A to Z Disposal Guide | Return to Recycling & Trash
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
PACKING PEANUTS
Reuse
Store packing peanuts in a dry plastic bag for reuse. Packing peanuts can be reused at home or given to local businesses. Call the Peanut Hotline at 1.800.828.2214 or visit Plastic Loose Fill Council for the name and location of retailers that accept styrofoam packing peanuts for reuse.
Recycle
Packing Peanuts can be recycled. Call 1.800.828.2214 for a recycling center near you.
Disposal
Determine if your packing peanuts are polystyrene and starch-based by testing samples in water. Starch-based packing peanuts dissolve in water, which is a good way to dispose of them if they cannot be reused.
Non-reusable styrofoam and polystyrene cups, trays, and packaging may be placed in the trash. Packing peanuts are not accepted with curbside recycling.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PAINT
Consider the advantages of water-based paints and stains. Using them eliminates the need for solvents and reduces the amount of toxins in your home and the environment.
Reuse
Do not place any oil or water-based paint, primers, stains, and wood sealers in the trash, or pour them down the drain or on the ground. Store leftover paint where it will not freeze. Frozen paint cannot be used or recycled.
Keep leftover paint free of contaminants such as mold and rust. Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the can, and keep it in the original container with a tight lid to keep moisture out.
You're in control: Buy the right amount. Ask the paint sales clerk to help you calculate how much paint to buy for the job or by using this handy on-line paint calculator.
Recycle
Bring unused paint to the Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site at no charge.
For latex paint at non Ramsey County sites: if the can has more than one inch of dried paint, call the facility to be sure it will be accepted.
NOTE: If you are bringing latex and other water-based paint to a non-Ramsey County site and the paint can has more than one inch of dried paint, call the facility to be sure it is accepted.
Disposal
If the paint can is empty and the paint coating the inside of the can is completely dried, you may place the can in the trash. Leave the cover off so your trash service provider can see that the can is empty and dry.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PAINT CHIPS - LEAD CONTAINING
Disposal
Lead based paint chips are accepted at the Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site at no charge. A limited amount of debris mixed in with the chips is acceptable.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PAINT ROLLERS AND BRUSHES
Reuse
Reuse paint rollers and brushes for your next painting job or find someone else who can use them. Post them on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Disposal
Paint rollers and brushes may be dried out and placed in the trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PAINT THINNER
Disposal
Do not place paint thinner in the trash or pour it down the drain or on the ground. Paint thinner and solvents are accepted at the Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site at no charge.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PALLETS
Reuse
If your pallets are in good condition, find someone who could use them. Post them on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Wood pallets can be used for scrap wood or building a compost bin.
Recycle
Check the Yellow Pages under "Pallets & Skids" for recycling companies.
Disposal
Pallets may be picked up with your regular trash. Contact your trash service provider for more information about services and fees for bulky items.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PAPER
See Ad Circulars, Bags - Paper, Books, Boxes, Cardboard, Cards - Holiday & Greeting, Catalogs, Junk Mail, Magazines, Mail, Newspaper, Office Papers, Phone Books, Printer Paper, School Papers or Shredded Paper.
For other types of paper, contact your recycling service provider, building manager or city recycling coordinator to find out if it is accepted with curbside recycling.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PAPER - SHREDDED
Reuse
Reuse shredded paper as packing material for fragile shipments.
Recycle
As long as the type of paper shredded is recyclable, it can be collected with curbside recycling programs. Contact your recycling service provider, building manager or city recycling coordinator for more information. Go to RethinkRecycling.com for a list of recyclable paper. Shredded paper should be placed in a paper bag, stapled shut, and clearly labeled "Shredded Paper" on the outside of the bag with a pen or marker. DO NOT use plastic bags.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PAPER BAGS
Reuse
Reuse clean paper bags for storing items or for arts and crafts projects.
Recycle
Paper bags are collected with curbside recycling programs. Contact your recycling service provider, building manager or city recycling coordinator for more information. Or bring your ad circulars to a public recycling center.
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PAPER SHREDDERS
Reuse
If your paper shredder is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Disposal
If your paper shredder is not in useable condition, it may be placed in the trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PATIO BLOCKS AND PAVERS
Reuse
If your patio blocks or pavers are still in good condition, find someone who could use them. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market, its quick, easy, and free.
Recycle
Most patio blocks and pavers can be recycled into road-based materials. Refer to Asphalt, Bricks, or Concrete for a list of recyclers.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PATIO HEATER - ELECTRIC
See Heaters - Portable
PATIO HEATER - PROPANE
Rethink
Buy a propane heater that has a refillable tank, so you can continue reusing it.
Reuse
If your heater is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market, its quick, easy, and free.
Disposal
If your propane heater is not in useable condition, there are safe means to dispose of an empty propane tank:
Metal parts can be recycled as scrap metal. Look in the Yellow Pages, under "Scrap Metal" for a recycler near you. Most transfer stations also accept scrap metal.
J & J Recycling | 651.227.4457 | 607 Barge Channel Rd, St. Paul
Twin City Refuse | 651.227.1549 | 318 W Water St, St. Paul
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PDAs (PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANTS)
Reuse
If your PDA is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Recycle
Check with the manufacturer to find out if they will take back the PDA to recycle it.
For a list of local electronics recyclers, go to RethinkRecycling.com or contact your trash service provider.
You may also bring PDAs to a Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site at no charge.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PEPPER SPRAY
Disposal
Pepper spray or mace is accepted at Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site at no charge.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PESTICIDES
Rethink
Keep your pesticides in good condition by storing them indoors during the winter. Some pesticides may become ineffective after they have been frozen.
Reduce
Look for alternative methods to control weeds.
Disposal
Do not use pesticides that are more than ten years old. Unused pesticide is accepted at Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site at no charge. Empty pesticide containers may be placed in the trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PET WASTE
Disposal
Pet waste should be flushed down a toilet or placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in the trash. Do not leave it outside where it can be washed into storm sewers and degrade water quality.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PHARMACEUTICALS
DO NOT flush pharmaceuticals down the toilet or drain. This can pollute our waters and have harmful effects on humans, fish and other wildlife.
Disposal
Pharmaceutical waste should be disposed of in the trash. Follow these precautions to prevent accidental or intentional ingestion.
- Keep the medication in its original container. The label may contain safety information and the cap is typically childproof. Leaving the content information clearly visible, scratch the patent’s name out or cover it with permanent marker.
- Modify the medication to discourage consumption. For solid medications, such as pills or capsules, add a small amount of water to partially dissolve them. For liquid medications, add enough table sale, flour, or charcoal to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from eating it. For blister packs, wrap the blister packs containing pills in multiple layers of duct or other opaque tape.
- Seal and conceal. Tape the medication container lid shut with packaging or duct tape, place it inside an opaque bag or container, such as an empty yogurt or margarine tub, to ensure that the contents cannot be seen.
- Discard the container in your garbage can. Do not place it in the recycling bin.
For information about Needles or Pill bottles.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PHONE BOOKS
Rethink
You can opt to receive fewer or no phone books by contacting the phone book publisher directly with your request:
Dex | Call 1-866-60-MY-DEX (866-606-9339)
Verizon| Call Idearc Inc. at 1-800-888-8448 and select Option 2
Yellow Book | Call 1-800 YBYELLOW or (800-929-3556) and select Option 1
For other companies, check inside the directory and call the customer service number listed.
Disposal
It is illegal to place phone books in the trash.
Recycle
Phone books are collected with curbside recycling. Call your garbage hauler or city recycling coordinator for more preparation. Or bring your phone books to a public recycling center.
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PHONES
The following information is for land telephones only. Click here for cell phone recycling options.
Reuse
If your telephone is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Recycle
If your telephone contains a rechargeable battery, it is illegal to place it in the trash. Bring it to a retail drop-off location such as Batteries Plus or call the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) at 800.822.8837.
Rechargeable batteries are also accepted at Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at no charge.
If your telephone contains a circuit board, it is illegal to place it in the trash. For a list of local electronics recyclers, go to RethinkRecycling.com or contact your trash service provider.
Disposal
If your telephone does not contain a rechargeable battery or circuit board, it is most likely safe to put in the trash. Contact your trash service provider first to confirm.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PHOTOCOPIERS
Disposal
It is illegal to place photocopiers in the trash.
Reuse
If your photocopier is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Recycle
For a list of local electronics recyclers, go to RethinkRecycling.com or contact your trash service provider.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PIANOS
Reuse
If your piano is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Look in the Yellow Pages under "Organ or Piano Tuning, Refurnishing, or Repairing" for resale or repair opportunities.
Disposal
If your piano is not in usable condition, a transfer station may accept it. Call first.
J & J Recycling | 651.227.4457 | 607 Barge Channel Rd, St. Paul
Twin City Refuse | 651.227.1549 | 318 W Water St, St. Paul
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PILL BOTTLES
See Pills for proper disposal of pill bottles containing medication.
Recycle
Plastic pill bottles labeled with a #1 or #2 on the bottom are collected with curbside recycling programs. Remove the prescription label before recycling. Contact your recycling service provider, building manager or city recycling coordinator for more information.
Plastic pill bottles labeled with a #5 on the bottom can be recycled through the Preserve Gimme 5 program at the Saint Paul and Minneapolis (Lake Calhoun) Whole Foods Markets. You also have the option to mail your #5 containers to Preserve. Remove the prescription label before recycling.
Gimme 5 collection bins are located in the Whole Foods café area. Containers must be clean and dry.
Saint Paul Whole Foods Market | 651.690.0197 | 30 South Fairview Ave, Saint Paul
Minneapolis Whole Foods Market | 612.927.8141 | 3060 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis
Disposal
Empty pill bottles that are not recyclable may be placed in the trash. Remove the prescription label.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PILLOWS
Disposal
Pillows may be placed in the trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PILLS
Disposal
DO NOT flush pills and other medication down the toilet or drain. This can pollute our waters and harm our health and wildlife.
Medications, except cancer-treating drugs, may be placed in the garbage. Follow these steps to prevent accidental or intentional ingestion:
1. Keep medicine in its original container.
2. Modify contents to discourage future use - partially dissolve pills with water, add salt or flour to liquids and wrap blister packs with opaque tape.
3. Tape container shut, place in a bag or container and tape shut.
Bring cancer-treating drugs to a Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site.
For information about recycling empty pill bottles, see Plastic Containers.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PIZZA BOXES
Disposal
Pizza boxes may be placed in the trash. They are not recyclable.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PLANT WASTE
Reuse
Reuse plant waste as mulch around other plants.
Disposal
Bring your plant waste to a Ramsey County Yard Waste Site for free. Open to Ramsey County residents only. NO stumps.
Or set up a composting system in your backyard. Home composting is an easy way to turn organic waste into a rich soil amendment. Contact your city about rules and restrictions.
Your trash service provider may provide pick-up service for plant waste. Contact them for schedules, preparation instructions, and fee information.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PLASTIC BOTTLES
Recycle
Go to RethinkRecycling.com for a list of recyclable bottles. Contact your recycling service provider, building manager or city recycling coordinator to find out what materials are collected with curbside recycling. You can also recycle plastic bottles at a public recycling center.
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
Disposal
Non-recyclable plastic bottles may be placed in the trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PLASTIC CONTAINERS
Plastic containers with a neck (typically come with a lid that you screw on instead of snap on) and labeled with a #1 or #2 on the bottom are collected with curbside recycling programs. Contact your trash service provider, building manager or city recycling coordinator for more information. Or bring your plastic containers to a public recycling center.
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
Remember:
- Remove all caps, lids and pumps
- Give it a quick rinse
- It's OK to leave the labels on
- Do not place recyclables in plastic bags
- NO containers that held chemical products like automotive fluids, paint or household cleaners.
You can recycle #5 plastic containers through the Preserve Gimme 5 program at the Saint Paul and Minneapolis (Lake Calhoun) Whole Foods Markets. You also have the option to mail your #5 containers to Preserve.
The following containers are usually made from #5 plastic: yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, margarine and hummus containers, medicine bottles, some ice cream containers, and food storage and take-out containers. Look on the bottom of the container to see if it has a #5 stamp. The Gimme 5 program also accepts Brita water pitcher filters and Preserve products for recycling.
Gimme 5 collection bins are located in the Whole Foods café area. Containers must be clean and dry.
Saint Paul Whole Foods Market | 651.690.0197 | 30 South Fairview Ave, Saint Paul
Minneapolis Whole Foods Market | 612.927.8141 | 3060 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis
Disposal
Non-recyclable plastic containers may be placed in the trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PLASTIC LINERS - RIGID
These include plastic molds from spas or pools and landscape water features.
Reuse
If your plastic liner is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Disposal
Call your trash service provider for pick-up or bring it to a transfer station. Call first for material requirements and hours.
J & J Recycling | 651.227.4457 | 607 Barge Channel Rd, St. Paul
Twin City Refuse | 651.227.1549 | 318 W Water St, St. Paul
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PLASTICS
See Automotive Fluids, Bags - Plastic, Bottles - Plastic, Bubble Wrap, Campaign Signs, Flower Pots, Hanging Baskets, Jars - Plastic, Packing Peanuts, Pill Bottles, Plastic Containers, Plastic Liners - Rigid, Polystyrene, Pond Liners, Pool Liners, Styrofoam or Toys.
PLASTIC SHEDS
Reuse
If your plastic shed is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Recycle
If the shed is a #2 rigid plastic, it can be recycled by Genesis Poly Recycling , Inc., 480 N. Industrial Rd., Mankato, MN 56001, 1-507-344-2180. If the shed is PVC plastic, it cannot be recycled. Call Genesis for additional information.
Disposal
Call your trash service provider for pick-up or bring it to a transfer station. Call first for material requirements and hours.
J & J Recycling | 651.227.4457 | 607 Barge Channel Rd, St. Paul
Twin City Refuse | 651.227.1549 | 318 W Water St, St. Paul
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
PLATE GLASS
Disposal
Plate glass is not recyclable. You may place small amounts in the trash. For large amounts of plate glass, contact your trash service provider for disposal options or bring it to a transfer station.
J & J Recycling | 651.227.4457 | 607 Barge Channel Rd, St. Paul
Twin City Refuse | 651.227.1549 | 318 W Water St, St. Paul
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PLEXI-GLASS
Disposal
Plexi-glass is not recyclable. You may dispose of it in the trash or you can bring it to a transfer station.
J & J Recycling | 651.227.4457 | 607 Barge Channel Rd, St. Paul
Twin City Refuse | 651.227.1549 | 318 W Water St, St. Paul
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546 | 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PLUMBING FIXTURES
See Building Materials
PLYWOOD
See Lumber-Treated or Lumber-Untreated
POLYSTYRENE
Reuse
Reuse polystyrene for storing fragile items or mailing gifts. If you have more polystryene than you need, pass it on to someone else. Post it on Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
For large amounts, check the Yellow Pages under "Packaging Services" or check with your local mailing store, like UPS, to see if they will accept polystyrene for shipments.
Check the shipping department at your work. They may also take polystyrene for reuse.
Disposal
Small amounts may be placed in your trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
POND LINERS
See Plastic Liners - Rigid
POOL CHEMICALS
Disposal
Pool chemicals are accepted at Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at no charge. Call first for material requirements.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
POOL HEATERS - NATURAL GAS
Disposal
Pool heaters that run on natural gas contain a mercury switch and are accepted as an appliance.
All other pool heaters may be placed in your household trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
POOL LINERS
See Plastic Liners - Rigid
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
POP CANS
See Cans
POP MACHINES
It is illegal to place pop machines and other large appliances in the trash.
Reuse
If your pop machine is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Recycle
For a list of local appliance recyclers, go to RethinkRecycling.com or contact your trash service provider. If you are purchasing a new pop machine, ask the retailer if they will recycle your old pop machine when they deliver the new one.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
POTS AND PANS
Reuse
If your pots and pans are in good condition, find someone who could use them. Post them on Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Disposal
Pots and pans, including non-stick coated ones, may be placed in the trash. They are not recyclable.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
POWER ADAPTERS
Disposal
All power adapter types and sizes may be placed in the trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
POWER STEERING FLUID
See Automotive Fluids
POWER TOOLS
Reuse
If your power tool is still in good condition, find someone who could use it. Post it on the Twin Cities Free Market. It's quick, easy and free.
Disposal
Rechargeable: Remove the rechargeable batteries from the power tool and dispose of them properly. If you cannot remove the battery, bring the entire tool to a Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site for free. Place the rest of the tool in the trash.
Electric: Place the tool in the trash.
Gas: Drain all gas and oil for 24 hours and dispose of the fluids properly. Some automotive service stations accept used oil and other fluids for free. Call first. Gas, oil and other mechanical fluids are also accepted at Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites at no charge. Place the rest of the tool in the trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
POWER WASHERS
See Lawn Equipment
PRESSURE TREATED WOOD
Treated wood (green, CCA, brown) contains preservatives to protect it from water damage, fungal decay, and insect infestation. Wood treated with Chromate Copper Arsenate (CCA), a restricted-use pesticide, contains arsenic, a carcinogen that poses safety concerns to those who work with it.
Rethink
Look for alternatives, such as plastic lumber, naturally decay-resistant wood, or other wood treatments like Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) that are safer to use.
Disposal
The disposal facilities listed below accept treated wood. Call first. Do not burn treated wood.
Buberl Compost and Recycling | 651.439.8399 | 5750 Memorial Ave N, Stillwater
Burnsville Sanitary Landfill | 952.890.3248 | 2650 Cliff Rd W, Burnsville
SKB Rich Valley Demolition Landfill | 651.450.9022 | 2409 E 117th St, Inver Grove Heights
Twin City Refuse | 651.227.1549 | 318 W Water St, St. Paul
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PRINTER PAPER
Reuse
Reuse blank sides as scrap or notepaper.
Recycle
Printer paper is collected with curbside recycling programs. Contact your recycling service provider, building manager or city recycling coordinator for more information. You can also recycle printer paper at a public recycling center.
Veolia Environmental Services | 651.487.8546| 309 Como Ave, St. Paul
You can recycle more paper than you think. Go to RethinkRecycling.com for a list of recyclable paper.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PRINTER CARTRIDGES
See Ink Jet Cartridges
PRINTER RIBBONS
Recycle
Ask the store where you purchase printer ribbons if they accept used ribbons for re-manufacturing or recycling.
Disposal
Used printer ribbons may be placed in the trash.
Questions?
Call 651.633.EASY (3279) or AskEH.
PRINTERS
See Electronics
PROPANE TANKS AND CYLINDERS
See Gas Cylinders and Tanks (Pressurized)
