Recycling Centers in North Dakota: 36 Locations

Recycling in North Dakota

North Dakota has 36 recycling centers across 15 cities, ranging from scrap-metal yards and household-hazardous-waste drop-offs to retail electronics take-back sites. Solid waste and recycling in the state are overseen by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Waste Management. North Dakota has no bottle-deposit law, no mandatory e-waste recycling statute, and no general recycling mandates at the state level; however, North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23.1-08 has banned the disposal of major appliances, lead-acid batteries, and used oil in landfills since January 1, 1992.

The largest concentrations of centers are in the state's western oil-patch city and its two biggest metros. Williston leads with 6 listed centers, followed by Fargo and Bismarck with 5 each, Minot with 4, and Jamestown with 3. Smaller hubs include Valley City, West Fargo, and Grand Forks with 2 centers each.

Because no statewide curbside mandate exists, North Dakotans typically recycle through county transfer stations, city drop-off programs, and private scrap dealers. The DEQ promotes electronics recycling via voluntary retail take-back and community collection events at locations in Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Jamestown, and Grand Forks. Appliances (white goods), used motor oil, and automotive batteries must be kept out of the landfill by law and can be brought to licensed recyclers or retailers that accept trade-ins.

Top Cities by Number of Centers

Williston 6 Bismarck 5 Fargo 5 Minot 4 Jamestown 3 Grand Forks 2 Valley City 2 West Fargo 2

All Cities in North Dakota

Bismarck 5 centers Burlington 1 center Devils Lake 1 center Dickinson 1 center Fargo 5 centers Grand Forks 2 centers Gwinner 1 center Jamestown 3 centers Mandan 1 center Minot 4 centers Tioga 1 center Valley City 2 centers Wahpeton 1 center West Fargo 2 centers Williston 6 centers

Recycling in North Dakota — FAQ

Does North Dakota have a bottle deposit or bottle bill?

No. North Dakota has no container-deposit law. Unlike neighboring Minnesota and Iowa, there is no refundable deposit on beverage containers in North Dakota.

What is banned from North Dakota landfills?

Under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23.1-08, major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners, and similar white goods), lead-acid batteries, and used oil have been prohibited from landfill disposal since January 1, 1992. Licensed recyclers and automotive retailers accepting trade-ins are the main disposal routes for these materials.

Does North Dakota have an e-waste recycling law?

No. North Dakota has no mandatory statewide electronics-recycling statute. The DEQ encourages voluntary recycling of computers and televisions through retailer take-back programs and periodic community collection events in the larger cities, but there is no landfill ban on electronics.

Where are the main recycling centers in North Dakota?

Williston leads with 6 listed centers; Fargo and Bismarck each have 5; Minot has 4; and Jamestown has 3. Valley City, West Fargo, and Grand Forks each list 2 centers.