Feedback from waste haulers

Staff invited all 161 Hennepin County licensed waste haulers to provide input on implementing zero-waste actions, 7 of which asked for individual meetings with staff.

Waste haulers provided feedback on the following strategies:

Same-day collection

Required strategy #30: Collect recyclables, organics, and trash on the same day.

Haulers said that same day collection is already common and preferred my most customers, so this strategy is not viewed as a major challenge. Some haulers said there could be challenges if many cities across the metro require collection on the same day. They also said cities could help by coordinating efforts to avoid having multiple haulers trying to use the same narrow alleys or streets at the same time. Haulers said exemptions should be considered for certain circumstances, such as organics recycling routes with few customers or routes with space or safety challenges.

Pre-processing of waste

Required strategy #36: Establish mandatory pre-processing of waste at resource recovery facilities and landfills by 2030.

Haulers expressed many concerns about this strategy. They had questions about the MPCA’s definition of pre-processing, expectations, and standards for what is acceptable. They had concerns related to confusion among customers, contamination, quality of materials, ability to find end markets, and cost. They wondered if this was the best way to invest in zero-waste initiatives. They suggested delaying implementation until more is understood about how the new Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act would affect this strategy. They also wondered if organics would be included and if co-collection of organics would be part of this strategy.

Managing wood waste

Required strategy #45: Develop plans to prevent and manage wood waste in each county and throughout the region.

Most haulers said they don’t handle tree waste, and any wood waste they deal with is related to construction and demolition waste. One hauler that owns a yard waste site shared concerns about having an outlet for the material and agreed that more needs to be done to support capacity.

Hauler reporting

Required strategy #1: Increase compliance with hauler reporting per Minn. Stat. § 115A.93.

All haulers said they currently comply with the requirements and are okay with this strategy since they appreciate standardized requirements. Some haulers noted that the reporting process is cumbersome and could be made easier.

Organized collection

Required strategy 33 and #34: Contract for residential recycling and organics by 2030.

Haulers had mixed opinions about this strategy, with some strongly opposed, some neutral, and some supporting aspects of it. Several haulers noted that organics participation was significantly higher in cities that contracted for organics service. Haulers felt similarly about a consortium model, with some supporting it and others strongly opposed. Small and medium sized haulers were concerned that large haulers would take over an organized system.

Implementing Hennepin County Ordinance 13

Hauler role in implementing the county’s recycling and organics requirements

Some haulers said the county needs to improve compliance efforts, with some suggesting more focus on medium-sized generators. Most haulers said they support partnering with the county on communications. Haulers are concerned about contamination and said there’s a need for more education and training.

Hauler licensing

Regional hauler licensing and expanding licensing to recycling haulers

Most haulers are already licensed through cities, and haulers were generally supportive or neutral about this idea.