County education
Dakota County Tour de Trash: What It Is and How to Hear About the Next Tour
Tour de Trash is a Dakota County educational field trip—not a cleanup or free bulky-waste drop-off event. Participants see how recycling, composting, landfill disposal and household hazardous-waste collection work after material leaves the curb.
What the county tour includes
Dakota County describes Tour de Trash as a field trip for residents that visits a recycling facility, compost facility, landfill and the Recycling Zone. The goal is to show what happens to trash, recycling and organics after collection.
The 2026 tour was scheduled for June 2 with advance registration and a fee covering lunch. That date has passed, so residents should use the official county page or Environmental Resources newsletter for future announcements.
Tour de Trash is not a disposal event
Do not bring couches, mattresses, appliances, yard waste or household chemicals to the tour. It is an educational program with registered participants, transportation and scheduled facility visits.
For actual disposal, use the Recycling Guide, Recycling Zone, your licensed trash hauler, a transfer station or a junk-removal pickup depending on the item.
Other ways to learn or reduce waste
Dakota County offers Fix-It Clinics, recycling education, food-scraps programs, reuse resources and tours or classes. Program dates can change, so rely on the county’s current calendar and newsletter rather than an older social-media post.
Understanding the disposal system helps residents separate material correctly and avoid sending recyclable, reusable or hazardous items to the wrong facility.
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 Tour de Trash a free cleanup day?
No. It is an educational field trip for registered Dakota County residents, not a public bulky-item drop-off event.
When is the next Tour de Trash?
The June 2, 2026 tour has passed. Check the official Dakota County tours page or environmental newsletter for the next announced date.
What facilities does the tour visit?
Dakota County says participants see a recycling facility, compost facility, landfill and the Recycling Zone.
Where should I take an item instead?
Use Dakota County’s Recycling Guide to find the correct current facility, or arrange pickup for approved non-hazardous bulky items.
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.