As we look forward to warmer weather and blooming gardens, now’s the perfect time to declutter those sheds and get ready for planting season! The City of Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling department and neighborhood partners are hosting free Garden Tool Swap events across the city — and all gardeners are invited to participate.
Whether you’re a first-time gardener or you’ve been tending roses for years, these swaps are a great way to share tools, find new treasures, and build community. Best of all, you don’t need to bring anything to participate — take what you need, give what you can!
What to Bring (if you’re cleaning out your garage)
Bring clean, usable garden and yard items to swap or share:
- Shovels, rakes, trowels, hoes, pitchforks, hoses, and other hand tools
- Pots, planters, and containers (empty and soil-free)
- Gardening books and manuals
- Garden art, décor, birdhouses, and feeders (unused or properly sanitized)
- Bagged potting soil or mixes (unused)
Please do not bring:
- Chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers)
- Large or broken items
- Power tools or lawn equipment
- Soil-filled pots or heavy items that are difficult to carry
Tip: If you bring items, you can drop them off and leave — you don’t have to stay for the whole event. Any unclaimed items may later be shared via local “Buy Nothing” community groups.
📅 2026 Swap Dates & Locations
These swaps are part of a long-running citywide tradition that last year brought together hundreds of gardeners and resulted in thousands of shared items — from tools to planters — keeping them out of the landfill and in loving use.
Why Participate?
- Save money — find tools and supplies at no cost
- Reduce waste — give new life to gently used items
- Connect with neighbors — share tips and swap stories
Whether you’re expanding a flower bed, planting veggies, or just dreaming about spring, the Garden Tool Swap is a fun way to kick off the growing season!
For more details or questions, Minneapolis residents can contact Solid Waste & Recycling at 612-673-2917 or visit the city’s event page.
For more information, please visit https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/garden-tool-swap