A swap gives you a place and time to swap your usable items for something new-to-you. It's a great excuse to clear out your closet, basement or garage and to try something new.
Upcoming events
Receive an update for the next community swap by signing up to receive the Environmental Resources E-News for Residents.
Puzzle Swap
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Heritage Library
20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville
Hastings Athletic Gear Swap
Saturday, April 1, noon–2 p.m.
Hastings City Hall Community Room, 101 4th St. E., Hastings
Dakota County Outdoor Gear Swap
Saturday, April 22 , 10 a.m.–noon
Dakota Lodge in Thompson Park, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul
See below for ideas of what to bring.
Garden Tool Swap
Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m.–noon
Burnsville Civic Center
151 Civic Center Pwky, Burnsville
What to expect at a community swap
- Bring clean, usable items to the designated check-in area. Volunteers are available to help if needed.
- Sign a consent form, weigh your items, and answer a few questions at the check-in table.
- Take your items to the swap area.
- Place your items in the appropriately-categorized location.
- Browse for some new-to-you items that others have brought. Use the Try It Out area if needed.
Ideas of what to bring
Outdoor gear swap
- Camping: tents, backpacks, sleeping bags.
- Skiing/snowboarding: poles, boots, bindings, goggles.
- Biking: panniers, bags, lights.
- Hiking: poles, binoculars, headlamps, flashlights.
- Not sure? Ask if you can bring an item by emailing environ@co.dakota.mn.us.
Do not bring
- Items that do not fit into a typical vehicle.
- Items that cannot easily be lifted by one person.
- Guns, knives or anything that would be considered a weapon.
- Motorized items.
- Load-bearing rock-climbing equipment.
- Helmets.
- Items that have been recalled.
- Hazardous waste.
- Dakota County reserves the right to review and ask that an item be removed from the swap.
Things to remember
- Bring the user manual or instructions if you have them.
- Dakota County staff will be on-site to help test items and figure out how you can use your new items correctly. Look for the Try It Out area outside of the Dakota Lodge.
- Dakota County cannot guarantee items are in working order.
Volunteer
Sign-up online to volunteer or contact Kirsten Wahlberg, 952-891-7595
Coordinate your own swap
Learn how to host your own swap by reading the 
Do-It Green Swap Guide.