Business Recycling

Business Recycling

The commercial sector generates more than half of the total waste in Dakota County, and nearly two-thirds of the waste from business, non-profits and other organizations is recyclable.

Commercial building owners in the seven-county metro area, including Dakota County, that generate four cubic yards of trash per week must recycle at least three materials.

Recycling is an important way to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions it takes to manufacture new materials.

Dakota County offers free bin labels to all business in the County at no charge. Businesses can also apply for funding up to $10,000 per location to jump-start or improve recycling, start organics recycling (food waste) programs, or to reduce waste. Visit Dakota County’s website for more information on how to apply for funding.

Business Recycling Program Flyer (PDF)



Businesses and Multiunit Residential Properties

Dakota County requires all business entities to recycle, and some must also collect food scraps. Business and multifamily property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring collection and hauling services are provided to tenants. 

 Business and multifamily residential buildings with four or more attached residential units and a common waste contract must meet collection and recycling requirements identified, including:

 

  1. Have recycling service

Contract with a trash hauler for recycling collection services or self-haul recyclables to a recycling facility. Recycling containers must have a  capacity equivalent to at least 0.1 cubic yard per week for each dwelling unit. Work with your hauler to increase service levels if carts or dumpsters are overflowing. 

 

  1. Collect designated materials

Provide recycling containers in buildings and on grounds to collect Dakota County’s Designated Recyclables from employees and residents.

 

  1. Locate recycling containers with trash containers 

Wherever there is a trash container or chute, there must be a recycling container or chute within 10 feet on all outdoor grounds and in all common areas. Recycling containers must be large enough to collect all recyclables, and not overflowing.

 

  1. Label containers

Label each indoor and outdoor container according to Dakota County labeling requirements. Replace labels if they become damaged, unreadable or if text or images conflict with county label requirements. 

  1. Provide recycling education 

Deliver standardized recycling education at least once a year to residents, employees and contractors who manage waste. Provide education to new residents, staff and contractors within 30 days of move-in or hire and within 30 days of a substantial change to the waste and recycling program. Education must cover what and how to recycle in accordance with requirements listed on Dakota County’s website. 



Multifamily Property Recycling

Dakota County provides technical assistance, in-person education and funding to start or improve recycling at apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and independent senior living. Learn more.


School Recycling Program

Grants are available to help prevent wasted food, reduce waste, improve recycling and organics collection, and educate students and staff. Request free recycling education performances, field trips, container labels and activity guides. Learn more.


Environmental Education Resources

Residents, businesses, schools and organizations are welcome to use free article templates, handouts, activity kits and more to educate about recycling, organics, household hazardous waste and waste prevention. Learn more.