The City's Environmentally Acceptable Packaging Ordinance is also known as Green To Go. Under Green To Go, food and beverages that are either:
Food must be put in containers that are one of the following:
Food businesses must provide collection bins for each type of material used.
Allowed
Not allowed
Black plastic containers have been allowed under Green To Go. We are phasing out accepting black plastic containers by the end of 2023 because they are problematic.
We encourage you to stop using black plastic containers. Use clear or white recyclable plastic instead or consider using compostable containers.
Beware of packaging that does not meet Green To Go requirements.
Some products promoted as green, or good for the environment, do not meet Green To Go rules. Packaging with these terms may not meet Green to Go rules:
Call 311 or the health department to confirm if a container meets Green To Go rules.
Some items do not need to meet Green To Go rules:
Caterers, hospitals, and nursing homes do not need to follow Green To Go rules.
Event food sponsors and market managers are responsible for the collection and handling of to-go food and drink containers at their event or market.
Event food sponsors and market managers must:
Contact Minneapolis 311 if you have questions. Ask for an Environmental Health supervisor.
More on Green To Go rules:
Get free assistance from the county
Read about business recycling grants from the county
See organics recycling and haulers in the county
To report a business that is not following Green To Go rules, contact 311.
If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.
Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Health Department
Phone
Address
Public Service Center
