21 Items You Now Can’t Throw Away In Minnesota

Before you wheel that garbage can to the curb, you might want to take a second look at what’s inside. Minnesota has a growing list of everyday items that are actually illegal to throw in the trash—and tossing the wrong thing could land you with more than just a dirty look from your trash hauler.

Things You Can’t Throw in the Garbage in Minnesota

Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but we could just as easily be the Land of 10,000 Quirky Regulations, because now tossing the wrong item into the trash could land you in hot water, even in the middle of winter.

There are many items we all throw in the garbage every day here in the North Star State, right? But did you know that simply tossing one of these items in the trash could get you in trouble here in Minnesota?

Now, many of these items we don't even think much about; we just throw them away. But there are some items, some you might not even think much about, that could cause problems when thrown in the regular trash. If it's serious, it could even get you a fine. No kidding.

SEE ALSO: Speaking of Illegal, These License Plates Are Also Banned in Minnesota 

Minnesota Trash Laws: What the MPCA Says About Illegal Disposal

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is the organization tasked with policing our garbage, so to speak. According to the MPCA site, the agency is 'committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate. Through the authority of state and federal statutes and guidelines, the state agency focuses on preventing and reducing the pollution of air, land, and water, it says.

And while industrial sources of hazardous waste are strictly regulated, the MPCA says they rely on Minnesotans to identify and properly dispose of household hazardous waste. They note that we should all NOT throw any hazardous waste in the trash; instead,  you should bring it to a local collection site.

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Now, while many of us are in the habit of recycling items like plastic containers, aluminum cans, and cardboard boxes, there are some items you might still throw in the trash, forgetting that they should be recycled instead.

Why Throwing the Wrong Items Away Can Get You Fined in Minnesota

Those innocent mistakes can have major consequences. For instance, a fire at a recycling facility in Olmstead County in southeast Minnesota a few years ago was caused by lithium-ion batteries (the kind commonly used in electronics like cell phones, tablets, laptops, E-Bikes, and other devices) that were thrown in the trash instead of being properly recycled.

ALSO INTERESTING: The Cheapest Grocery Store in the US Now Has 74 Locations in Minnesota 

Minnesota's state statutes DO contain provisions for penalties to be levied against organizations and individuals who make repeated violations of Minnesota's hazardous waste disposal laws-- and they can range from up to 364 days in prison and fines of up to $15,000!

So, to help do your part, keep scrolling to check out 21 items you cannot throw in the trash in Minnesota. And speaking of fines, keep scrolling to check out the 10 cars you're most likely to get a speeding ticket while driving in Minnesota.

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