New mattress recycling collection program

Hennepin County is partnering with Second Chance Recycling, an EMERGE social enterprise, to offer mattress recycling collection at apartment and condominium buildings. EMERGE operates sustainable, social enterprise businesses that empower people facing employment barriers to re-enter the workforce and achieve lifelong success within their communities. Dismantling nearly 250,000 mattresses, Second Chance Recycling has diverted over 10.5 million pounds of mattress material from landfills. Most of the material in a mattress or box spring can be recycled, including the steel springs, fabric, foam and wood.    Accepted: Mattresses, box springs, mattress toppers, crib mattresses   Not Accepted: Pieces infested with bed bugs, bed frames, and furniture   This new option for mattress disposal is convenient, affordable and environmentally friendly. A $35 per mattress or box spring fee includes pick up and ensures your mattresses and box springs are recycled instead of landfilled. Schedule and pay for mattress recycling pick ups here.

For more information about this program, email Kirsten or call 612-348-6846.

Need help with recycling at your building?

Residents in multifamily buildings want to recycle, but they don't always do it right. Hennepin County can help by providing tips and resources that will make your job easier. Call or visit us online to request free recycling tote bags, instructional labels for dumpsters and carts, presentations, posters and fliers.

Recycling tips and tricks

• Make recycling as convenient as trash by pairing the two containers together.
• Clearly label recycling collection containers.
• Provide recycling information to new residents at move-in.
• Update recycling information on a semi-annual or annual basis.
• Provide positive feedback to your residents who are recycling. Consider setting a goal for your building and tracking progress regularly. If you produce a building newsletter, consider adding a recycling section for regular updates and reminders.

Recycling reminders really work

Studies show that posting two or three recycling reminders per year can increase participation by as much as 20 percent. Hennepin County can help you communicate effectively with your residents with free signs, labels, posters and flyers that will help them recycle properly and reduce mistakes. People recycle more when recycling is simple. When the system is effortless, people love to recycle. Learn more and order your supplies on the Hennepin County site. 

Organics recycling

Did you know that food waste makes up 30 percent of what we throw away? Rather than trash it, compost it by adding organics recycling service at your building. Organics recycling collection can be added as an additional service to your trash and recycling pickup – check with your hauler for rates and availability in your area. Hennepin County has resources to help you educate your residents on what can be collected for organics recycling. Additionally, funds are available through our Business Recycling Grant program to help offset the initial start-up costs of starting organics recycling service. Click here for more information on the Business Recycling Grant program or call 612-543-1316.

Common questions and answers

Q: What should I do with medications?

Most people are aware that medications cannot go in the recycling, however many are unsure of where to take them. Residents can bring their unused medications in their original packaging or container to one of the Hennepin County medication drop boxes.

Q: What about labels on my cans and bottles? Do I need to peel them off?

All of the labels on your cans and bottles will be taken off during the recycling process so you don’t need to remove them.

Q: How clean do my containers need to be before recycling them?

Remember that people are handling your recyclable materials, however you do not need to go so far as to put your recyclables in the dishwasher. Give things either a good scrape out or rinse and they should be clean enough to recycle.

Get recognized for your efforts

Do you already have a great recycling program? Do you have an organics recycling program? The Hennepin County Environmental Partners program recognizes businesses for their efforts to divert waste. When you officially become a partner, you will receive one or all of these window clings shown above.