Event Recycling
Reducing Waste at Events
Holding a low waste event doesn’t have to be challenging. There are several best practices for event planning to ensure little waste is generated. Some of these include:
1. Develop a waste management plan as the event is being planned. Be sure to execute the plan during the event.
2. Send online invitations to reduce paper and inform attendees that the event is a low-waste or zero-waste event in the invitation.
3. Use decorations that can be reused. If reuse isn’t an option, choose or make decorations that can be recycled or composted.
4. Request RSVPs from attendees so you can prepare the right amount of food and have the right number of plates, cups, etc.
5. If you can’t use reusable products for serving food, use recyclable or compostable items.
6. Create waste stations and label garbage, recycling, and organics collection containers. Free downloadable signs are available on Hennepin County's website.
7. Encourage guests to bring reusable containers to take leftovers home.
8. Take photos not only of the event itself, but of the waste generated at the end of the event. If possible, obtain weights from materials collected so you can track how you did and improve during future events.
9. Make sure to write down what worked and what didn’t work well for any future events.
10. Share results with attendees when you send thank-you emails.
Assistance for small events (birthday parties, graduation parties, etc.) to large (block parties, family reunions, conferences, etc.) is available on Hennepin County's website (See Event recycling and waste reduction planning drop down).
City of Minneapolis Cart Rentals
· Deliveries only within the limits of the City of Minneapolis. · Delivery of rental containers is Monday through Friday only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Weekend events require containers to be delivered to a secure location on Friday, with collection from the same location on Monday. If Monday is a major holiday, collection will occur on Tuesday. · Application and payment MUST be received by Solid Waste & Recycling at least 10 days before the date of the delivery. Solid Waste Management taxes and fees related to rental of garbage carts will be billed following the event. · Delivery of carts (garbage, recycling, and organics carts), pick up and proper disposal of materials collected is included in the standard rental fee. · Rental is not guaranteed.
Rental fees
Rental fees are non-refundable.
Rental of 1 - 4 carts: The $80 mobilization fee covers the rental of 4 or fewer carts. State Solid Waste Management Taxes and Solid Waste Management fees will apply to any garbage carts rented. Non-profits are not exempt from these charges.
If renting more than four carts the $80 mobilization fee covers the per cart rental fees for the first four carts (recycling or organics carts counted first). Each additional cart above the four carts covered by the mobilization fee includes the following charges:
o Recycling cart: $5 per cart
o Organics cart: $5 per cart
o Garbage cart: $15 per cart
State solid waste management taxes and County solid waste management fees apply on any garbage carts rented.
If renting 20 – 40 carts, two $80 mobilization fees are charged that each cover the rental costs for four carts (recycling or organics carts counted first). Each additional cart above the eight covered by the mobilization fee is charged the per cart fee identified above.
If renting 40 – 60 carts, three $80 mobilization fees are charged, and so on.
Possible additional fees
- Missing or Damaged Containers: The organizer is responsible for the safekeeping of the containers and will be charged $50 per container that is missing or damaged.
- Contamination: If recycling or organics containers are contaminated, the person or organization renting the container(s) will be charged a $10 fee per cart to have the material dumped as garbage.
- Extra Materials: For any bagged materials that do not fit in any cart, an additional fee of $5 per bag will be charged.
- Unacceptable Materials: The person or organization renting the container(s) is responsible for the material placed into the containers.
- No yard waste or hazardous waste may be placed in any of the containers.
- Hazardous waste fees begin at $75 with an upper limit based on the cost to properly dispose of the hazardous waste placed in the container(s).
- No yard waste or hazardous waste may be placed in any of the containers.
- Returned Check: A $30 fee will be charged for any returned checks.
Application process
- Complete the Rental Application and
- Email to [email protected], fax to 612-673-2250, or mail or drop off the application and payment to the address listed on the rental application.
- You must pay the full balance for container rentals by check (mailed or delivered to our office) or by credit card by selecting the rental charged to be added to your City of Minneapolis Utility Bill or by requesting an invoice for the rental fees. Checks may also be written to pay the utility bill or invoice. If writing a check, make the check or money order payable to: Minneapolis Finance Department.
- Additional fees may be charged to the applicant following the event if damages, additional materials, unacceptable materials, or contamination of materials occurs.
What you can expect from us
- Once the application has been received, you will receive an email confirmation and a work order.
- Confirmation email will include contact information for the Foreman who will process your request. You will be able to contact the Foreman with any additional follow up information or needs, after the application approval.
If you have any questions regarding the Container Rental program, please call 612-673-3536.
Last updated Dec 19, 2019
