Hennepin County is offering free resources, technical assistance and support to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to start and/or enhance their recycling and organic waste recycling programs. Select up to $3,000 worth of containers and compostable bags from the county's product list to help you get started. Check out the grant guidelines (PDF) and flyer (PDF) for details on container and bag options. 

Start the application process now 

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until Friday, November 14, 2025, or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first. Visit the business recycling web page to learn more and begin the process to get your bins and compostable bags.  

Get help with your broken stuff and learn valuable repair skills at free Fix-It Clinics. 

Fix-It Clinics offer free, guided assistance from volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot, and (hopefully) fix small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more.  

Clinics are held on the second weekend of most months at different locations throughout the county from noon to 4 p.m., with the last items accepted at 3:30 p.m. Events are first come, first served; no pre-registration required.  

Upcoming clinics are scheduled for: 

• Saturday, June 14 at Ridgedale Library in Minnetonka 

• Saturday, July 12 at St. Joan of Arc in Minneapolis 

• Saturday, August 9 at Eden Prairie Community Center 

August 4 to 6 at Eden Prairie Water Treatment Plant in Eden Prairie, MN. 

WaterWorks! A Drinking Water Institute is a free three-day, hands-on workshop for science teachers to expand their water curriculum. Learn from expert presenters about the engineering, chemistry, geology, people, and politics of how drinking water is delivered to your home and school. Accepted educators can choose between two graduate credits and a stipend. Learn more and register for the institute.  

The following organizations received funding through the Hennepin County Green Partners program. Organizations receive training, support, and funding to implement projects that engage residents to learn about, protect, and improve the environment. 

Minnesota Swahili Christian Congregation youth launch recycling challenge

Youth leaders from the Minnesota Swahili Christian Congregation are inspiring environmentally friendly behavior in their peers and adults through their Green Partners project. The recent recycling challenge, called Project Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, encouraged youth to collect bottles and cans from home and the community, raising awareness of everyday waste and promoting better recycling habits. Participants received reusable water bottles, practiced public speaking, and led educational efforts at church. The challenge reinforced the importance of sustainability for all generations. 

Migizi Green Tech interns explore sustainable transportation and Indigenous innovation

With their funding from Green Partners, Migizi’s Green Tech Institute is empowering Indigenous high school students to gain hands-on experience in STEM. This season, students are building longboards in collaboration with Urban Boat Builders while learning about sustainable transportation. Four returning interns recently presented at the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair in Oklahoma, where one team won second place in Astronomy and Physics for their Ojibwe Constellation project. The trip included visits to science labs, cultural museums, and botanical gardens. 

Phyllis Wheatley celebrates Earth Day with Black to Nature

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center hosted an Earth Day celebration in partnership with Three Rivers Park District and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The day began with a community cleanup around Bethune Park, followed by hands-on nature activities, music, and science exploration.