Junk removal in Minnesota: what it costs and your cheaper options
Before you pay for junk removal in Minnesota, check two cheaper routes: your city's bulk pickup, which is often already paid for in your trash bill, and hauling it yourself to the county landfill or transfer station. Here's what each costs with real Minnesota fees, and when a crew is worth it.
Start with your city's pickup
Minnesota leans on drop-off sites more than curbside bulk pickup, and some cities pay for the trip:
- Minneapolis City garbage customers dump free with a voucher at the City's South Transfer Station: up to 2,000 lbs of garbage or debris and 2 large items.
- Hennepin County lists transfer stations in Minneapolis, Blaine and Shakopee that take bulky items such as furniture and carpet from the public.
- Olmsted County (Rochester) prices bulky items one by one: $15 to $50 each, with a single-section couch at $20 and mattresses at $30.
- Carlton County charges $20 a cubic yard for bulky items and unbagged garbage, and doesn't take them on Wednesdays.
Haul it yourself: what Minnesota dumps charge
If you have a truck or trailer, the gate fee is usually small next to a hauler's price. Here is what the Minnesota sites we cover charge:
| Area | Small load (minimum) | Bigger loads | The catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Itasca County (Grand Rapids) | $3 a 33-gallon bag (coupon) | Demolition $10 a cubic yard | Buy coupons ahead at local stores |
| Olmsted County (Rochester) | $5 per 30 gallons | $30 a cubic yard | Household garbage goes to Recycling Center Plus, not the Kalmar Landfill |
| Crow Wing County (Brainerd) | $5.25 a bag up to 30 gallons | $13.50 a cubic yard loose | Out-of-county waste pays triple |
| Morrison County (Little Falls) | $5.50 minimum | $87 a ton plus tax | Demolition is $8 a cubic yard |
| Carlton County | $13 a cubic yard bagged | $20 a cubic yard unbagged or mixed | No mixed loads on Wednesdays |
| Steele County | $20 a car, $30 a pickup | $80 a ton | Steele County residents only |
| Becker County (Detroit Lakes) | $24 a cubic yard loose | $35 a cubic yard mixed with demolition | Out-of-county pays 3 times |
| Kandiyohi County (New London) | $29.54 under 600 lbs | $98.50 a ton | Out-of-county pays $120.31 a ton |
| Rice County (Dundas) | $35 a car, pickup or small trailer | $78 a ton plus tax | Uncovered loads add $30 |
| Dakota County (Rosemount) | $45 a small car, $75 a pickup | $155 a ton plus tax | Private; 3% card fee, no checks |
| Hennepin County (Minneapolis) | Free with a voucher for Minneapolis garbage customers | $117.86 a ton pay-per-use ($40 minimum) | The county's drop-offs take no garbage |
Bring proof of address: resident rates and free allowances almost always require it, and many sites charge outsiders more.
What Minnesota won't let you throw away
Pull these out before the junk goes to a landfill, whether you haul it or hire it out; a crew will charge extra to handle them:
| Item | Minnesota rule |
|---|---|
| Whole tires | Banned — since July 1, 1985 (Minn. Stat. 115A.904) |
| Car batteries | Yes — lead-acid since 1988, rechargeables since 1991 (Minn. Stat. 115A.915 and 115A.9157) |
| Appliances | Yes — major appliances (Minn. Stat. 115A.9561) |
| TVs and computers | Picture-tube (CRT) devices — since July 1, 2006 (Minn. Stat. 115A.9565) |
Paint, chemicals and other household hazardous waste go to a county drop-off, usually free for residents.
When hiring junk removal is worth it
Hire a crew for heavy furniture, appliances, stairs, several loads, or a cleanout on a deadline. You pay for the crew's labor and the space your junk takes in their truck; their disposal cost is the same landfill rate shown above, so a small load you could fit in a pickup is usually cheaper to haul yourself.
Moving out? Start four weeks ahead: bulky pickups and hazardous waste drop-offs often run on limited schedules. Our moving cleanout guide has the week-by-week plan.
For every Minnesota landfill, transfer station and drop-off we cover, start from our Minnesota page, or see what it costs to dump in Minnesota.
Common questions
How much does junk removal cost in Minnesota?
Does Minneapolis have free bulk pickup?
What can't junk removal take in Minnesota?
Hours, fees and rules change. Always call the facility to confirm before you load up. Sources: what it costs to dump in Minnesota; our Minnesota city pages; moving cleanout guide.