The Dakota County Solid Waste Master Plan for 2018-2038 identifies strategies the County will pursue to reduce waste going to landfills and make progress toward the state's goal to recycle 75 percent of waste by 2030. State law requires Twin Cities metropolitan counties to revise master plans with strategies to comply with state mandates and meet recycling goals and objectives in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Policy Plan.

The Master Plan identifies the County's planned approaches for how solid waste will be managed by residents, businesses, organizations, the waste industry and the public sector. Strategies for reaching the state's goal of recycling 75 percent of waste by 2030 include:

• Expanded use of existing educational, regulatory, financial tools
• Increased accountability and partnerships
• Focused work in new areas such as multi-unit dwellings, large-volume generators and emerging technology

The Master Plan was developed with input from stakeholders and was adopted by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 18, 2018.

2018-2038 Solid Waste Master Plan

Master plan implementation

The plan contains educational, regulatory and financial strategies to meet statutory requirements. The annual progress report provides updates on our efforts and highlights our commitment to making progress toward our goals. 

On Nov. 27, 2019, the Dakota County Board adopted a revised ordinance (Ordinance 110: Solid Waste Management) to implement the regulatory strategies in the Master Plan. 

New requirements

Residents – includes residents living in single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, duplexes and assisted living

• By 2021, residents must recycle a designated list of recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal, glass, plastic)
• In addition, some of the new requirements for the waste industry may impact residents 

Commercial Organizations – includes businesses, organizations, schools, multifamily properties, etc.

• New requirements for businesses and organizations 
• New requirements for multi-unit properties
• New requirements for schools
• The County offers resources (labels, funding assistance, educational handouts) to help commercial organizations with compliance:
• The Business Recycling Program has resources for for-profit and non-profit commercial organizations
• The Multifamily Recycling Program has resources for property owners of apartments and condominiums
• The School Recycling Program has resources for private and public schools
  

Municipalities – includes cities and townships

• New requirements for municipalities 
  

Events and Event Venues – includes community festivals, fairs, sporting events and concerts

• New requirements for events and event venues

Waste Industry – includes haulers and facilities

• New requirements for the waste industry  

County staff are engaging representatives on implementation approaches.  If you are interested in participating or providing input, contact Renee Burman at renee.burman@co.dakota.mn.us.