The Ultimate Minneapolis, Edina & Twin Cities Donation + Recycling Guide
If you’re decluttering your home and unsure where to donate in Minneapolis or Edina, you’re not alone. One of the biggest obstacles to getting organized isn’t the decluttering itself — it’s figuring out where everything should go once you’ve decided to let it go.
This Twin Cities donation and recycling guide was created to simplify that step. Whether you’re refreshing a closet, downsizing, or working with a professional organizer in Minneapolis or Edina, having a clear plan for donations makes the process smoother and more sustainable.
Intentional decluttering isn’t about tossing things in the trash. It’s about thoughtfully redirecting items so they can be reused, repurposed, or responsibly recycled.
While this isn’t a comprehensive list, it highlights many of the local donation and recycling options available throughout the Twin Cities. Once you start exploring, you’ll likely discover there are more resources nearby than you realized.
If you’re located outside Minneapolis or Edina, many of these organizations have similar counterparts nationwide. For broader recycling information, Earth911 is also a valuable national resource for finding responsible disposal solutions and learning how small, intentional choices can make a meaningful difference.
Why Responsible Decluttering Matters in the Twin Cities
When organizing homes in Edina, Minneapolis, and the surrounding Twin Cities metro, we often see two hesitations:
“I don’t want this to go to waste.”
“I don’t know where to bring it.”
Minnesota residents care deeply about sustainability — and rightfully so. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, recycling and reuse significantly reduce landfill waste and environmental impact.
A clear donation and recycling plan removes decision fatigue and makes decluttering easier.
If you're working with decluttering services in Edina or a professional organizer in Minneapolis, this guide supports your process.
Clothing & Household Item Donations in Minneapolis & Edina
Goodwill – Minneapolis & Metro Drop-offs
Goodwill accepts gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, and household items at several metro locations. While specific items accepted vary by location, they’re one of the most accessible donation options in the Twin Cities area.
Goodwill – Minneapolis: 6023 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Goodwill – St. Louis Park: 3575 MN-100, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Goodwill – Bloomington: 7845 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
Goodwill – Roseville: 2500 Cleveland Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
Goodwill helps fund job training and community programs through resale of donated items.
The Salvation Army Family Stores
These donation centers accept a range of household items in good condition, including clothing, toys, and small home goods.
3740 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409
900 N 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
1000 E Moore Lake Dr, Fridley, MN 55432
Before donating, check current hours and accepted items with your local store.
Arc’s Value Village — Twin Cities
Arc’s Value Village supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Best for:
Clothing
Household goods
Décor
Toys
A strong option for families decluttering in Edina and Minneapolis.
ThredUp — Mail-In Clothing Option
If you’re decluttering clothing in Edina and want an easy, mail-in solution, ThredUp offers a convenient Clean Out Bag program.
You can pick up a free ThredUp Clean Out Bag at:
The Container Store
3545 Galleria
Edina, MN 55435
Fill the bag with gently used clothing and send it in for processing.
ThredUp reviews each item and:
Pays you for higher-value pieces
Responsibly recycles items that can’t be resold
This is a strong option for closet edits in Edina, especially when you want to keep textiles out of landfills while simplifying the drop-off process.
As always, review ThredUp’s current acceptance guidelines before sending your bag.
Furniture Donations in Minneapolis & Edina
Bridging (Bloomington & Roseville)
One of the most impactful donation centers in the Twin Cities.
Best for:
Gently used furniture
Kitchenware
Home essentials
Bridging helps families transitioning out of homelessness.
If you’re downsizing in Edina or completing a full-home organization project, Bridging is an excellent local option.
Drop-off donations are free and no appointment is necessary. Staff and volunteers are available to help unload. Locations are closed on Sundays and major holidays.
201 West 87th Street, Bloomington, MN 55420
1730 Terrace Drive, Roseville, MN 55113
12864 Hwy 55, Plymouth, MN 55441
Before donating, review current acceptance guidelines and hours, as policies may vary by location.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat ReStore locations accept furniture, building materials, appliances, lighting, and more. Sales support affordable housing initiatives in the Twin Cities.
Multiple Metro Locations (e.g., 510 County Road D W, New Brighton, MN 55112)
Free pick-up service available for qualifying donations
Habitat ReStores are great for larger items that local thrift stores can’t take.
Where to Donate Children’s Items in the Twin Cities
Decluttering kids’ spaces in Minneapolis and Edina often means rotating out toys, books, puzzles, and clothing. The key is ensuring items are clean, complete, and safe before donating.
These organizations generally accept clean, complete, and safe children’s items and toys. Always check current guidelines before dropping off.
Goodwill (Twin Cities Locations)
Accepts children’s clothing, books, puzzles, games, and many toys (no recalls, no broken items).
If you’re wondering where to donate kids’ clothes in Minneapolis, Goodwill remains one of the most accessible options.
Arc’s Value Village
Accepts clothing, toys, books, and games. Proceeds support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Minnesota.
A strong local option for families decluttering in Edina and surrounding suburbs.
Bridging
Bridging provides quality furniture and household goods to families transitioning out of homelessness and poverty throughout the Twin Cities. It’s one of the most impactful options for donating larger home items in Minneapolis, Edina, and surrounding suburbs.
Drop-off donations are free and no appointment is necessary. Staff and volunteers are available to help unload. Locations are closed on Sundays and major holidays.
201 West 87th Street, Bloomington, MN 55420
1730 Terrace Drive, Roseville, MN 55113
12864 Hwy 55, Plymouth, MN 55441
Before donating, review current acceptance guidelines and hours, as policies may vary by location.
Minneapolis Toy Library
Offers families access to toys through borrowing rather than owning. A great option for gently used, complete toys — especially puzzles, games, and open-ended play items.
Acceptance guidelines vary by location, so always check before donating.
This is an excellent sustainable solution for Twin Cities families looking to reduce toy clutter long-term.
Kaleidoscope Learning
Supports early childhood learning through play-based materials and resources. Gently used, high-quality toys and learning materials may be accepted depending on current needs.
Check donation guidelines before drop-off.
The Salvation Army
Accepts kids’ clothing and toys in good condition at many Twin Cities drop sites.
Search: “Salvation Army donation Minneapolis MN” for nearby locations.
Pro Tip for Decluttering Kids’ Spaces
When organizing children’s spaces in Edina or Minneapolis, use a simple system:
Keep favorites
Donate complete, gently used items
Recycle broken or recalled toys properly
Professional organizers in Minneapolis often recommend keeping one contained “outgrown” bin in closets to prevent overflow and simplify seasonal transitions.
Car Seats & Breast Pumps — Special Handling Required
Certain baby gear can’t be donated in the usual way due to safety or health regulations:
Car Seats
Most donation centers do not accept used car seats. They expire, can have hidden damage, and have strict safety guidelines. Look for local recycling events or contact Hennepin County recycling resources for proper disposal. If a seat has been in a crash, follow manufacturer guidelines — it should not be reused.
Breast Pumps
Breast pumps are considered personal medical equipment. A closed-system, hospital-grade pump may be accepted in rare cases, but most local centers won’t take used pumps. Manual parts or unopened accessories might be accepted by shelters or support organizations — always call ahead.
Responsible disposal ensures safety and compliance with health standards.
Twin Cities Recycling Guide
In addition to donation options, many everyday items can be recycled through local services:
Curbside Recycling in Minneapolis & Hennepin County
Accepted curbside items include paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and many plastic bottles and containers. Place recyclables loose in your recycling cart — do not bag them. Flatten boxes and rinse containers before recycling.
Items often not accepted in curbside bins include plastic bags, film, foam, hoses, cords, and food waste — many of these require special drop-off or reuse solutions.
Tips for Efficient Decluttering
Here are a few tips to make your donation and recycling efforts more effective:
Sort as you go: Create clear “donate,” “recycle,” and “trash” categories when decluttering.
Schedule drop-offs soon: A full donation bag sitting in your garage often ends up back inside.
Use a running donation bin: Keep one accessible to prevent clutter from accumulating again.
Professional organizers in Minneapolis and Edina often recommend this system to keep spaces feeling clear and intentional.
Why Donation & Recycling Matters
Letting go responsibly keeps usable goods in circulation, reduces landfill waste, supports community nonprofits, and makes your home function better. Even though not every item can be donated directly, understanding where things should go gives you clarity when decluttering.
Ready to Simplify Your Home?
If you’re feeling stuck — whether you’re decluttering one closet or your whole house — professional organizing support can make the process faster, easier, and more intentional.
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Together, we can create systems that make your home feel calm, functional, and truly yours.