Bins, bags, and collaboration: Tackling business waste with Hennepin County

Bins, bags, and collaboration: Tackling business waste with Hennepin County

Businesses generate nearly half of Hennepin County’s total waste, making them critical partners in Hennepin County’s zero-waste goals.

But they’re not on their own to figure it out, as Hennepin County business waste-reduction expert Andre Xiong explains.

“We can’t do it without them, and we can help them get it done,” said Andre.

For more than a decade, the county has built a supportive model that makes Hennepin County waste-reduction rules approachable for businesses of all sizes. It’s one of many ways Hennepin County works across departments to meet goals and support small businesses.

“We focus on offering resources and expert guidance. We focus on people wanting to do the right thing, for sustainability,” said Andre. “But also improve the business’ image while reducing their costs.”

There are a range of options for businesses in Hennepin County.

The most popular effort is grants for waste bins including trash, recycling, and composting. Most businesses are eligible for free bins, signage, and compostable bags, they just need to apply.

“It’s a simple application and review process. If approved, Hennepin County purchases bins and/or compostable bags and ships them to your business,” said Andre. “It’s a great way to make an initial impact on waste.”

Since staff knowledge and participation are critical to the success of recycling programs, the county also offers training resources for owners and employees. Trainings range from quick huddles to full lunch‑and‑learn presentations, with education tailored to a business’ culture and workflow.

He said the waste reduction team would like to see more businesses looking at waste-prevention grants since prevention, reduction, and reuse make an even larger impact than recycling. These grants of up to $50,000 are a collaborative effort that lead to a lot of creative problem solving.

“We help anyone however we can,” Andre said. “We walk around with them in the business and look for opportunities and give suggestions. Sometimes we learn from them, and then we share their best practices with others.”

“We have funded everything from a project to reduce wax waste with a candle maker to helping a medical facility reduce use of disposable shoe covers,” said Andre. “The waste prevention grants are intentionally open-ended because there are so many potential ways to reduce waste at different businesses.”

Real cost reductions for businesses

Waste reduction isn’t just environmentally responsible, it’s financially smart.

“When they take waste prevention measures, they’re directly reducing their cost,” said Andre.

He noted that many businesses simply don’t realize how much they spend on items like bags, packaging, or oversized servings of food that end up discarded. With a fresh set of eyes and some additional expertise, Andre and his team can find real opportunities. “When they trim what they produce and streamline it, they’ll save money,” he said.

For business owners who want to get started, Andre’s advice is straightforward: “Get a hold of us!”

Business owners can visit the Hennepin County Business Recycling page to request assistance and start the grant application process. To get started directly, register for information or a training or email Hennepin County business waste experts directly at businessrecycling@hennepin.us to get started.

“From there, we can find whatever fits your business,” he explained. “We can meet with you on site, get you bins, or work with you to develop a waste prevention grant project.”

Essential resources for businesses

• Bin and compostable bag grants: Simple recycling and organics bin grants designed for small businesses.
• Waste‑prevention grants: Up to $50,000 for projects that reduce waste at the source (grants under $10,000 require no match).
• Technical assistance: Free site visits, training, and tailored guidance
• MNimize: A program from Minnesota Waste Wise and Hennepin County that helps reduce single-use plastics with rebates of up to $1,000 and public recognition.