Recycling opinion survey

The county conducted a statistically representative survey of approximately 500 residents across all 7 county commissioner districts in June 2024. The survey assessed opinions on residential recycling and organics recycling programs and level of support for various actions to meet the county’s zero-waste goals.

Key findings

The following is a summary of the key findings. Insights from the resident survey are included with the applicable zero-waste priorities and county-specific strategies throughout the draft solid waste plan.

Review the full residential recycling opinion survey report (PDF)(External link).

There are notable differences in satisfaction with cost of trash and recycling across income and race/ethnicity

Residents from lower income households were less satisfied with the cost of trash and recycling than those from higher income households. Those who identify as Black or African American or Hispanic/Latino were less satisfied with the cost of trash and recycling than those who identified as white.

Use of recycling drop-off locations is low

Most respondents report never using a recycling drop-off location for most of the materials accepted. Fluorescent bulbs are the least recycled at drop-off centers (81% of respondents reported never dropping these off), while old paint is the most frequently recycled (only 38% of respondents reported never dropping this item off). Residents with lower incomes were more likely to report never using recycling drop-off centers.

Ease of finding information about disposal associated with race/ethnicity

Respondents who identify as white are more likely than people of any other race or ethnicity to find it easy to locate information about trash and recycling disposal.

Residents who use curbside organics recycling are satisfied with the frequency and costs of collection

42% of surveyed residents use the curbside organics recycling program as their primary means of disposing of food waste. Of those, 80% indicated that they were satisfied both with the frequency of collection and the cost of the program.

Residents are generally positive about organics recycling

Overall, Hennepin County residents have positive feelings with respect to organics recycling. Over 70% of residents find it easy to do, believe it is a high-impact way to reduce waste, or feel that it should be required of all residents. However, those who do not use organics recycling were more likely to find it unpleasant or expensive.

Participation in organics recycling differs across the county

Although awareness of organics recycling is consistent across the county, there are some differences in use of organics recycling in different areas of the county. These differences are expected given the variation in programming, including how long organics recycling has been available, the type of program available (i.e., curbside collection or drop-off site), whether the city contracts for service, whether the programs are opt-in or voluntary, and the level of education and outreach.

Residents are mostly supportive of policies that support waste reduction

Residents are generally supportive of policy measures that would reduce waste in Hennepin County. Residents are most supportive of allowing cities to contract for collection of recyclables and trash to reduce cost (84% support) and reduce the number of trucks on the road (87% support). They are less supportive, however, of punitive measures and policies that would prohibit disposing certain materials in the trash.

Punitive measures and prohibitions are generally opposed by residents with lower incomes residents, while fee discounts to encourage recycling are strongly supported by lower-income residents. There was no association between commissioner district, race/ethnicity, or gender and policy support.