Five Things to Know About Fall Disposal

1)  Minnetonka’s fall leaf drop-off opens Monday, Sept. 29. During the busiest times, there will be expanded drop-off days. In addition to the normal operating schedule, the site will be open on Friday, Nov. 4 and 18, from 12–6 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 6, 13 and 20, from 12–4 p.m. Enter on the west side of the building (near the Big Willow ball fields). You must present proper identification to verify you are a Minnetonka resident (driver’s license, state I.D., or Minnetonka utility bill). The city leaf drop-off site is “bag free.” Residents unload and/or unbag their leaves and yardwaste onto the large bulk pile and take all empty bags home—including paper and compostable bags.

2) The brush drop-off program for Minnetonka residents is open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Mondays and Tuesdays from noon to 8 p.m. Brush drop-off will end Nov. 19. Trash, metal, plastics, concrete, lumber, fences or wood scraps are not accepted. Loose leaves, pine needles, straw, plant and garden materials go in the separate leaf drop-off area.

3) As you begin your fall yard and leaf cleanup, be aware of the state law, in effect since January 2010, that requires compostable bags for leaves, grass and yard waste set out for curbside collection. Compostable bags may be either paper Kraft bags (large brown paper bags) or compostable plastic bags. The required compostable bags are available in retail stores. Look for compostable plastic bags that state on the box they meet ASTM D6400 standards for composting and that they are “compostable.”

4) The city of Minnetonka will host a special drop-off event Saturday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Minnetonka Public Works, 11522 Minnetonka Blvd. Items accepted include windows, tires, air conditioners, furniture and more. A complete list of accepted items, as well as any disposal fees, are listed on the city’s website.

5) Hennepin County offers residents the opportunity to properly and safely dispose of unwanted, unused and expired medicines free of charge at upcoming Saturday medicine collection events Sept. 24 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (7250 Hwy. 7, St. Louis Park) and Oct. 8 from10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Hennepin County Public Works (3880 Shoreline Drive, Orono). Household medicines will be accepted, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and pet medications. The event is a drive-through service. Put all bottles/packages of medication in a larger, clear plastic bag.