on April 18 at Pershing Park in Minneapolis. Free Geek focuses on refurbishing and reusing as many of the collected items as possible. When reuse isn’t feasible, e-waste items are properly recycled.
The next tech drive is Saturday, May 2 at Linden Hills Park in Minneapolis, and more tech drives are being planned in neighborhoods and cities throughout the county.
Choose cash over trash by uncovering your meal planning superpowers
 Nearly 40% of the nation’s food supply is wasted each year – costing consumers money and wasting resources that went into making our food. Jenny Kedward, the county’s food waste prevention specialist, was recently on KSTP and WCCO sharing tips that different meal planning personalities can use to save money by wasting less food.
Gravel-bed nursery helps county replant trees lost to emerald ash borer
 Hennepin County forestry supervisor, Dustin Ellis, gave Fox9 a tour of the county’s gravel-bed tree nursery on Earth Day. The nursery gives the county access to hardy, diverse and cost-effective trees for use on county projects and properties. Many of the trees are planted to replace ash trees that have been removed due to emerald ash borer infestation, and Dustin offers advice to residents on what to do with ash trees on their property.
2026 household hazardous waste collection events
 Hennepin County is holding four hazardous waste collection events in 2026 to give residents more convenient, local disposal options for unwanted garden and household hazardous wastes.
Events are Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates:
- May 1 and 2 at Minnetonka Public Works Department
- July 10 and 11 in Minneapolis at Jenny Lind Elementary School
- August 7 and 8 in Minneapolis at Sullivan STEAM School
- October 2 and 3 in Orono at the Hennepin County Public Works Orono Shop
Before you go, check the website for safety guidelines and the list of acceptable materials. Help spread the word by ordering or downloading a 2026 collection events flyer.
Swap-It events
 Bring gently used items you no longer need. Take home stuff you can use. Swap it–for free!
Swap-it events are a fun, sustainable way to reduce waste, share resources, build community, and support local reuse efforts. You don’t have to bring anything to take something home. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Upcoming Swap-It events
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Outdoor gear: Saturday, May 2 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Rockford Road Library in Crystal
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Sports equipment: Tuesday, June 16 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Community Center
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Building materials: Thursday, July 16 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.at Veterans Memorial Park in Richfield
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School supplies: Saturday, August 15 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis
Early drop-off begins one hour before event start time (no swapping); final items accepted 30 minutes before event ends. Remaining items will be donated to event partners.
Get details about accepted items and what to expect at HennepinCounty.gov/swap-it.
Learning series: trees and forests
We offer free, monthly learning opportunities about trees and forests for residents. These sessions require no previous knowledge and are open to the public.
Upcoming learning sessions:
- Friday, May 8: Tree seed art for families at Hopkins Library
- Thursday, June 18: Tree identification introduction in Brooklyn Center
- Wednesday, July 8: Selecting trees for a pollinator garden in St. Louis Park
Get details about each tree learning series event and register.
Furniture and building material donation events
Donate quality used furniture, mattresses, and building materials for reuse to local organizations, Better Futures MN and Bridging. All materials will be vetted onsite for quality and potential for resale and redistribution.
The events are free and open to all Hennepin County residents. Get details about accepted items and what to expect.
Upcoming furniture and building material donation events
- Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at Robbinsdale Public Works
- Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Hennepin County Public Works in Medina
- Saturday, August 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at Donaldson Park in Richfield (furniture only)
- Saturday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at Brooklyn Park Operations
- Saturday, September 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Louis Park Municipal Service Center
Tour a home renovated with used building materials
Saturday, May 2 at 11:30 a.m. at 2623 NE Taylor Street, Minneapolis
 Want to learn how to renovate your home sustainably? Drop by for a free MSP Home Tour event in northeast Minneapolis. Hennepin County staff will discuss how the home was remodeled with used building materials and supported by a Hennepin County building material reuse grant. Used stained glass, maple flooring, and more helped bring this 1903 house back to life.
Donate building materials at city cleanup events
 Have used building materials and tools laying around? Don't throw them out—donate!
The following city clean up events are also an opportunity to donate usable building materials to Better Futures MN. The organization will be onsite to vet all materials for quality and potential resale.
Twin Cities Bird Festival
 Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
The Twin Cities Bird Festival is just around the corner! Our staff will have a table with seed packets, helpful information, a raffle for a free bird house, and more. Stop by to learn about local species and chat with us about ways to support urban birds. We hope to see you there!
 If you’re doing some spring cleaning, donating usable items to charitable organizations is a great way to help your community and keep items out of the trash. See our donation opportunities brochure (PDF) for options, and follow these tips to make your donations successful.
Check with organizations or events before donating
- Each organization or event has a specific list of items accepted. Check websites or call before bringing your items.
- Check what days and hours they are open to take donations. Never leave items outside an organization or event after hours.
- Some organizations offer pick-up services. Check for availability and fees.
Donate items in good condition
- Items should be safe to use. No recalled items.
- Clothing should be washed.
- Furniture should be structurally sound and have no stains or tears.
- Electrical items should work, and electrical cords should have no exposed wiring.
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