South metro drop-off
Recycling and Disposal Options Near Apple Valley, Lakeville and Rosemount
South-metro searches for a “recycling center” often return facilities with very different purposes. Some accept paper and cardboard, some handle household hazardous waste, some are transfer stations and some are private recyclers. Verify the exact item rather than choosing a site only because it is nearby.
Apple Valley and Eagan residents: start with the item
Dakota County’s main household hazardous-waste, electronics and recycling facility is the Recycling Zone at 3365 Dodd Road in Eagan. It accepts defined categories and is not a general dump for bulky household material.
Apple Valley residents can use the county Recycling Guide to locate current outlets for appliances, furniture, mattresses, carpet, yard waste and other items. The closest correct facility may be in Eagan, Lakeville, Rosemount, Burnsville or Inver Grove Heights depending on the material.
Lakeville Recycling Zone Plus is not open yet
Dakota and Scott counties are building Recycling Zone Plus in Lakeville. As of July 24, 2026, Dakota County anticipates opening the facility in spring 2027. The existing Eagan Recycling Zone remains open and will stay open after the Lakeville facility begins operating.
Do not drive to the construction site expecting public drop-off. Check Dakota County’s official project page for the current opening timeline and accepted-material plans.
Rosemount and Burnsville have different disposal roles
Dakota County’s current large-item guide lists transfer stations and landfills in Rosemount, Burnsville and Inver Grove Heights. The county’s yard-waste page separately lists compost and mulch facilities in Rosemount and Burnsville. Each site has different materials, fees and hours.
For a mixed household load, pickup can avoid multiple trips. Dakota Valley can quote bulky non-hazardous items from Apple Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Burnsville and surrounding communities.
Verify before you drive
Official local resources.
Facility hours, accepted materials and fees can change. Check the official source and call ahead when needed.
FAQ
Quick answers.
Is there a county recycling center in Apple Valley?
Dakota County’s main Recycling Zone is in Eagan. Use the county Recycling Guide to find the correct facility for a specific Apple Valley item.
Is the new Lakeville Recycling Zone open?
No. As of July 24, 2026, Dakota County anticipates the Recycling Zone Plus opening in spring 2027.
Is a Rosemount transfer station the same as a recycling center?
No. Transfer stations, landfills, scrap recyclers, yard-waste sites and household hazardous-waste centers accept different materials.
Can Dakota Valley pick up items from these cities?
Yes. Dakota Valley serves Apple Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, Burnsville and surrounding Minnesota communities for approved non-hazardous pickups.
More local guides
Keep reading.
Need bulky non-hazardous items removed?
Text photos and your city for a written quote and pickup window. Hazardous materials must use an approved county program.