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School Recycling & Disposal
 
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Contact

Environmental Resources
​952-891-7557
schoolrecycling@co.dakota.mn.us

  • Recycling Requirements for Schools
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    • School Waste Prevention and Recycling GrantsCurrently selected
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School Waste Prevention and Recycling Grants

Page Content

​Dakota County offers grants up to $10,000 to public and private schools to start or improve waste management practices, including reuse, recycling, food waste prevention and organics collection.  No match is required.

  • Grant project examples:
    • Recycling and organics program improvements (indoor and outdoor)
    • Waste reduction projects (reusable serviceware, food share tables, bulk dispensers)
    • Staff stipends (Green Team leader, cafeteria monitor)
    • Student and staff education (training, presentations)
  • Dakota County provides assistance throughout the project, including:
    • Grant application assistance
    • Implementation, coordination and trouble-shooting assistance
    • Documentation of project activities and results
  • School must provide a contact person to collaborate, engage leaders at a kick-off and final project meetings, and start or engage a student Green Team

Mini grants up to $1,000 are available for schools looking for minor support to supplement existing programs. Mini grants have limited technical assistance and fewer school responsibilities.

What participants have said:

“The guidance and resources that Dakota County provided helped us to understand our options, target areas of waste, and effectively plan to reduce our school's footprint."  – Katie Hanson, FIT Academy Operations Manager

“We saw a cost savings with using real silverware instead of plastic-plus we are reducing waste in the dumpster/landfill." – Ross Larson, Cherry View Elementary Head Cook

“This grant is what allowed our school to take our waste reduction and recycling behaviors as a school community to the next level. Without it, we would not have had the focus, organization, and support to create a sustainable plan." – Lauren Haisting, School of Environmental Studies Principal​​

Recently awarded recycling grants

Dakota County awarded $90,170 to 14 schools to reduce waste and improve recycling and organics collection. Review the 2020 school project results.

Application timeline

Applications for grants up to $10,000 are closed for the 2024-2025​ school year. Contact schoolrecycling@co.dakota.mn.us for more information and to be placed on the waiting list to be notified when applications become available.

Applications for mini grants up to $1,000 may be submitted year-round.  App​ly now.

Grants are approved on a first-come, first-served basis as funds allow.

Learn more

Review the School ​Waste Prevention & Rec​ycling Grant Program Guidelines.​

Contact schoolrecycling@co.dakota.mn.us with questions.

Last updated: 6/5/2024 3:11 PM

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