Businesses and corporations are evaluated on many aspects of their performance, including their environmental stewardship. Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs can reduce your business's impact on the environment and shows customers that your business cares about the community.

Reduce

Waste reduction is the easiest, most effective way to lower your disposal costs. Brainstorm with employees about your day-to-day operations. Find creative ways to reduce waste and substitute less hazardous products that pose fewer disposal problems. The following sections will help you get started:

Reuse

Donating your used materials and equipment means you don't have to pay to dispose of them. As long as the items are in usable or working condition, consider the benefits of giving them away. See these sections for ideas:

Recycle

Businesses use recyclable materials every day. Cardboard, glass, metal, paper, plastic, wood and food are all recyclable. To start a waste reduction and recycling program or expand existing efforts at your business, visit the following links:

Assistance for starting a program

Hennepin County can help you find  waste management options that fit your business' needs. 

For more information on reducing waste and recycling at your business, please contact the commercial program coordinator at 612-596-0993.

Additional Resources

Hennepin County Commercial Hazardous Waste Unit

Hennepin County licenses and inspects commercial hazardous waste generators and facilities. We provide disposal information, training and other technical assistance to hazardous waste generators.

Resourceful Waste Management Guide

The Resourceful Waste Management Guide helps local businesses make smart recycling and disposal decisions. New and improved, you'll find information on everything, from paper and plastics to electronics and food waste. Search for facilities by location, materials accepted and services provided.

Green Gatherings

This resource has information on planning green events and meetings, including information on choosing a meeting venue and catering company based on their environmental practices.

Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)

This free, non-regulatory program provides businesses with industry-tailored solutions to waste management problems. MnTAP’s programs can help your business reduce waste, increase efficiency, save on disposal and raw material costs, and decrease regulatory compliance burdens. ReTAP provides free, confidential, non-regulatory pollution prevention and waste reduction assistance to Minnesota businesses, industries and institutions.

Minnesota Waste Wise

This private, non-profit, member-supported organization affiliated with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce helps businesses reduce waste and save money.

Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide

This guide covers all aspects of the purchasing process, including cost, performance and vendors, as well as how to make environmentally preferable purchases.