Minnetonka's Brush and Leaf Drop-Off Opens

The brush and leaf drop-off programs for Minnetonka residents open this week.

The brush drop-off program for Minnetonka residents will open Saturday, April 7, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is two days earlier than previously announced. Brush drop-off remains open until Nov. 18.

The leaf drop-off program opens Monday, April 9. Spring leaf drop-off ends Sunday, May 13.

Brush Drop-Off

On Monday and Tuesday the brush site at is open from noon to 8 p.m. On Saturdays, the site is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The brush drop-off site will be closed on the following holidays: Memorial Day, May 28 and Labor Day, Sept. 3.

Branches up to 12″ in diameter will be accepted. This service is available only to Minnetonka residents. Proof of Minnetonka residency is required to drop-off brush (driver’s license or utility bill). No brush will be accepted from commercial tree or lawn services.

Please note: Trash, metal, plastics, concrete, lumber, fences or wood scraps are not accepted. Do not bring these materials with your load of brush. Loose leaves, pine needles, straw, plant and garden materials go in the separate leaf drop-off area: the spring leaf drop-off opens Monday, April 9, 2012. The brush drop-off and leaf drop-off programs have different processing methods and distinct end markets for the different materials.

For information about composting and yard waste management, call 952-988-8430, during business hours or leave a message anytime.

Leaf Drop-Off

The at 11522 Minnetonka Blvd will be the only site accepting leaves and yard waste. 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, May 4 and 11, from 12–6 p.m., and Sunday, May 6 and 13, 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 will unload and/or unbag their leaves and yardwaste onto the large bulk pile and take all empty bags home for reuse or disposal—including paper and compostable bags. Bring proper equipment, like a stout pitch fork, to unload your truck or trailer load of leaves.

The suggested method is to use many layers of tarps between a foot or less of leaves. Use the tarp to gather up and move a small pile of leaves from your yard to your trailer or vehicle, continue using lots of small tarp loads until the vehicle is full. This makes unloading your leaves easier and faster at the site. All you need to do is flip off the tarps one at a time. Try it, you will spend less time loading and unloading your leaves.

Loads of leaves must be covered during transport.

Sticks and branches smaller than ½ inch in diameter are acceptable with leaves; anything larger goes to the brush pile.

Leaves accepted at on the following days and times:

May expanded dates and times

May expanded Friday and Sunday fall leaf drop-off hours:

The 2012 spring leaf drop-off ends Sunday, May 13.

If you have other means of handling your leaves such as collection by your garbage hauler or backyard composting, the city encourages you to use that option instead.

All garbage haulers offer curbside collection of yard waste for a fee (either an annual, monthly, per cart or per bag fee). The garbage hauler yardwaste collection programs typically run mid-April through mid-November. Check with your garbage hauler for details. See information on proper bags required for curbside collection of bagged yard waste.

Information about composting and yard waste management is available from Dean Elstad, public works, at 952-988-8430.