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St. Paul Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)

Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 12 items per collection. Residents in 1 to 4 unit homes receive up to 12 bulky items collected per year per garbage cart at no additional charge. Advance scheduling is not required; simply place items at your regular collection spot by 6:00 a.m. on collection day with a sign labeled bulky. A truck will collect items within two business days. Mattresses and box springs are collected free through Second Chance Recycling.

St. Paul bulk pickup rules

Bulk waste limits and booking rules for St. Paul
Collection ruleResidents in 1 to 4 unit homes receive up to 12 bulky items collected per year per garbage cart at no additional charge. Advance scheduling is not required; simply place items at your regular collection spot by 6:00 a.m. on collection day with a sign labeled bulky. A truck will collect items within two business days. Mattresses and box springs are collected free through Second Chance Recycling.
Limit per pickup12 items
Permitted materialsFurniture, Appliances
Advance noticeNot required under the listed rules.
Dispatch phone651-266-6101

Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials

How to throw away a mattress in St. Paul

Follow the listed bulk rule: Residents in 1 to 4 unit homes receive up to 12 bulky items collected per year per garbage cart at no additional charge. Advance scheduling is not required; simply place items at your regular collection spot by 6:00 a.m. on collection day with a sign labeled bulky. A truck will collect items within two business days. Mattresses and box springs are collected free through Second Chance Recycling.

Special disposal mandates

Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup. Read mattress bagging laws →

Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.

St. Paul Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules

Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in St. Paul.

The Legal Rule

Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership

Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.

Homeowner Etiquette

Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign

If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.

St. Paul Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations

When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving Ramsey County.

Ramsey County Environmental Centerrecycling center

📍 1700 Kent Street, Roseville, MN 55113

County regional drop-off facility for electronics, hazardous household chemicals, paints, batteries, fluorescent tubes, and plastic film.

Second Chance Recyclingrecycling center

📍 1179 15th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Official City of Saint Paul partner facility providing free residential curbside collection and recycling of mattresses, box springs, and metal bed frames.

1. Mandatory Tarp Rule

All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.

2. Minimum Scale Charge

Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.

3. Proof of Residency

To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.

Planning a Large Home Cleanout or Remodel?

If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.

Local disposal alternatives in Ramsey County

For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.

The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.

DPW & sanitation contact

City of Saint Paul Department of Public Works · contractor

Phone: 651-266-6101

25 W. 4th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Visit Official St. Paul Sanitation Portal Official municipality portal at stpaul.gov

These collection rules cover Zone Saint Paul Citywide Coordinated Routes.

Trash & recycling questions

What days is trash collected in St. Paul, MN?

Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Place carts at your regular collection location (curb or alley) by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. All garbage must be bagged and fit inside the cart with the lid completely closed.. These rules apply to Zone Saint Paul Citywide Coordinated Routes.

Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in St. Paul?

As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Saint Paul Citywide Coordinated Routes.

How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in St. Paul?

Residents in 1 to 4 unit homes receive up to 12 bulky items collected per year per garbage cart at no additional charge. Advance scheduling is not required; simply place items at your regular collection spot by 6:00 a.m. on collection day with a sign labeled bulky. A truck will collect items within two business days. Mattresses and box springs are collected free through Second Chance Recycling. The listed limit is 12 items per pickup. Advance notice is not required under the listed rules. Contact sanitation at 651-266-6101 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Saint Paul Citywide Coordinated Routes.

What items are accepted for recycling in St. Paul?

The listed accepted materials are Plastic containers labeled #1, #2, and #5 (bottles, jugs, and cups; replace caps), Food and beverage cans, aluminum foil, and pie tins (rinsed clean), Glass bottles and jars of all colors (empty and rinsed; remove caps), Cartons: milk cartons, juice boxes, soup and broth cartons (rinse and replace caps), Paper: office paper, newspaper, magazines, mail, and paper grocery bags (keep dry), Boxes: corrugated cardboard boxes (flattened) and delivery pizza boxes. Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags and plastic film (never put recycling in plastic bags; place loose in cart), Plastics labeled #3, #4, #6, or #7 and black plastic containers, Tanglers: hoses, electrical cords, ropes, chains, and holiday string lights, Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam cups, food containers, and packaging), Food waste, liquids, and compostable plastics, Batteries, light bulbs, electronics, and hazardous waste. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Saint Paul Citywide Coordinated Routes.