Dakota County is committed to promoting a healthy environment for current and future generations. There are many ways you can get involved.
Funding opportunities
The following funding programs are available to help start or maintain community-based environmental projects:
Recycling grants for cities and townships
Dakota County offers performance-based funding to cities and townships for waste reduction, reuse and recycling activities though the Community Waste Abatement Grant Program and Rural Waste Abatement Grant Program. State and landfill host fees are used to help the County and local governments accomplish state law requirements.
Recycling grants for schools
Dakota County provides funding to reduce waste, improve recycling and organics collection, and prevent wasted food in schools. Grants up to $10,000 per project are available for public and private schools. Find out more.
Education grants for schools
Dakota County offers in-school recycling education and busing for school field trips. Find out more.
Recycling grants for businesses and organizations
Dakota County provides funding to reduce waste, start or improve recycling, and start organics (food waste) recycling programs. Most businesses and organizations located in the County are eligible for funding up to $10,000 per location. Find out more.
Recycling grants for multifamily properties
Dakota County provides funding to businesses and organizations to improve recycling at apartments, townhomes and condominiums. Funding of up to $10,000 is available. Find out more.
Landfill Host Community Environmental Legacy Fund (ELF) Grant Pilot Program
The Environmental Legacy Fund, ELF, funds environmentally-related activities such as capital projects, land remediation, park improvements and implementation of the Natural Resources Management Plan and Solid Waste Master Plan. Find out more.
Fundraising opportunities
ShredRight4Good
Shredded paper shouldn't be placed in home recycling carts because it causes problems at recycling sorting facilities. Through this program, organizations sell #ShredRight4Good bags used to gather confidential information (e.g. tax returns, bills, medical records) that need shredding. Organizations receive 50 percent of the sale price of the bags. The filled bags are brought to a scheduled shred event for secure shredding on site.
Plate to Garden
Plate to Garden allows organizations to raise money while educating about the benefits of composting and using finished compost. The Minnesota Composting Council delivers compost, provides bags and equipment, and helps promote the event. The fundraising organization selects a delivery location for the compost, mobilizes volunteers, promotes the event and coordinates the return of borrowed supplies.