|
Carolyn Collopy, Master Recycler/Composter Coordinator
Email
612-596-0993
MRC Program
Payback opportunities
Hours reporting form
MRC Facebook group
MRC files
Thank you for your continued efforts to help Hennepin County reduce waste and recycle more! We’re glad you’re part of our outreach and education team!
|
 On September 4, about 30 MRCs joined us for a social event that featured a sneak peak at the 2013 iteration of the Recycle Half campaign.
At the event, Risdall Marketing Group, the county’s creative consultant, gave a presentation on the campaign’s development, strategies and implementation.
|
Some highlights and key takeaways:
- Research conducted by the county through the University of Minnesota found that residents are still confused about recycling cartons, new plastics and recyclables from the bathroom and laundry room, which is why those items are the focus of the 2013 campaign.
- The goals of the campaign are to inform residents of changes to recycling programs, empower residents with tools that promote good recycling, provide partners with resources to promote recycling and get people to recycle more.
There was also a presentation on the county’s supporting communication and outreach tools for the campaign and small group discussions on outreach strategies and challenges. View the Risdall presentation and county presentation to learn more about these topics.
 The 2013 iteration of the Recycle Half campaign, which encourages residents to juice up their recycling and milk it for all its worth, is running through November. The campaign focuses on recyclable items that are still commonly thrown in the trash, including cartons, plastic containers and recyclables from the laundry room and bathroom. The campaign encourages residents to help the county meet our goal of recycling half of all the waste generated in the county by 2015 – we currently recycle 40 percent.
We will be running billboard, TV, Pandora radio, online and skyway ads throughout the campaign. On RecycleHalf.com, visitors can get answers to frequently asked recycling questions, connect with a recycling expert, download or order a recycling guide, test their recycling knowledge and learn how to recycle more at home, work and play.
MRCs can help spread the word about the campaign:
- Use the Recycle Half displays when tabling
- Play the ‘Test your recycling knowledge’ game on RecycleHalf.com and share your results on Facebook
- Share the various campaign ads on Facebook
Congratulations to the following MRCs on completing their payback hours:
-
Sarah Kline (spring 2012) completed her payback hours as a regular greeter at the Fix-It Clinics.
-
Sue Seger (fall 2012) and Heidi Dale (fall 2012) spent most of their time talking to residents and monitoring waste bins at events, including the Minnesota State Fair, Windom School Carnival, Plymouth Home and Garden Show and Brooklyn Center Earth Fest.
-
Emily Phernetton (spring 2013) completed her hours talking to state fair goers at the Eco Experience waste exhibit.
-
Rebecca Gaertner (spring 2012) helped several gas stations sign up for recycling service through the Message in a Bottle program.
-
Cynthia Gilbert (fall 2012) completed many of her hours designing and building a compost program with the All Saints Lutheran Church community in Minnetonka.
-
Renee Van Siclen (spring 2012) volunteered at several events, including the Uptown Arts Festival, a Minneapolis Public Schools BBQ, the Baker Park waste sort and a Fix-It Clinic.
Wow, another two MRCs have volunteered more than 100 hours in the name of waste reduction education. Way to go and thank you to Jill Dalton (spring 2011) and Kathy Klink (spring 2011)!
Working on your payback? Remember to report your hours!
 Hennepin County is offering grants of up to $50,000 to help businesses, non-profit organizations and institutions start or improve programs to divert recyclables and organics from the trash. These grants can help with the purchase of recycling containers, equipment, hauling services and minor improvements to loading docks and waste enclosures.
The commercial sector generates more than half of the total waste in Hennepin County, and nearly two-thirds of the waste created at businesses and non-profits is recyclable.
Having a strong recycling program conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, can help your bottom line, and demonstrates your organization’s commitment to sustainability and the community.
For more information, email Andre Xiong or call 612-543-1316.
|
 We’ve partnered with more than 70 reuse retailers to offer free Choose to Reuse coupon books valid through November 30. The book includes coupons to buy used books, music, clothing and accessories, rent party equipment or costumes, get new-to-you sporting equipment, and find antique or used furniture for your home.
Get Choose to Reuse coupons on your smart phone or tablet by downloading the Chinook Book app. You can also download a coupon book or pick one up at participating retailers, Hennepin County Service Centers, Hennepin County libraries and all Three Rivers Park District locations.
If you would like coupon books to distribute, email Sunny Wacek or call 612-348-4168.
|
Led by Master Recycler/Composter Carrie Sandgren (fall 2011) and with the help of a Community POWER grant, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis increased their waste diversion from 25 percent in April 2012 to 75 percent in July 2013! The congregation also reduced monthly waste generation by about two tons.
To prepare for their project, Mount Olivet staff and volunteers visited an elementary school to learn about their trash sorting, met with St. Joan of Arc Church to discuss their waste diversion efforts and established baseline trash diversion numbers. They achieved their waste diversion goals by implementing waste reduction strategies, introducing organics recycling, purchasing new recycling bins, and educating staff, volunteers and congregation members. See their project results presentation to learn more.
Project proposals due November 1
 If you work with an organization that is interested in doing education about recycling, waste reduction or toxicity reduction, consider applying for a Green Partners Environmental Education Program grant. Funding of up to $15,000, project support and free resources are available for projects that motivate environmental action. Eligible organizations include community groups, youth programs, congregations, park districts, and private and public schools. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on November 1.
For more information, email Patience Caso or call at 612-348-9352.
|
- Hennepin County hopes grants to businesses will boost recycling. Learn more on Kare 11.
-
WCCO Good Question on egg carton recycling.
- High-tech garbage trucks are making it difficult for cities to offer curbside pickup for large items. Read more in the Star Tribune.
-
NPR story on how recycling bias affects what you toss.
|
