Development of the Zero Waste Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

In 2021, the Hennepin County Board directed its staff to develop a zero waste plan that included a robust engagement process centering community voices often not heard in the solid waste management decision-making process. Guided by the county’s Racial Equity Impact Tool (REIT), staff designed and implemented a plan development process that relied on trusted messengers to engage residents more burdened by and less likely to benefit from the county’s current solid waste system. Eighteen community groups were hired to conduct conversations with over 500 residents, gathering their perspectives and ideas on managing waste. From these conversations, several themes were identified that the county used to form work groups to draft actions for the county’s Zero Waste Plan. Work groups comprised of community members, including many that participated in the community engagement process, and industry stakeholders, discussed and proposed 58 actions for the plan that centered around 4 core aims, one of which focused solely on improving equity in the system: create a materials management system that reduces racial disparities and advances equity. This unique approach centered the voices of those most impacted to advance equity in Hennepin County’s solid waste management system. This plan also helps the county achieve climate action goals.