Share your ideas for a zero-waste future
The Zero Waste Plan
The Hennepin County Zero Waste Plan (PDF) is now available.
Hennepin County is committed to achieving a zero-waste future where all materials are designed to become resources for others to use, the volume and toxicity of waste and materials is systematically eliminated, and all resources are conserved and recovered and not burned or buried.
The county has defined zero waste as preventing 90% or more of all discarded materials from being landfilled or incinerated. The actions in the Hennepin County Zero Waste Plan are designed to collectively move the county as close as possible to the goal of zero waste.
The Zero Waste Plan
The Hennepin County Zero Waste Plan (PDF) is now available.
Hennepin County is committed to achieving a zero-waste future where all materials are designed to become resources for others to use, the volume and toxicity of waste and materials is systematically eliminated, and all resources are conserved and recovered and not burned or buried.
The county has defined zero waste as preventing 90% or more of all discarded materials from being landfilled or incinerated. The actions in the Hennepin County Zero Waste Plan are designed to collectively move the county as close as possible to the goal of zero waste.
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Do you have any ideas or actions to share that aren't covered in the Zero Waste Plan?
about 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Hoping4Changeover 1 year agoOnly pay when you have garbage
In Wheaton Illinois you only paid for the garbage you put out, this encouraged people to compost, recycle. And waste less. My parents reduced their garbage so much through composting and consuming less that they only had to put out a garbage can once a month.
0 comment2Ann A.over 1 year agoStrive to eliminate plastic packaging
Encourage major stores (Target, Macy's, Best Buy, etc) to tell their suppliers that as of 2025 they will no longer buy from suppliers who use plastic packaging. We need to get to the source of the plastic packaging problem, not just rely on recycling.
0 comment0Ann A.over 1 year agoClear and understandable signage
Recycling, compost, and trash containers in public places must be more clearly and completely labeled. One is often not sure what is compostable, or what one does with recyclable containers with food waste, etc.
0 comment0Bill Mantisover 1 year agoBicycle panniers, made from recycled plastic, with a Hennepin County recycling logo prominently displayed.
These could be sold at cost. Owners would be showing their support for recycling. They would also be encouraged to fill their panniers with littered recyclables whenever they go biking.
0 comment0Meters Mildabout 1 year agoHumanure composting. This is already being done community-wide at Dancing Rabbit village in northern Missouri.
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CLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Heather Rabout 2 years ago
Black plastic
Food containers that can’t be recycled or composted in the city compost program should not be allowed
0 comment0Recycling naziabout 2 years agoHow to make separating trash a habit? Teach young children, parents first. Elders need motivation, incentives. Convenience is key.
0 comment0JAOabout 2 years agoPackaging
Between food packaging and buying household items, everything seems to come in extra plastic. Super hard to know how or how to recycle the various pieces.
1 comment6ctsabout 2 years agoMailing bags (seem like vinyl but are flexible & stretchy. Often have recycling symbols on them, but can they go in my plastic bag recycling
0 comment4Heather Rabout 2 years agoPlastic shopping bags
I wish we could recycle these curbside but I know the goal is to use less of them:)
0 comment0 -
What is one thing that would help you recycle more?
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas section has closed for commentWhat is one thing that would help you recycle more?
BalmyDabout 2 years agoRestaurants that serve healthy, family-sized dinners in reusable takeout containers. Pay a deposit once, wash, trade in with next order.
Reusable Takeout Containers
0 comment1Mjpabout 2 years agoSubstitute recyclable and compostable products for those that are not.
As a consumer, I am left with no options when products I want to purchase do not come in recyclable or compostable packaging. There should be manufacturing incentives for making recyclable and compostable packaging
0 comment1 -
How do you determine whether something is recyclable?
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas area has closed.How do you determine whether something is recyclable?
Chickenover 2 years agoIm sure this is a big no no, but I recycle EVERYTHING that has the recycle symbol and hope the city will either take it or send it elsewhere
Recycle EVERYTHING ♻️ with symbol
1 comment1ruthie425over 2 years agoDouble and triple check
If I'm not certain, I double check the recycling symbol against what's accepted in my curbside bin. We've always kept the postcard with what's accepted on the door in the kitchen so we can check. I'd rather be certain it can go! And if it can't, I try to see if it could be reused by me or someone in the community before tossing.
0 comment1WoodsyWoodsover 2 years agoI Use a guide
I use the guide provided by my waste management company
0 comment1Kristinover 2 years agoI review the recycling numbers, remember what I learned in the MRC classes, and check the county website for anything I’m not sure about.
0 comment3 -
What is something you wish you could recycle?
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.What is something you wish you could recycle?
ALT20over 2 years agoTextile & plastic Bags
Recycling for fabrics/textiles that are not suitable or acceptable for donation. Plastic bag recycling as many people do not take them to drop off sites. Maybe monthly pickups until contributions increase?
2 comments5Elisaover 2 years agoOrganizations recycle more?
I imagine that Hennepin County has some notion of how much waste comes from different industries. Is it more than all of our homes combined? Is there a way to get hospitals, offices, construction, entertainment, etc. industries to become more sustainable?
0 comment0JoeyNoeover 2 years agoLook into "Ridwell". Great option we should all promote!
0 comment1Richard Schusterover 2 years agoRequire changes to product reuse labeling.
Mark consumer products with “This item is (recyclable/compostable) by most residential collection sites that accept (paper/plastic)”. Require other items to say “Throw in trash after use” Beverage cups and lids, for example, should be unambiguous.
0 comment3ngafferover 2 years agoI wish to recycle less and reuse more.
Like borrowing takeout containers, power tools, cooking equipment (ravioli press, mixer...)...
0 comment4
Quick Polls
Follow Project
Who's Listening
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Zero Waste Community Group Cohort Project Lead
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Environmental Engagement Coordinator
Email joseph.vital@hennepin.us -
Zero Waste Program Specialist
Email amy.maas@hennepin.us -
Waste Prevention and Recycling Specialist
Timeline
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August 2021
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future has finished this stageBoard resolution to develop plan to map a zero-waste future
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December 2021
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future has finished this stageSolicit proposals for consultants and community groups to conduct engagement
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January 2022
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future has finished this stage- Select and announce facilitation and solid waste consultants
Select and form community engagement cohort
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February 2022
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future has finished this stage- Begin research and comparative analysis of Hennepin's waste system
Refine engagement process and develop outreach tools
Share the Zero Waste Plan process and opportunities for providing input
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March and April 2022
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future has finished this stage- Community engagement led by community groups
Broad outreach to engage residents
Discussions with industry stakeholders
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May 2022
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future has finished this stageSynthesize findings from engagement efforts and review and develop themes
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June to August 2022
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future has finished this stageForm zero-waste work groups to develop and vet strategies based on themes identified in the initial engagement efforts
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August and September 2022
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future has finished this stageResource Recycling Solutions develops recommended strategies for the Zero Waste Plan
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September and October 2022
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future has finished this stageMeet with community engagement cohort to consider and evaluate recommended actions
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2023
Share your ideas for a zero-waste future is currently at this stageGather final feedback on the draft strategies for the Zero Waste Plan
Finalize Zero Waste Plan and submit to county commissioners
Use key parts of the Zero Waste Plan as the foundation for the development of the state-mandated Hennepin County 2024 Solid Waste Management Plan