There are two types of collection systems; open and organized. In an open collection system, customers choose their own waste hauler. In an organized system, waste hauling services are coordinated by a public entity. Organized collection service benefits include reduced wear and tear on streets, reduced traffic, pollution, and noise. Same day pickup in neighborhoods provides aesthetic benefits (carts at the curb just once a week), increased recycling capture rates, and excellent customer service.
Farmington is unique among those communities with organized collection because the city owns and operates the automated trucks that provide residents and businesses with an efficient and cost effective service. 

Single sort recycling, yard waste service, temporary dumpsters, and pickups for large, bulky items are provided by a private contractor, currently Dick’s Sanitation, selected through a proposal process.

Please follow these guidelines for trash pickup:

• Place containers at the curb or alley by 7 a.m. on your collection day. Routes may change and your driver may collect in your neighborhood at a different time of day from week to week.

• Bag and tie your trash to prevent litter and avoid attracting pests.

• Keep containers behind the curb and off of the street.

• Trash containers need at least 5 feet of clearance on both sides from mail boxes, recycle carts, utility poles, fences, basketball hoops, etc., allowing access for the mechanical arm on the truck. Containers should have at least 15 feet of clearance from vehicles.

• Bagged household trash outside of your container (set 3 feet away, please) will be collected and any extra fees will be added to your quarterly utility bill. Fees may be charged for bags holding container lids open more than 6 inches or for trash spilled from overfull containers. Customers who overfill their carts more than 50% of the time during a quarter and do not request a level of service change will automatically be raised to the next level of service.

• Return trips are available for a fee that is added to your utility bill. To schedule a return trip, call 651-280-6905 or email LLarson@FarmingtonMN.gov.

• Do you need a different size container? If you frequently have more trash than what fits in your cart or way too much space in your cart every week, there are options available. Visit the trash collection fees web page for rates. To setup or change service contact:  UtilityBilling@FarmingtonMN.gov or 651-280-6883. You can change your cart size once a year without paying a service fee.

If you have a bulky item (furniture, exercise equipment, carpeting, appliance, etc.) to get rid of you can use one of these methods any time throughout the year:

For the best pricing make sure to search Dakota County's Recycling Guide for appliances and mattresses.

1. Schedule a pick up or drop off - DSI will accept bulky items at any time. Find accepted items and pricing in the bulk item price list. Schedule a pick-up at 952-469-2239 or drop off at Recycle MN for a 30% reduced rate - 8812 215th St. W., Lakeville, MN. 

2. Recycling Zone - The Dakota County Recycling Zone, 3365 Dodd Road, accepts the following types of waste, most for free: 

• Household chemicals and hazardous waste
• Electronics (TV's/Computer Monitors $10)
• Small household appliances
• Recyclables
• Tires

For a detailed list, see Dakota County's website. 

3. Reuse - Visit Dakota County's Recycling Guide for other reuse options. Items can be donated through organizations like Bridging. View our list of reuse opportunities. Also consider posting them through online marketplaces like Facebook, Nextdoor or Craigslist. Maybe make a few bucks!

Temporary dumpsters are available to rent for big cleaning jobs. Request forms are available at City Hall and online - Dumpster Request Form. Call 651-280-6905 or email LLarson@FarmingtonMN.gov with questions. If you need a size not offered by the city, contact DSI at 952-469-2239.

Private haulers with a permit from the City of Farmington are able to dispose of remodeling/construction waste.  

Recycling is beneficial to the environment and can help reduce your trash service needs. Recycling markets are rapidly growing and items are added to the list of acceptable materials regularly!

• List of acceptable and unacceptable items

Farmington residents report recycling more and being satisfied with the capacity of their recycling cart. However, if you have noticed that your recycling cart consistently does not hold all of your recyclables until collection day, first make sure you are breaking down your recycling so it takes up the least amount of space possible in the cart. If your cart is still overflowing every other week, you can request a larger one by calling DSI at 952-469-2239.

For current information on recycling even more, visit the Dakota County Recycling Guide.

Residents can drop off excess cardboard at various locations across the city. Please break down the boxes flat before placing them in the dumpster. Do not leave loose cardboard next to the dumpster as it could be carried away by the wind. Here are the locations:

1. Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St.
   
   
2. Behind City Hall by Feely's Elevator, 420 Second St. 
   
   
3. Schmitz-Maki Arena, 114 Spruce St.
   
   
4. Between the Maintenance Facility and Police Department on Municipal Drive

If the city drop-offs are full, residents can take their extra cardboard to Recycle Minnesota. Find hours and more information at dickssanitation.com.

Due to COVID-19, Dakota County has made the decision to cancel this event for 2020. Please check out the information below for alternative options for disposal.

Most materials collected at the drop-off day are collected year-round at The Recycling Zone.  

Confidential Document Destruction: Bring your confidential documents for shredding to a mobile unit on-site. 

Household Chemicals:

• Aerosol cans (w/product remaining)
• Antifreeze
• Auto batteries
• Batteries (all kinds)
• Driveway sealer
• Fluorescent lights, ballasts
• Gasoline, fuels
• Herbicides
• Household cleaners
• Lawn & garden products
• Lighter fluid
• Nail polish remover
• Oil & oil filters
• Paint (latex & oil)
• Paint strippers & thinners
• Pesticides
• Photographic chemicals
• Poisons
• Pool chemicals
• Propane tanks
• Roofing tar
• Stain 
• Varnish
• Weed & inspect killers
• Wood preservatives
• AND most products labeled dangerous, flammable, combustible, poisonous, or corrosive.

Electronics (free unless otherwise noted)

• Cell phones & telephones
• Copiers & printers
• Computer hardware (keyboards, mouse, towers, hard drives, modems, etc.)
• DVD/VHS players
• Electronic games systems
• Fax machines
• Laptops
• Monitors ($10/each) (Checks to Dakota County)
• Radios & stereo equipment
• Televisions ($10/each) (Checks to Dakota County)

Small Household Electronics

• Blenders (no glass)
• Coffee grinders & coffee pots (no glass)
• Food processors & mixers
• Toaster ovens and toasters
• Vacuums (no bags)

Tires

• Up to four automotive tires (on or off rims)

Not Accepted

• Appliances
• Yard waste
• Business waste
• Farm waste

Questions? Contact Lena Larson at LLarson@FarmingtonMN.gov or 651-280-6905. 

Most materials collected at the drop-off day are collected year-round at The Recycling Zone.