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The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners has adopted the 2024 – 2029 Hennepin County Solid Waste Management Plan (PDF).
With the completion of this plan, the county has concluded a significant effort in solid waste planning that began with the Climate Action Plan in 2021, the creation of the Zero Waste Plan in 2023, a prioritization of the highest impact zero-waste actions in the Plan to Reinvent Hennepin County’s Solid Waste System in early 2024, and the development of the county’s required Solid Waste Management Plan based on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Metro Policy Plan.
These plans were developed with feedback from more than 2,300 participants. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and input to create and improve on these plans.
New investments in zero waste
The county’s waste reduction and recycling staff will now fully focus on implementing the various plans’ actions. With additional investments made in 2024 to expand staff, programming, policy, and infrastructure, the county is:
- Providing resources to cities to increase participation in waste prevention and recycling efforts
- Increasing compliance with existing food waste diversion and recycling requirements
- Expanding collection and drop-off options
- Completing a food waste prevention plan
- Developing a plastics prevention plan
- Launching a new Community Zero Waste Grant program
- Partnering with cities to expand community swaps
- Expanding reuse of construction and demolition materials
Reinventing the solid waste system
The county also recognizes that the success of these plans will be determined by the level of systemic change made, including:
- Ability for counties, cities, agencies, and environmental advocates to align efforts
- State leadership on zero-waste policies
- Funding and infrastructure development that matches the scope of the challenges and the ambition of the goals
- Actions by businesses and residents to make zero waste a reality
The county’s investments and making progress on systemic changes will result in a circular economy, ensure an equitable system, and achieve climate and zero-waste goals.
We asked how our communities want to contribute to a zero-waste future and a reinvented solid waste system. You told us you want more opportunities to reduce waste and recycle, and we have some resources and ideas for how you can take action now.
Recommit to looking at the waste you produce in your household and take steps to prevent waste
 Take steps to reduce wasted food and save money with the resources available from the Trash or Cash campaign. Sign up for Fridge Check Friday reminders to get weekly reminders to check your fridge before you go shopping and use your food before it goes bad, plus snack-sized kitchen hacks to help you get the most out of your groceries.
Attend an upcoming Fix-It Clinic: November 9 in Plymouth and December 14 in Bloomington. Get help fixing broken household items such as small appliances, clothing, electronics and more and learn repair skills.
Join the Plastic-Free Challenge in February. Kickstart your plastic-free journey and be part of the solution to reduce waste, protect water and wildlife, address climate change, and look after the health of ourselves and future generations. Sign up to be notified when registration opens in January.
Be an informed recycler. Brush up on what you can recycle, important items to leave out, and what happens to your recycling. Learn the real story behind recycling at RecyclingExists.com
Use new or expanded services resulting from the planning processes
 Participate in organics recycling. If you haven’t already, sign up for curbside organics recycling through your city or hauler. If you don't have access to curbside organics recycling, find an organics drop-off site near you. There are now 45 sites available throughout the county, with many new options in the western suburbs.
If you live in an apartment building or condo, check out our multifamily recycling resources. Grants, expert assistance, and free resources are available.
Volunteer and get involved in your community
 Work with your local community-based organization to apply for a Community Zero Waste grant.
Join fellow waste reduction enthusiasts and inspire others to reduce, reuse and recycle as a Community Recycling Ambassador.
Help out at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.
Support businesses that have taken the MNimize pledge and are working to working to reduce single-use plastics. Or encourage your favorite businesses to get involved.
Stay connected
Get the latest environmental news, events, and program updates from Hennepin County by signing up for Green Notes newsletter and following us on social media – Hennepin Environment on Facebook, Hennepin Environment on Instagram, and @hennepenviro on X.
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