Municipal Building Commission
350 S Fifth St. Minneapolis, MN 55415

Phone: (612) 596-9513

Secondary Phone: (612) 596-9521

Email: mbc.services@municipalbuilding.org


Open to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, excluding certain holidays.

City of Minneapolis  |  Hennepin County

Waste Reduction & Recycling

Waste Reduction & Resource Awareness Program (WRRAP)

The Waste Reduction & Resource Awareness Program is designed to make each individual aware of, and responsible for, his or her office waste. Most office waste is recyclable. Mini-bins have successfully increased recycling rates and reduced waste going to landfills. The mini-bin is a small receptacle that replaces a desk-side trash can, and is a constant reminder to recycle more and produce less waste.

Mini_bin_photo.jpgStart by placing all recyclable items into your desk-side recycling container. Recyclable items include all paper, aluminum, plastic, glass, and small cardboard items. Use the mini-bin for non-recyclable items, including soiled tissue, wrappers, apple cores, and banana peels. When the mini-bin is full or you want to empty its contents, take it to the centralized collection station located in your work area and empty your material into the trash-only bin. Custodial staff will empty these collection stations each night.

Please contact your department Recycling Coordinator or the MBC at 612-596-9512 or MBC Services for questions or to request additional containers.


Recycling Guidelines

General office recycling: recycle all paper, plastic, cans, glass, and cartons in a single bin (one-sort recycling). This recycling guide explains all the acceptable types.

Batteries: dispose in the large bin near the Rotunda security desk. You may also recycle your household batteries there.

Large electronics & appliances: contact the MBC for removal from the office space or have the delivery people remove the old appliance.

Furniture: contact the City of Minneapolis Property Services at 612-673-2702.

Hazardous materials: contact the MBC with the type of material, its location, and amount.

Hewlett Packard (HP) toner cartridges: place the cartridge inside its box, apply the pre-paid return label, and take to the basement Copy Center.

Place these items in the hallway with a “please recycle” note:

  • All other toner cartridges
  • bagged, shredded paper
  • corrugated cardboard
  • small electronics


Office Purges/Cleanouts

Departments periodically do a thorough purge of unneeded documentation and other items. We are happy to provide both trash and recycling bins. Please keep the following in mind:

  • Remove paper from binders and hanging folders prior to placing in the recycling bin. Some staples and paper clips are OK, but rubber bands must be removed or the entire bin is non-recyclable.
  • Place binders and hanging folders in the trash; they cannot be recycled.
  • Other tenants can use packages of paper clips, staples, binder clips and other office supplies. Set them aside with a “trash” note so MBC staff can retrieve them and ensure they are not wasted.
  • Contact the MBC for pickup when your bins are full or if you need additional bins.