Dakota County offers grants up to $10,000 to public and private schools to start or improve waste reduction and recycling programs. No match is required.
- Grant project examples:
- Recycling and organics containers and equipment
- Waste reduction projects (reusable serviceware, bulk dispensers)
- Wasted food prevention initiatives (food share tables, food donation)
- Staff stipends (Green Team leader, cafeteria monitor)
- Student and staff education (training, presentations)
- Dakota County provides assistance throughout the project, including:
- Walkthrough of school and recommendations
- Help with grant application
- Project implementation and education
- Student Green Team support
- Summary of project results
Mini grants up to $1,000 are available for schools looking to support existing programs. Mini grants have limited technical assistance and fewer 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
Application timeline
Applications for grants up to $10,000 are closed for the 2025-2026 school year. Email schoolrecycling@co.dakota.mn.us to be notified when applications become available.
Applications for mini grants up to $1,000 are open year-round. Apply for a mini grant now.
Grants are approved on a first-come, first-served basis as funds allow.
Learn more
Review the 
School Waste Prevention & Recycling Grant Program Guidelines.