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 engagement findings during the development of the Zero Waste Plan (PDF) led to the creation of this new grant program to reduce racial disparities and advance equity in the solid waste management system. This grant expands funding and support for community-centric solutions to advance a zero-waste future.
The community zero waste grant program will expand the county’s ability to address gaps in the solid waste management system, increasing the amount of waste prevented or diverted for recycling and composting. This initiative also supports the county’s Zero Waste Plan action to expand workforce development for living-wage green jobs by providing funding to community-based organizations developing and implementing zero-waste initiatives.
The grant program will fund projects that increase equity in the solid waste management system and decrease the amount of waste going to waste to energy facilities and landfills, advancing the county’s disparity, zero-waste, and climate goals.
Community Zero Waste Grants awarded in 2025
Hennepin County awarded six Community Zero Waste Grants totaling $450,000 in 2025.
African Career Education and Resources (ACER), Minneapolis
$35,000 to make the annual Shingle Creek Center Fair in Brooklyn Center a low waste event, including promoting low waste and recycling education that goes beyond the event.
Free Geek Twin Cities, Minneapolis
$110,000 to further reduce electronic waste for reuse or recycling through implementing collection events or drives and expanding business hours.
Little Earth Residents Association, Minneapolis
$125,000 to improve recycling, start organics recycling, and incorporate repair clinics at clothing swaps to further reduce clothing waste.
Lyndale Neighborhood Association, Minneapolis
$9,000 to host swap events to facilitate and promote reuse among residents. Events include Free Fest that focuses on household items and Book Fest that seeks to recirculate books. Funding will also help make the annual Wheels and Bike Rodeo be a low waste event.
Oromo Diaspora Media, Minneapolis
$95,000 to start recycling, including organics recycling, at three religious institutions that serve the Oromo community and host events.
Zone For Integrated Resources and Alliances with Nature (ZIRAN), Minnetonka
$76,000 to start recycling, including organics recycling, at three businesses that primarily serve Asian American populations. Other activities include facilitating low-waste event planning at 10 events, including Twin Cities Waste Metro Asian Fair.
Stories from grantees
ZIRAN celebration of reuse and connection
On August 29, 2025, ZIRAN and MinnSea Academy hosted the first-ever Let It Go Swap & Flea Market outside Greenwood Elementary in Plymouth. The event brought together nearly 400 community members and 50 vendor families to celebrate sustainability, cultural exchange, and community connection.
Let It Go 2025 was a joyful space for people to share stories, swap goods, and reduce waste. Families donated gently used items, from clothes to kitchenware, and found new treasures to take home. Local vendors offered handmade crafts, vintage finds, and cultural foods, creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.
The event also featured live music, youth-led performances, and hands-on activities that encouraged creativity and environmental awareness. ZIRAN’s mission to foster harmony between people and nature was reflected in every detail, from the zero-waste setup to the multilingual signage.
By centering reuse and community care, Let It Go 2025 helped participants “let go” of excess and embrace shared abundance. The event was a powerful reminder that sustainability starts with connection and that joy can be found in the simple act of giving something a second life.