Maya Ellison
Hennepin County is actively working to reduce plastic waste and pollution. The county offers a range of resources to help residents and businesses recycle plastics properly, including drop-off facilities, curbside recycling services, and guides. However, less than half of the plastics in the county are recycled, and certain types of plastics, such as plastic bags, films, and wraps, are not accepted by curbside recyclers. To address this issue, Hennepin County has joined the U.S. Plastics Pact, a collaboration between various organizations to develop solutions and initiatives to ensure that plastics never become waste. The county also encourages residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics to minimize waste and protect the environment, with a goal of sending zero waste to landfills by 2030.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goal | To send zero waste to landfills by 2030 |
| Plastic recycling locations | Retailers that offer plastic bag recycling, Hennepin County drop-off facilities, and curbside recycling services |
| Plastic products accepted by retailers | Plastic bags and wrap |
| Plastic products accepted by Hennepin County drop-off facilities | Plastic bread bags, plastic bubble wrap, plastic cereal bags, plastic dry cleaning bags, plastic grocery bags, plastic newspaper sleeves, plastic produce bags, plastic product wrap, plastic resealable food bags, plastic retail bags, plastic stretch/shrink wrap, salt bags (without handles or residue), plastic jugs, cups, containers, and packaging, cords, and string lights |
| Plastic products not accepted by Hennepin County drop-off facilities | Six-pack holders, black plastic bags, boat wrap, wet film plastic (including bags), film plastic with residue (including bags), large plastic items like plastic lawn furniture, laundry baskets, storage tubs, and plastic toys, plastic utensils and straws (because they’re often contaminated with food), Styrofoam, microwaveable food trays, black plastic, and containers that held hazardous materials |
| Curbside recyclers | Do not recycle plastic bags, film, and most wraps, large plastic items like laundry baskets, storage tubs, toys, plastic furniture, plastic landscaping pots, landscape edging, kiddie pools or landscape pond liners, plastic foam (Styrofoam), plastic utensils and straws, hoses, cords and string lights, or containers that held hazardous chemicals |
| Free resources | Container labels and recycling guides |
| Initiatives | Zero Waste Challenge program, Plastic-Free Challenge, Stop Food Waste Challenge, U.S. Plastics Pact |
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What You'll Learn
- Hennepin County drop-off facilities accept plastic bags, cups, containers, and packaging
- Plastic film products can be recycled at Hennepin County drop-off facilities
- Curbside recycling services do not accept large plastic items
- Hennepin County offers free resources to improve recycling in your home
- Hennepin County joined the U.S. Plastics Pact to support residents and businesses in taking action on plastic waste
Hennepin County drop-off facilities accept plastic bags, cups, containers, and packaging
Hennepin County is committed to reducing waste and preserving the environment. The county has a goal of sending zero waste to landfills by 2030. To achieve this, Hennepin County drop-off facilities accept a range of plastic items for recycling, including plastic bags, cups, containers, and packaging.
The following plastic items can be brought to Hennepin County drop-off facilities for recycling: plastic bags, plastic film products, plastic jugs, cups, containers, and packaging. Specifically, plastic bread bags, plastic bubble wrap, plastic cereal bags, plastic dry cleaning bags, plastic grocery bags, plastic newspaper sleeves, plastic produce bags, plastic product wrap, plastic resealable food bags, plastic retail bags, and plastic stretch/shrink wrap are accepted. It is important to note that plastic six-pack holders, black plastic bags, boat wrap, wet film plastic, and film plastic with residue are not accepted.
In addition to the plastic bags and film products listed above, Hennepin County drop-off facilities also accept plastic cups, containers, and packaging. This includes plastic jugs, bottles, and cartons. It is important to empty and rinse these containers before bringing them to the drop-off facilities. Leave the caps and tops on plastic bottles, jugs, and containers to prevent them from falling through the gaps at the recycling sorting facility.
Hennepin County drop-off facilities do not accept certain types of plastic materials, including Styrofoam, microwaveable food trays, black plastic, and containers that held hazardous materials. Curbside recyclers also do not accept plastic bags, film, and most wraps, as well as large plastic items like laundry baskets, storage tubs, toys, and plastic furniture.
Hennepin County provides specific drop-off locations and hours for recycling plastic items. For example, the Brooklyn Park Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station is located at 8100 Jefferson Highway and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. The Bloomington South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center is located at 1400 West 96th Street and has the same hours of operation. It is important to note that there is no drop-off fee for plastic film products, but there is a limit of 4 full 13-gallon white kitchen bags per drop-off.
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Plastic film products can be recycled at Hennepin County drop-off facilities
Hennepin County is committed to reducing waste and preserving the environment. The county has set a goal of sending zero waste to landfills by 2030. To achieve this, residents are encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle their waste.
Plastic film products are accepted at specially designed Hennepin County drop-off facilities. Plastic film products that can be recycled include plastic bread bags, plastic bubble wrap, plastic cereal bags, plastic dry cleaning bags, plastic grocery bags, plastic newspaper sleeves, plastic produce bags, plastic product wrap, plastic resealable food bags, plastic retail bags, and plastic stretch/shrink wrap. Salt bags without handles or residue are also accepted.
However, it is important to note that not all plastic film products are accepted. Plastic film with six-pack holders, black plastic bags, boat wrap, wet film plastic, and film plastic with residue are not accepted at the drop-off facilities. Large plastic items, such as plastic lawn furniture, laundry baskets, storage tubs, plastic toys, plastic utensils, and straws, are also not accepted as they are often contaminated with food.
When dropping off plastic film products for recycling, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, there is a limit of four full 13-gallon white kitchen bags per drop-off. Secondly, it is recommended to drop off recyclables on Tuesday through Thursday afternoons, as these are the least busy times. Finally, it is important to separate plastic film products from other recyclables, as they can cause tangles and equipment breakdowns during the recycling process.
In addition to plastic film products, Hennepin County drop-off facilities also accept other plastic items for recycling, such as plastic jugs, cups, containers, and packaging. These items should be emptied and rinsed before drop-off, and the caps and tops can be left on.
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Curbside recycling services do not accept large plastic items
Hennepin County is working towards reducing plastic waste and preserving the environment. Curbside recycling services are provided by the county, but they do not accept large plastic items. This includes items such as laundry baskets, storage tubs, toys, plastic furniture, plastic landscaping pots, and landscape edging. Curbside recycling services also do not accept plastic foam (Styrofoam), plastic utensils, straws, hoses, cords, string lights, or containers that previously held hazardous chemicals. These items can cause disruption and even equipment breakdowns during the recycling process.
Hennepin County drop-off facilities are an alternative option for recycling certain large plastic items and other plastics that are not accepted by curbside recycling services. Plastic jugs, cups, containers, and packaging are accepted at these facilities. However, it is important to note that some plastic materials are not accepted even at the drop-off locations. These include Styrofoam, microwavable food trays, black plastic, six-pack holders, boat wrap, wet film plastic, and plastic with residue.
To ensure proper recycling, Hennepin County provides free resources to residents, including container labels and recycling guides. These guides offer detailed information on which items are accepted and which are not. Additionally, Hennepin County has partnered with other counties in Minnesota to improve the recycling system and increase trust in its effectiveness. The county is also a part of the U.S. Plastics Pact, a collaborative initiative to reduce plastic waste and pollution.
Hennepin County encourages residents to adopt a lower-waste lifestyle and provides programs such as the Zero Waste Challenge to help individuals learn about waste reduction, recycling, and composting. The county aims to send zero waste to landfills by 2030 and understands the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling to achieve this goal. By working together and following the guidelines provided by the county, residents can contribute to preserving the environment and reducing the negative impacts of plastic waste.
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Hennepin County offers free resources to improve recycling in your home
To help residents recycle properly, Hennepin County provides free resources such as container labels and recycling guides. These guides are comprehensive and cover the basics of recycling, listing what items are accepted and not accepted at recycling facilities. The guides also include preparation tips, such as instructions to empty and rinse containers and leave caps on plastic bottles and jugs.
The county also offers a Green Disposal Guide, which provides information on how to dispose of materials that cannot be recycled at home. This includes items like plastic bags, plastic film, and plastic wrap, which can be brought to specially designed Hennepin County drop-off facilities. Curbside recycling services and Hennepin County drop-off locations accept plastic bread bags, plastic bubble wrap, plastic grocery bags, plastic newspaper sleeves, plastic product wrap, and more. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable, and some may need to be sent to specialized facilities.
In addition to the guides, Hennepin County also offers free programs like the Zero Waste Challenge, which provides waste coaching and educational opportunities to help residents reduce their waste and improve their recycling habits. The county also has a Plastic-Free Challenge and a Stop Food Waste Challenge, which are both online, month-long programs.
Hennepin County is actively working to improve its recycling system and has recently joined the U.S. Plastics Pact, a collaboration of various organizations committed to finding solutions and implementing initiatives to ensure plastics never become waste.
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Hennepin County joined the U.S. Plastics Pact to support residents and businesses in taking action on plastic waste
Hennepin County has demonstrated its commitment to tackling plastic waste by joining the U.S. Plastics Pact. This move underscores the county's dedication to empowering residents and businesses to take concrete action against plastic pollution. The U.S. Plastics Pact is a collaborative effort led by The Recycling Partnership and the World Wildlife Federation, under the umbrella of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's global Plastics Pact network. This network extends its influence to various countries, including the U.K., France, Portugal, South Africa, Holland, and Chile, each working towards similar goals.
The primary objective of the U.S. Plastics Pact is to ensure that plastics never become waste. To achieve this, the pact has set four key national targets to be met by 2025. These targets revolve around addressing the challenges posed by plastic waste. Firstly, the pact aims to define a list of packaging to be designated as problematic or unnecessary, with a goal to eliminate these by 2025. This includes items such as black plastic trays, six-pack rings, and straws, which are commonly rejected by recycling programs.
Hennepin County, through its participation in the pact, is taking a proactive approach to addressing plastic waste. The county recognizes the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, not only to keep plastic out of landfills but also to decrease the demand for new plastics. With a goal of achieving zero waste by 2030, the county is encouraging residents to adopt more sustainable practices. This includes providing resources like the Green Disposal Guide, which offers detailed information on proper waste management and recycling procedures.
Additionally, Hennepin County offers drop-off facilities that accept specific plastic items, such as plastic jugs, cups, containers, and packaging. Curbside recycling services, on the other hand, generally do not accept large plastic items or certain materials like Styrofoam, plastic bags, and film. The county also emphasizes the importance of properly preparing items for recycling, such as emptying and rinsing containers, to ensure a smooth recycling process and avoid equipment disruptions.
By joining the U.S. Plastics Pact, Hennepin County gains access to a network of stakeholders, including packaging producers, brands, retailers, and waste management companies, who can collectively develop and implement coordinated initiatives to address plastic waste. This collaborative approach will enable the county to accelerate its transition to zero waste, meeting the goals outlined in its solid waste management master plan while also contributing to its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic jugs, cups, containers and packaging are accepted at Hennepin County drop-off facilities. Plastic bags and wrap can be brought to retailers that offer plastic bag recycling. Plastic film products are also accepted at the Hennepin County drop-off facilities, including plastic bread bags, bubble wrap, cereal bags, dry cleaning bags, grocery bags, newspaper sleeves, produce bags, product wrap, resealable food bags, retail bags, and stretch/shrink wrap.
Plastic materials that are not accepted include Styrofoam, microwavable food trays, black plastic bags, boat wrap, wet film plastic, film plastic with residue, large plastic items like furniture, laundry baskets, storage tubs, toys, plastic utensils and straws, hoses, cords and string lights, and containers that held hazardous chemicals.
Hennepin County has recently joined the U.S. Plastics Pact, a collaboration of plastic packaging producers, brands, retailers, waste management companies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies working to develop solutions and implement coordinated initiatives to address plastic waste and pollution. The county also offers free resources to residents, including container labels and recycling guides, and has set a goal of sending zero waste to landfills by 2030.
