 Hennepin County’s 2024 Recycling Progress Report provides an update on the county’s progress toward waste diversion goals, implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan, and results from waste reduction and recycling programs.
Hennepin County has established a zero-waste goal of diverting 90% or more of waste from landfills and incinerators and tracks progress on key metrics through the zero-waste dashboard. Although we’ve made incremental progress, significant changes in waste management systems and individual behaviors are needed to meet that goal.
Highlights and major accomplishments
In 2024, Hennepin County finalized its Plan to Reinvent the Solid Waste System and the state-required 2024-2029 Solid Waste Management Plan. The county continued to support zero-waste policies, and the state legislature passed a producer responsibility law for packaging and paper products in the 2024 legislative session.
Hennepin County increased its budget and staffing levels for zero-waste initiatives. Highlights include new grant programs for food rescue and community-led projects, campaigns to reduce food waste and inspire participation in recycling, and a neighborhood fix-it hub pilot.
Waste management in Hennepin County
Total waste generation in 2024 was almost the same as 2023. Not seeing an increase in waste generation during strong economic performance and robust job growth is encouraging. However, the county’s recycling rate decreased by 1% to 42%. This change was caused by a substantial decrease in yard waste and a notable decrease in the amount of food donation reported.
The overall decrease in organics recycling obscures a positive trend: an increase in commercial organics recycling. Organics delivered to composting sites increased by 30%. Businesses drove this increase by diverting more food waste from the trash. This trend indicates the success of an approach that includes outreach, compliance with requirements, incentives, and support for implementation.
 The Stop Food Waste Challenge starts tomorrow! Don’t miss out!
Why take the challenge? Here are six reasons to join:
- Learn to use up all your groceries
- Have an answer to "what's for dinner?"
- Spend less time (and money) at the grocery store
- Make your food last longer
- Be a confident cook
- Come together to make a difference
Find your reason to reduce wasted food
When you join the challenge, you commit to actions that will have the most impact in your household – the challenge has more than 60 actions to choose from in six categories.
Save money, save time, save the planet. Join the challenge this August. Sign up now.
There are over 100 businesses in Hennepin County that have reduced single use plastics with MNimize! Find businesses that are making it easier for their customers to avoid plastic waste on the MNimize map.
 Here are some changes that businesses are making:
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The Copper Hen in Minneapolis is using compostable cups for sauces, dips, and sides, keeping 5,000 plastic cups out of the trash each year.
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Ichigo Tokyo Crepes in Minneapolis uses reusable plates.
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La Cochinita food truck has a full lineup of compostable to-go ware.
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Moona Moono, a coffee shop in Minneapolis, is offering reusable tumblers.
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Tandoor Restaurant in Bloomington switched to reusable ramekins, platters, and soup bowls.
MNimize is a program of the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation and Hennepin County that provides support, rebates, and recognition to food businesses working to reduce single-use plastic waste.
 Become a trusted resource and volunteer in your community as a Hennepin County Community Recycling Ambassador!
Community Recycling Ambassadors are trained on waste prevention, recycling, composting, and effective communication skills through a six-week course, with one class each week, taught by industry experts and community leaders. This training program is free to participants.
Once training is complete, participants commit to 30 hours of volunteering putting their skills to work on projects and activities that minimize waste and provide waste reduction, recycling, and composting education.
Apply for the fall 2025 class
The fall 2025 class will be held in-person every Tuesday from September 9 through October 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Library.
Applications for the fall class will be accepted from Tuesday, August 5 to Tuesday, August 26.
Learn more about the program and sign up to be notified when the application is open.
Hennepin County is partnering with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors to offer Switch Together, a group buying program to help residents save on the cost of solar installations. Switch Together offers residents a hassle-free way to lower their electric bills and reduce their carbon footprint by installing high-quality solar as well as optional add-ons such as EV chargers and battery storage for a competitive price.
Take advantage of this opportunity by registering at SwitchTogether.com/en/Solar/HennepinCounty by Wednesday, September 10.
Private landowners drive conservation of Minnesota’s prairies
Minnesota’s prairies once stretched for more than 18 million acres. Most of that land was converted to crops starting in the 19th century, and currently only about 1% of native prairie remains in the state.
Prairies are important for biodiversity, with many species of pollinators and birds relying on the ecosystem. Prairies also help reduce flood risks, mitigate water pollution, and lessen the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon in their extensive root systems.
Private landowners play a critical role in conserving and restoring Minnesota’s prairies. Many landowners have enrolled their properties in conservation easements, which are legally binding development restrictions a landowner voluntarily places on their property to permanently protect its natural resources. Read more in the Star Tribune.
Hennepin County, in partnership with the Minnesota Land Trust, has received more than $9.3 million from the state’s Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund to acquire conservation easements on the best remaining natural areas in the county. Funding is also available for habitat restoration projects on protected properties. Learn more about land protection and restoration in Hennepin County.
Maple Grove pleased with progress of organics recycling, remind residents what to compost
Maple Grove city officials recently shared with CCX Media that they are pleased with how the citywide roll out of organics recycling has gone over the first 6 months and reminded residents what they can compost. About 25% of what we throw away is organic material that can be composted. This includes all food, food-soiled paper like napkins and pizza boxes, and BPI-certified compostable products. By getting all of that material out of the trash, residents may be able to switch to a smaller garbage cart and potentially save money on their trash bills.
Organics recycling is available to residents throughout Hennepin County through at-home service or drop-off sites. Learn more about organics recycling, what can be composted, and how to get started.
Free Fix-It Clinic coming to Eden Prairie
 When household items, like a toaster or fan, stop working, your first thought may be to toss it and buy a new one. But why not try fixing it instead? At Hennepin County’s free Fix-It Clinics, volunteers will work with you to disassemble, troubleshoot, and hopefully fix your broken items. Most items – an impressive 79% of those brought in – are successfully repaired.
Common items brought in include lamps, vacuum cleaners, fans, small kitchen appliances, and small electronics. Volunteer menders with sewing machines are also always available to help repair clothing and other textiles.
Fix-It Clinics are a fun experience for adults, kids, and volunteers – building confidence, satisfying curiosity, and creating a sense of community. Clinics are held monthly, with the next clinic on August 9 in Eden Prairie. Read more in Eden Prairie news.
We are Water MN exhibit
Now through August 10, 809 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
October 9 to December 1, Bloomington
Explore our connection to water! We are Water MN is a traveling exhibit that explores stories and historical insights through engaging displays to highlight the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.
Visit the We are Water MN exhibit in Hennepin County:
- Now through August 10 at 809 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, plan your visit
- October 9 to December 1 at the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
See the full We are Water MN exhibit schedule.
 Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping. Without a doubt, you’re seeing back-to-school advertisements everywhere. The deals can be great! But remember that buying used clothing, electronics, and supplies can be an even better deal for both your wallet and the planet.
Here are things you can do to make shopping used for back-to-school easier:
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Make a list: write out a detailed list of what your student needs.
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Start early and check often: you never know when used items will be available. The best items sell quickly, so begin your search now. Check local thrift and consignment shops and online marketplaces regularly for new listings.
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Inspect items carefully: always check for significant wear, missing parts, or functionality issues.
Get started by checking local thrift stores like Arc’s Value Village, Once Upon a Child, or Old School by Steeple People, consignment shops like Turn Style Consignment, and online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, ThredUp, or Poshmark.
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