eden prairie solid waste management plan
TRANSCRIPT
Solid Waste Management Plan
Project I.D.: 17E008.00
Prepared for the City of Eden Prairie,
Minnesota
December 31, 2018
• Foth
ii
pw:\\PW-APS1.foth.com:PW_IE\Documents\Clients\Eden Prairie MN C\0017E008.00\10000 Reports\ 2019-1-19 FINAL Sold Waste Management Plan.docx
Solid Waste Management Plan
City of Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Contents
Page
Executive Summary .........................................................................................................................v 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................1
1.1 Purpose, Goals and Objectives ......................................................................................1
1.2 Community Engagement and Plan Adoption Schedule .................................................1 2 Current City Solid Waste and Recycling Systems ..................................................................3
2.1 Open Hauling Systems ...................................................................................................3 2.2 Residential Curbside Recycling .....................................................................................3 2.3 Community Drop-Off Day .............................................................................................3 2.4 Other Public Education, Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs ............................4
2.5 Yard Waste.....................................................................................................................5 2.6 Organics Recycling ........................................................................................................5
2.7 Multifamily Recycling ...................................................................................................9 2.8 Other Commercial Recycling ......................................................................................10
3 Metro and County Plans ........................................................................................................11
3.1 Metro Policy Plan by MPCA .......................................................................................11 3.2 Hennepin County Master Plan .....................................................................................11
3.3 Roles and Responsibilities Assigned to Each Level of Government ...........................12 4 Eden Prairie Strategies ..........................................................................................................14
4.1 Education .....................................................................................................................14 4.2 Waste Reduction ..........................................................................................................16 4.3 Recycling Drop-Off Services .......................................................................................17
4.4 Residential Curbside Recycling of Traditional Recyclables .......................................17 4.5 Multifamily Recycling of Traditional Recyclables ......................................................19
4.6 Yard Waste Management .............................................................................................21 4.7 Organics Recycling ......................................................................................................23
4.7.1 Residential Curbside Organics Recycling .......................................................23
4.7.2 New Organics Drop-Off Sites ..........................................................................26 4.7.3 Organics Recycling at Public Facilities ...........................................................27 4.7.4 Organics Recycling at Commercial Establishments ........................................27
4.8 Commercial and Institutional Recycling .....................................................................27 4.9 Event and Away from Home Waste ............................................................................28
4.10 Household Hazardous Waste and Problem Materials (including bulky waste
items)............................................................................................................................29 4.10.1 Curbside Collection of Bulky Waste Items .....................................................29 4.10.2 Alternative Events and Drop-Off Facilities .....................................................29
4.10.3 Neighborhood-Focused Cleanups Alternatives ...............................................30
Contents (continued)
Page
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4.11 Resource Recovery ......................................................................................................30 4.12 Landfilling....................................................................................................................30 4.13 Non-MSW ....................................................................................................................31 4.14 Solid Waste Collection Issues and Regulations ...........................................................31
5 Ten Year Plan ........................................................................................................................33
Figures
Figure 1 List of Yard Waste and Organics Sites…………………………………………..6
Tables
Table 1 List of Yard Waste and Organics Sites...................................................................8
Table 2 City of Eden Prairie (2017) Number of Dwelling Units by Type/Size of
Building ..................................................................................................................9
Appendices
Appendix A Definitions
Appendix B Strategies Matrix
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Solid Waste Management Plan
City of Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Abbreviations and Acronyms
C&D Construction & Demolition Materials
City City of Eden Prairie
County Hennepin County
ELC Environmental Learning Center, City of Eden Prairie
HERC Hennepin Energy Recovery Center
HHW Household hazardous waste
Minn. Stat Minnesota Statutes
MPCA Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
MRF Materials Recovery Facility
MSW Mixed Municipal Solid Waste
PROP People Reaching out to People
REC Minnesota Recycling Education Committee
SWMP Solid Waste Management Plan
YW Yard Waste
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC v
Solid Waste Management Plan
City of Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Executive Summary
The Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP or “Plan”) is one component of Sustainable Eden
Prairie. The purpose of this particular project is to adopt a ten year Solid Waste Management
Plan for the City that establishes strategies for management of solid waste, recyclables, organics
and yard waste for single-family residents, multifamily residents, institutions, commercial and
industrial businesses, as well as City operations and events. A top priority goal of this Plan is to
improve the quality of all recycling services and materials in Eden Prairie in order to increase
participation and recovery of recyclable materials.
This Plan provides a comprehensive and long-term planning horizon spanning ten years using a
phased approach over this time period to accommodate multiple goals and objectives. The Plan
outlines fourteen categories and a total of 52 individual strategies within those categories. Ten
strategies have been proposed as “high priority” and are listed in this Executive Summary below.
Strategy numbers were assigned for tracking purposes only and are not intended to be a measure
of importance. Due to resource constraints, proposed regulatory changes and other reasons, the
City cannot manage all of these strategies at the same time.
High Priority Strategies for City of Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan
Strategy 4. Develop materials and provide education at City events such as the Green
Fair, Citywide Open House, Sustainable Eden Prairie Tour, etc.
Strategy 12. Evaluate the past success, new opportunities for improvement, and
alternatives for the City’s Community Drop-Off Day event.
Strategy 19. Evaluate the Minnesota Recycling Education Committee (REC) guidelines
on how to promote traditional recyclables and organics recycling programs and determine
how these could be incorporated into the City’s education program.
Strategy 20. Evaluate current recycling requirements at multifamily properties and
establish an inspection program.
Strategy 26. Evaluate what resources and site improvements would be required for the
City to develop yard waste drop-off sites.
Strategy 27. Conduct a cost analysis for development of a drop-off site for tree
branches, garden waste and leaves only, but no grass clippings. Evaluate the need for a
seasonal operating schedule (e.g., spring and fall months only).
Strategy 29. Promote use of existing, non-City owned facilities that allow Eden Prairie
residents to bring in yard waste, grass clippings, brush, stumps, logs etc.
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Strategy 31. Evaluate current residential curbside yard waste collection services and
seasonal trends and make recommendations for improvement.
Strategy 33. Adopt a management plan that complies with the new County requirements
for residential curbside organics recycling.
Strategy 39. Evaluate barriers and constraints for outside container (e.g., dumpster)
placement related to commercial requirements for organics and traditional recycling.
Eden Prairie’s intent is to work with commercial establishments to upgrade enclosure facilities if
needed to come into compliance with both County and City standards. For example, as a rule,
older enclosures were designed for trash only or trash and recycling dumpsters. There may be a
need for new commercial buildings to design and install larger enclosures to accommodate an
additional dumpster for traditional recyclables and/or organics recycling. This will be a long-
term and ongoing strategy that needs collaboration from all parties, the City, the County, and
commercial business owners.
Nineteen (19) strategies may require amendments to City Code. These amendment strategies
should be considered as a package of new policy initiatives in 2019.
Many of the strategies in this Plan are required by the new Hennepin County Solid Waste Master
Plan which implements the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Metropolitan Solid Waste
Policy Plan. State law requires these higher levels of government to adopt such plans every six
years.
Most strategies propose that the City take the lead role in implementation. But a few strategies
propose that Hennepin County should take the lead for implementation based on the framework
established in the County’s Master Plan and recent amendments to the County’s Recycling
Ordinance 13. For example, concerning the proposed commercial organics recycling
requirements, the County will take the lead on the education, technical assistance and
enforcement with commercial establishments.
As an integral part of this Plan, implementation of strategies is proposed to be phased over time
to correspond with the priority assignments and whether the City has a lead role.
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC 1
1 Introduction
In 2017, the City launched Sustainable Eden Prairie, an ongoing effort focused on education
and implementation of sustainable practices to protect the environment and natural resources.
Leading by example, the City’s goal for this initiative is to provide a foundation for residents and
businesses to carry out sustainable practices in four areas: energy, landscape, waste and water.
This initiative is intended to create a legacy of sustainability in the community so future
generations of Eden Prairie residents continue to benefit from the natural resources they enjoy
today.
1.1 Purpose, Goals and Objectives
One goal of Sustainable Eden Prairie, and the purpose of this project, is to adopt a ten year
Solid Waste Management Plan (Plan) for the City that establishes strategies for management of
solid waste, recyclables, organics and yard waste for single-family residents, multifamily
residents, institutions, commercial and industrial businesses, as well as City operations and
events.
The goals of this Plan are to:
Improve recycling services in Eden Prairie in order to improve the quality of the
recyclable materials collected and increase participation and recovery of recyclable
materials.
Increase the efficiency of overall solid waste management, including, trash, recyclables,
yard waste, bulky waste, and organics.
Increase the engagement and education of the community about the importance of
reducing, reusing and recycling.
The primary objectives of this Plan are to:
Develop a 10-year vision with specific strategies for improvements in solid waste
management for Eden Prairie residents and businesses.
Develop a viable plan that works for Eden Prairie residents to comply with new Hennepin
County requirements for curbside recycling of organics.
Develop a set of strategies to improve recycling at multifamily properties.
Improve yard waste management.
Enhance collection services for bulky waste items.
Develop a comprehensive set of specific strategies and education actions for other waste
reduction, recycling and solid waste management elements.
1.2 Community Engagement and Plan Adoption Schedule
The City’s Department of Public Works retained the consulting services of Foth Infrastructure &
Environment, LLC (Foth) to assist with community engagement, research and strategic planning
related to this Plan.
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The community engagement process included the following:
Meeting with relevant staff from other City Departments.
Presentations and discussions at the Conservation Commission.
Meeting with haulers licensed in the City for single and multifamily properties.
Presentation and discussion at City Council workshops in 2017 and 2018.
An open house for community members.
A community engagement survey using the City Connect online platform.
Social media postings (e.g., Facebook).
Articles in the City Newsletter, Life in the Prairie.
A survey for licensed haulers to gather information on specific strategies.
Based on comments from these events, surveys and other feedback, key strategies were drafted.
Multiple viewpoints were considered, many with consensus and others with differing opinions.
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2 Current City Solid Waste and Recycling Systems
2.1 Open Hauling Systems
Trash and recyclables collection in Eden Prairie uses the “open hauling” system whereby
residents and businesses are required to contract with the licensed hauler of their choice. City
and County ordinances specify materials that are required to be recycled, solid waste storage and
collection service standards. However, the types of waste materials (e.g., trash, recyclables,
organics, etc.) accepted by each hauler do vary. For example, some haulers accept additional
plastics. The City lists the licensed haulers and links to the County’s recycling information on
the Eden Prairie web page, Garbage and Recycling. This web page also links to the map of City
Residential Garbage Collection Zones that outlines the boundaries of the specific trash and
recyclables collection days, Monday through Friday, within Eden Prairie.
2.2 Residential Curbside Recycling
In Eden Prairie, licensed trash haulers are required by City Code to provide recycling services to
single and multifamily households. Working closely with Hennepin County, the City publishes
an annual Recycling Guide that itemizes the current list of recyclable materials required for
curbside collection. The City’s Guide also provides information on recyclable materials and
household hazardous waste items accepted at the Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities in
Bloomington and Brooklyn Park.
2.3 Community Drop-Off Day
The City’s web page, Community Drop-Off Day, provides information on how City residents
can, once per year, get rid of unwanted items that can’t be disposed of in their trash or recycling
carts. Residents are encouraged to bring items such as brush, bulky items, appliances, bikes and
much more for recycling, reuse or disposal.
The event is open to Eden Prairie residents and has become very popular. The following
categories of materials have been accepted at the City’s annual Community Drop-Off Day event
historically:
Large items of trash This category includes larger items that cannot be
put in trash or recycling such as furniture, toys,
artificial Christmas trees, mattresses and more.
Appliances, Electronics, and Tires Items such as these are accepted with a fee.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs Lights and ballast are accepted.
Construction & Demolition Materials
and Steel
Non-hazardous construction & demolition (C&D)
waste from residential homes is accepted, including
materials such as: gypsum board, bricks, studs,
shingles and more. Separated, recyclable steel
scrap items are also accepted.
Brush & Tree Waste Acceptable items include brush, tree branches and
leaves. Items such as grass clippings, mulch/wood
chips or soil are not allowed.
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No hazardous waste is accepted at the City’s annual Community Drop-Off Day and this Plan
does not anticipate including addition of these types of materials. Residents are instead
encouraged to dispose of these items properly at the Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities or at
local hazardous waste drop-off events sponsored by Hennepin County.
2.4 Other Public Education, Waste Reduction and Recycling
Programs
Eden Prairie has a comprehensive approach to community engagement and public education
within all of its government programs and services, including recycling and other aspects of solid
waste management. The City maintains a web page, Garbage and Recycling, that outlines the
general solid waste requirements and recycling opportunities. Each year, the City publishes its
Recycling Guide that provides information that residents can use to participate in the current
recycling and disposal programs.
The City’s newsletter, Life in the Prairie, comes out twice per year and regularly includes
articles on reuse, recycling and many other sustainability topics. The City has been recognized
by the State of Minnesota and Hennepin County for other sustainability efforts such as waste
reduction and recycling campaigns. For example, Eden Prairie earned designation as a
Minnesota GreenStep City that is a statewide program to help cities achieve sustainability and
quality-of-life goals. The City also utilizes other forms of public education and community
outreach including social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor) and public engagement
platforms such as City Connect to allow residents to more easily share thoughts, ideas and
insights.
Eden Prairie participates in many of the Hennepin County waste reduction initiatives. Waste
reduction, sometimes referred to as source reduction, includes policies and strategies that prevent
waste from being generated. In the past, the City has conducted the following promotional and
educational programs:
Hosted a County Fix-It Clinic that provide opportunities for residents to get household
items fixed for free and learn valuable repair skills.
Participated in the County’s Choose to Reuse coupon program that allows residents to
find great deals on quality products, support local businesses and help to protect the
environment. Coupons are valid at 59 local businesses and organizations that rent, repair,
resell, consign or exchange used goods.
Promoted the County’s Zero Waste Challenge program to help residents discover more
opportunities to increase recycling and reduce waste. Participants receive various
recycling and waste reduction supplies, personalized coaching, free workshops, and other
assistance.
Encouraged participation in the County’s Master Recycler Program.
Promoted use of the Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities in Bloomington and Brooklyn
Park. Among other recyclable materials, these County drop-off facilities accept clothing,
linens, rags and other textiles that are no longer suitable for reuse, including shoes,
curtains, pillows, and stuffed toys.
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC 5
In addition, each licensed hauler in the City is required to provide information to their single-
family residential customers annually (Source: City Code Section 5.36, Subd. 6. L). The
following must be provided at a minimum:
One educational piece of literature or one educational flyer in a format approved by
Hennepin County to each Single Family and Multiple Family Household who has
Curbside Recycling Service.
At a minimum, the materials that are collected for Curbside Recycling must be included.
2.5 Yard Waste
Yard waste is prohibited by state law from being mixed with the trash, landfilled, or processed at
resource recovery facilities. Yard waste not managed on site at the household or business
property is either collected by licensed haulers using separate collection vehicles, disposed of by
commercial landscaping contractors (such as lawn services), or gathered by residents to drop-off
at yard waste collection sites. Eden Prairie currently has no municipal yard waste programs
other than allowing residents to drop-off brush and tree waste at the Community Drop-Off Day.
For public information about yard waste options, the City’s garbage and recycling web page
links to the County’s Yard and Tree Waste web page. Existing drop-off sites identified by
Hennepin County as sites that Eden Prairie residents can use are listed in Table 1 and displayed
in a map in Figure 1.
There are four types of sites listed in Table 1 and Figure 1:
Yard waste (YW) (no organics allowed).
Yard waste and organics.
Organics only.
Brush/tree waste only (no grass or leaves).
Two of the twelve (12) sites are publicly owned and operated by Hennepin County:
Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station in Brooklyn Park (#3); and
Hennepin County South Recycling and Problem Materials Center (#12)
Both of these sites accept organics only (i.e., no yard waste) from residents.
All sites listed in Table 1 are open to Eden Prairie residents. Additional sites are maintained by
other municipalities, but are not open to residents from other cities for disposal. While there are
numerous sites in the area, most of the sites listed in Table 1 and displayed in Figure 1 are at
least ten miles away.
2.6 Organics Recycling
Currently there are no structured residential curbside organics collection services in the City.
Residents can take organic materials for recycling to locations outside of Eden Prairie, such as
the Hennepin County Drop-off Facility in Brooklyn Park. However, these drop-off sites are far
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enough away that they are not very convenient or practical. The City does have organics
recycling bins located throughout the City Center for people who work in the building or visit the
City Center.
This Plan assumes that many commercial businesses in Eden Prairie that currently generate
larger volumes of clean food scraps (e.g., restaurants, hotels, institutions, and other
establishments with kitchens that prepare food for many people) may already be reducing and/or
recycling their organics. However, there is no definitive list of commercial establishments in the
City that have ongoing food rescue or organics recycling programs.
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Figure 1
Current Yard Waste and Organics Drop-Off Sites
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DRAFT as of October 10, 2018
Table 1
List of Yard Waste and Organics Sites
ID Type Public or
Private County City Site Name
1 YW + Organics Private Dakota Rosemount The Mulch Store (SET) - Empire Township
2 YW + Organics Private Scott Shakopee Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
(SMSC): Organics Recycling Facility
3 Organics only Public Hennepin Brooklyn Park Hennepin County Recycling Center and
Transfer Station
4 YW only Private Dakota Burnsville The Mulch Store - Burnsville
5 YW only Private Dakota Eagan Gerten’s Eagan Yard Waste
6 YW only Public Dakota South St. Paul South Saint Paul Compost Site
7 YW only Private Hennepin Minneapolis SKB Malcolm Avenue Transfer Station
8 YW only Private Hennepin Brooklyn Park Ceres Mulch
9 YW only Private Hennepin Minnetrista The Mulch Store - Minnetrista
10 YW only Private Scott Shakopee The Mulch Store - Shakopee
11 Brush/Tree Waste only Private Dakota South St. Paul S&S Tree Horticultural Specialists
12 Organics only Public Hennepin Bloomington Hennepin County South Recycling and
Problem Materials Center
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2.7 Multifamily Recycling
The City requires that multifamily properties provide for adequate recycling containers per City
Code (Section 9.01, Subd. 4). However, monitoring and enforcement of compliance with these
City requirements is challenging due to the large number of multifamily properties and dwelling
units. Table 2 displays the Eden Prairie 2017 housing stock in terms of the number of dwelling
units by building size/type as reported by the City’s Planning Department. About 49 percent of
the dwelling units in Eden Prairie are in buildings that are not single-family dwellings.
Table 2
City of Eden Prairie (2017)
Number of Dwelling Units by Type/Size of Building
Number of
Dwelling Units
Percent of
Total
Single-Family Units (One unit per building)
13,348 51%
Multiple Family Units (Duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, condominiums,
co-operatives, etc.) 6,948 26%
Apartments 6,134 23%
TOTAL 26,430 100%
Source: City of Eden Prairie, Planning Department
Housing Units / Population (12/31/2017)
Hennepin County reports that service levels (container sizes and collection frequency) at some
multifamily properties may not be adequate for the volumes generated. According to the
Hennepin County Multifamily Waste Study published in September 2017, on average throughout
the County, only about 33 percent of recyclable materials generated by multifamily residents is
set out for recycling.
This is due in part to the following causes:
Lack of adequate recycling bin capacity and/or service levels causing recycling bins at
multifamily properties to be full leading residents to place recyclables in the trash instead.
The trash dumpsters are not always paired with adjacent recycling bins so recyclables
may get trashed instead of finding the recycling bin location.
Lack of adequate space within enclosures (i.e., used exclusively for trash dumpsters).
Language barriers may prevent easy/effective communications.
Turnover of building owners, managers and tenants can be high, resulting in challenges
in providing continuous and consistent education and enforcement.
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Because of the unsupervised nature of multifamily recycling containers, haulers and material
recovery facilities (MRFs) have expressed concern with the high rate of contamination of
recyclables collected from many of the multifamily properties. Contamination rates of
multifamily recycling streams is estimated as 24 percent by the Hennepin County Multifamily
Waste Study.
To make recycling universally recognizable and help residents know which items should go in
the proper container, the County has created and promoted the use of labels with consistent color
schemes and icons along with images and clear text.
2.8 Other Commercial Recycling
City ordinance requires that recycling services be provided in some office, industrial, and
commercial establishments. Commercial businesses must also be consistent with State law
(Minn. Stats. §115a.151) that now requires larger commercial establishments in the Metro Area
to have separate recycling collection services.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and metro counties help promote compliance
with this new commercial recycling law. For more information see the MPCA’s web page
Recycle at Your Business and/or Hennepin County’s web page Business Recycling.
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3 Metro and County Plans
3.1 Metro Policy Plan by MPCA
As required by Minnesota Statutes, the Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Policy Plan
(Metro Policy Plan) establishes the plan for managing the Metropolitan Area’s solid waste. The
Metro Policy Plan is prepared every six years by the MPCA with input from other state agencies,
county staff, city staff, and a variety of other stakeholders: representatives of the waste and
recycling industry, environmental groups, businesses, and citizens. Once adopted, the Metro
Policy Plan sets in motion the process for the seven Metropolitan Area counties to develop more
detailed county master plans. These county master plans address the specific strategies, projects
and programs to be implemented within the individual counties to meet the goals, policies and
objectives of the Metro Policy Plan. Any solid waste activity within the Metropolitan Area must
be consistent with the Metro Policy Plan and the appropriate county master plans.
3.2 Hennepin County Master Plan
The most recent Hennepin County Solid Waste Management Master Plan (County Master Plan)
was adopted by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners on November 28, 2017. The
County Master plan provided a broad policy framework for the drafting of a specific regulatory
recycling ordinance (i.e., “Ordinance 13”). The County’s revised Recycling Ordinance 13 was
adopted on November 27, 2018. The County Master Plan for 2018 - 2023 identifies multiple
strategies the County will pursue to reach the goals of recycling 75 percent of waste and sending
zero waste to landfills by 2030.
The County Master Plan includes the following strategies:
Focus on organics recycling, which is the greatest opportunity to reduce trash, by
proposing requirements for cities and certain businesses, increasing local capacity to
manage organics, and working to prevent food waste.
Build momentum for waste prevention and reuse by better understanding consumption
habits and promoting waste prevention actions.
Continue to serve residents where they are, including with single-family and multifamily
residences and at work, school, and on-the-go.
Expand drop-off disposal options for certain materials.
Divert construction & demolition waste.
Support the MPCA’s environmental justice policy, which aligns with the county’s
disparity reduction efforts.
Hennepin County’s recycling ordinance (Ordinance 13) was recently revised with a focus on
increasing organics recycling. The County’s Ordinance 13 is important for the City because it
spells out the specific details of city requirements. Eden Prairie must implement certain
elements of the County’s recycling ordinance in order to remain in compliance and continue to
receive the maximum amount of County grant funds for recycling. Because organic materials,
which includes food, non-recyclable paper, and compostable products, currently make up about
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25 percent of the trash, increasing organics recycling is an important step toward meeting the
State of Minnesota and County goal of recycling 75 percent of waste by 2030.
Key provisions in the County’s recent recycling ordinance revisions include:
Requirements for businesses that generate large quantities of food waste to start food
waste recycling by 2020.
Guidelines for cities to require implementation of curbside organics recycling service to
residents with curbside collection (residential buildings through eight-plexes) by 2022.
In open hauling cities such as Eden Prairie, new City licensing requirements specifying
that haulers must provide organics collection similar to the recycling requirements
currently in City Code will comply with this proposed County ordinance requirement.
Updates to the multifamily recycling requirements to add service level standards and
education and labeling requirements.
Requirements for businesses to meet the state recycling requirements, service level
standards, and labeling requirements.
3.3 Roles and Responsibilities Assigned to Each Level of
Government
State law requires the MPCA to adopt the Metro Policy Plan and counties to adopt their
individual master plans. As a general rule, counties have responsibility for implementing
comprehensive solid waste plans within their jurisdictions. In the Metro Area, counties have
generally delegated the responsibility for management of solid waste collection, including
residential recyclables collection, to their respective cities and townships.
The City is not required to develop a solid waste management plan; however Eden Prairie must
meet the new requirements established in the County Plan. The City determined that
development of this Solid Waste Management Plan would be a good tool to review the new
requirements and establish goals and policies to meet these objectives tailored to the needs of
Eden Prairie residents and businesses.
Eden Prairie has historically elected to maintain open hauling systems for trash and recycling and
manage the collection standards through ordinance requirements. The City has always
collaborated with Hennepin County when conducting public education and outreach to enhance
recycling systems.
The County has outlined a division of city vs. County implementation roles and responsibilities.
For example, cities are required to:
Implement residential curbside organics collection programs.
Assist with evaluating barriers and opportunities for expanded enclosures for commercial
buildings, if needed.
Enforce multifamily recycling requirements for the “opportunities to recycle” provisions
of State and County policies (i.e., with multifamily property owners and managers).
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC 13
The County will do the following:
Implement and enforce the commercial recycling programs.
Enforce the collection standards (i.e., frequency of collection, container size, container
labeling, and other public education requirements) at multifamily buildings.
In this Plan, Eden Prairie has placed a higher priority on strategies that cities are required to
implement. The City will support County-implemented strategies. This division of roles and
responsibilities for each strategy in this Plan is outlined in general terms in Appendix B.
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4 Eden Prairie Strategies
The following strategies for improved solid waste management in Eden Prairie form the
backbone of this Plan. Strategies are listed under categories of activities or types of waste to
help frame the outline of this Plan. Discussion and clarification of each strategy is provided only
when needed; otherwise, some of the strategies speak for themselves without elaboration.
4.1 Education
Public education and outreach is a critical element of any successful solid waste and recycling
system. Due to changing technologies and end markets for recyclables, recycling instructions for
residents and businesses can also change rapidly.
Industry professionals recommend consistent message guidelines to help standardize public
information. This standardized messaging is being developed in Minnesota through the
Recycling Education Committee (REC) coordinated by the MPCA.
Hennepin County is adding requirements for enhanced multifamily recycling and new organics
recycling services that the City must implement which will include standards for new and
improved educational messages and/or initiatives. (See Sections 4.5 and 4.7 for more details
related to these County requirements).
All of these dynamics necessitate a comprehensive, long-ranged approach to City-provided
public education and outreach for residents and businesses within the community. The City will
need to implement new public education messages in phases that correspond to the planned
system changes. For example, after the adoption of this Plan, the City should focus on public
information needed for meaningful community engagement in the ordinance amendments
required to implement major new elements of the system (e.g., curbside organics recycling,
multifamily recycling, etc.).
At the same time, ongoing public education systems should be maintained and enhanced (e.g.,
emphasizing the need to “recycle right” and reduce contamination of the recycling stream) to
improve traditional recycling. There is also a need to work with the licensed haulers to help
ensure the messages provided are consistent with the City’s educational priorities and/or
programs.
The City should implement the following strategies in a phased approach to improve and
enhance public education services for Eden Prairie residents and businesses. The strategies listed
in this Plan are not ranked in order of importance but are simply categorized similar to other
solid waste management plans.
Strategy 1. Evaluate current use of education tools such as print, web-based, social
media, Environmental Learning Center (ELC), etc. and determine ways in which these
tools may be improved or expanded. [Medium priority]
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Program elements at Eden Prairie’s ELC or the local library could be added or modified to
include more information about recycling, solid waste management, composting and organics
recycling. Another option would be to provide education through activities such as contests for
local students to produce short videos for use online and/or at the ELC.
Strategy 2. Conduct surveys for residents and businesses to gauge understanding of
recycling, organics, composting, beneficial use of grass clippings, hazardous waste
disposal, solid waste, etc. This could be a combination of web-based and in-person
surveys. [Low priority]
This strategy should be conducted prior to implementing a residential curbside organics program
to allow for a “before and after” comparison of residents’ awareness and opinions about the new
service. This survey should provide for a means to measure a shift in awareness about key solid
waste issues over time.
Strategy 3. Encourage and promote the County’s “Master Recycler” program and
evaluate potential opportunities for graduates to assist with education and outreach within
Eden Prairie for recycling, yard waste management or other elements of this Plan.
Engage the County to determine how the City can assist in continuing this education
program into the future. [Low priority]
The City should develop an ongoing list of Eden Prairie residents that have graduated from the
County’s Master Recycler program. In coordination with County staff, the City could contact
these Master Recyclers with proposed opportunities for outreach within Eden Prairie.
Strategy 4. Develop materials and provide education at City events such as the Green
Fair, Citywide Open House, Sustainable Eden Prairie Tour, etc. [High priority]
This strategy may be just one of the many education and outreach opportunities for resident
Master Recyclers. Potentially this might be an opportunity for Sustainable Eden Prairie award
recipients to share their projects with the public during sustainability and other special events.
Strategy 5. Provide opportunities for continued involvement of students in the City’s
Conservation Commission. [Medium priority]
Strategy 6. Develop educational materials for “Move In / Move Out” to properly recycle
and dispose of moving materials from homes and businesses. [Low priority]
The materials would be developed with a visual focus and an understanding of potential
language and cultural barriers.
Strategy 7. Partner with Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s, Rotary and other local business
organizations to optimize the effectiveness of City staff resources. [Medium priority]
16 Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan
In addition to the County, other opportunities exist for the City to contact organizations such as
the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce and Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation (a nonprofit
affiliate of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce) to help coordinate a plan for assisting Eden
Prairie businesses in enhancing their recycling programs.
4.2 Waste Reduction
Waste reduction will continue to play an important role in overall solid waste management as a
strategy to reduce upstream generation of waste. The strategies below will help the City make
positive long-term impacts on waste generation.
Strategy 8. Expand promotion of reusables through events including the Hennepin
County Fix-It Clinics for repair and reuse of materials as well as other County initiatives.
[Medium priority]
The City should continue to promote County programs such as their Fix-It Clinics. The City
could also evaluate reusable products for distribution at City events, such as water bottles,
reusable sandwich bags, reusable shopping bags or compostable silverware along with
information on items such as reusable products or waste reduction techniques.
Strategy 9. Expand use of materials exchanges such as The Freecycle Network, Twin
Cities Free Market, or Nextdoor events to encourage material exchanges within
neighborhoods. [Low priority]
The Freecycle Network is a national non-profit organization and online, web-based platform to
promote the reuse of household items shared between local residents. The Twin Cities Free
Market is a resident to resident reuse program of Eureka Recycling. Neighbors could also post
on Nextdoor, a free neighborhood networking and social media platform, about items for reuse.
Strategy 10. Develop opportunities to partner with thrift/reuse stores, non-profits or
commercial entities to expand collection of reusable or recyclable materials. This
includes charitable giving of unused food items (e.g., dry goods, etc.). [Medium priority]
The City could assist in providing a go to resource such as a link to the County’s Choose to
Reuse list of charitable and other used material thrift stores and organizations through the
website or at events. Examples of such organizations include: the PROP Shop, Simple
Recycling; Vietnam Veterans of America; Lupus Foundation; Epilepsy Foundation of
Minnesota; The ReUse Store; and/or Salvation Army.
Strategy 11. Enhance promotion of the use of mulch and backyard composting to reduce
compostable materials from entering the waste stream. [Medium priority]
This strategy should be coupled with other yard waste strategies (see also Section 4.6 - Yard
Waste Management for more details).
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4.3 Recycling Drop-Off Services
The Community Drop-Off Day program has been evolving over several years (see Section 2.3 –
Community Drop-Off Day). Further improvements are under consideration to help address
additional recycling and waste disposal needs of City residents and businesses.
Strategy 12. Evaluate the past success, new opportunities for improvement, and
alternatives for the City’s Community Drop-Off Day event. [High priority]
The City will evaluate the past success and need for additional opportunities for the Community
Drop-Off Day event. This would include consideration of items such as partnering with
neighboring communities to cost-share and/or cross-promote events or include smaller, more
targeted drop-off events for individual items. In addition, there are commodities not currently
recycled during the Community Drop-Off Day program that may be such as mattresses and
carpet.
Strategy 13. Explore the need to provide additional recycling, such as for cardboard,
potentially in coordination with a yard waste drop-off site. [Medium priority]
The generation of cardboard and other packing materials is increasing due to the use of online
shopping and direct shipments (e.g., Amazon, Wayfair, etc.). The current Community Drop-Off
Day program includes bins for traditional recyclables but does not satisfy the ongoing needs for
residents and small businesses in Eden Prairie to recycle items such as cardboard. For example,
expanding cardboard recycling service may need to include a convenient year-round drop-off
site.
Strategy 14. Promote the Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities in Bloomington and
Brooklyn Park. [Medium priority]
Hennepin County just recently added organics to the list of eligible recyclables at its South
Recycling and Problem Material Drop-Off Center. (See site #12 list on Table 1 and shown in
Figure 1.) The City can help satisfy some of the need for additional recycling, both traditional
and organics, as well as waste disposal services through enhanced promotion of the County’s
Drop-Off Facilities.
4.4 Residential Curbside Recycling of Traditional Recyclables
One of the City’s principle responsibilities is to manage the implementation of the residential
curbside recycling of traditional recyclables (see Section 2.2 for more information about the
City’s current Residential Curbside Recycling system). This cornerstone service can be
improved to increase resident participation and the quality of materials recovered. The following
strategies could be implemented in a phased approach to improve curbside recycling.
Strategy 15. Evaluate third-party, online, web-based promotion tools to determine if
they could be implemented in the City. [Low priority]
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There are a number of web-based services available today that can help promote curbside
recycling. Many of these new technology solutions allow for mobile applications (apps) to send
reminders about recycling collection days and acceptable materials. Known recycling promotion
technology services include (but are not limited to):
iRecycle (Earth911, Inc.)
My Waste (Municipal Media, Inc.)
ReCollect (ReCollect Systems, Inc.)
Recycle Coach (Municipal Media, Inc.)
RecycleSearch (Emerge Knowledge Design, Inc.)
Recycle Track Systems (Recycle Track Systems, Inc.)
Some cities and counties have developed their own apps, in some cases using the services of
these or other existing private technology solutions developers. Eden Prairie should first
determine the need by residents for such a technology solution and then, if appropriate, develop a
set of objectives and system design criteria.
Strategy 16. Evaluate the need for contract recycling and/or organics recycling as a
means to decrease truck traffic and enhance residential recycling through a more
standardized collection services agreement. [Low priority]
At this stage, the City will evaluate this strategy by reviewing other voluntary strategies listed in
this Plan first before determining if this may be required to improve curbside recycling systems.
Strategy 16 should be considered within the context of the residential curbside organics
requirements (see the discussion above Strategy 33 in Section 4.7.1) regarding reducing truck
traffic. Strategy 16 may become more important if the City and/or haulers implement the
curbside organics collection method using a separate cart and separate truck. Strategy 16 should
also be considered within the context of discussions of Strategy 52 to evaluate the number of
licensed haulers (see Section 4.14).
Strategy 17. Evaluate how recycling is scheduled and determine if improvements could
be made to provide consistent scheduling citywide. [Medium priority]
Residential curbside recycling collection is provided every other week by all haulers in Eden
Prairie within the designated days of the week by Garbage & Recycling Collection Zones.
However, the recycling weeks are not synchronized and haulers use a different collection
schedule which adds confusion to some residents about when to set out their recyclables. One
possible tactic could be for the City to designate and promote a uniform, citywide recycling
schedule with specified recycling weeks throughout the year.
Strategy 18. Evaluate population metrics in relation to existing garbage and recycling
zones and determine if modifications are needed. [Low priority]
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The City’s existing garbage and recycling zones were originally set up about 25 years ago. The
geographic characteristics of Eden Prairie’s population and housing have changed since then
such that adjustments to these boundaries could potentially increase efficiency. However, this
would be a major effort for the City and the haulers to change the zone boundaries. Therefore,
Strategy 18 should be delayed for coordination with other programs such as residential curbside
organics collection (see Strategy 33 in Section 4.7.1).
Strategy 19. Evaluate the Minnesota Recycling Education Committee guidelines on how
to promote traditional recyclables and organics recycling programs and determine how
these could be incorporated into the City’s education program. [High priority]
As a general rule, the recycling and waste industry is evolving to emphasize recyclable material
quality as a priority over increasing tonnage. There are a wide array of recyclable material types.
Standardized messaging will help reduce confusion and simplify public education.
The REC is finalizing the current version of its Recycling Outreach Guide (not yet officially
published) and is expected to be finished sometime in 2019. The City should carefully compare
the final REC lists of “accepted” recyclable items vs. “not accepted” and consider adjusting its
requirements for haulers and public education accordingly.
4.5 Multifamily Recycling of Traditional Recyclables
The City of Eden Prairie has implemented improvements to encourage compliance with its
existing City Code requirements (Section 9.01, Subd. 4) for recycling and other solid waste
services at multifamily properties.
An evaluation could be conducted to determine the most appropriate mix of roles and
responsibilities between the City and County and determine areas that need additional
improvements. Many of the standardized labels, posters and other education tools are available
from the County. Monitoring and enforcement of requirements at multifamily buildings in Eden
Prairie will require coordination between the City and County.
Hennepin County has elevated improvements to multifamily services for traditional recyclables
as one of their top priorities within the County’s new Master Plan. The revisions to the County’s
Recycling Ordinance 13 include updates to the multifamily recycling requirements to add service
level standards, labeling and other education requirements and County enforcement authority.
The Ordinance 13 revisions confirms the County requirements for each city to have and enforce
its ordinance for multifamily properties. The County’s current focus is on improvements to
traditional recycling for multifamily residents. Adding organics collection services at
multifamily properties is a lower priority and will not be required by the County at this time.
Strategy 20. Evaluate current recycling requirements at multifamily properties and
establish an inspection program. [High priority]
This City’s inspection program could be established on a rotating basis such that each
multifamily building is inspected at a minimum of once every three to five years depending on
the results of the inspection.
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Strategy 21. Evaluate the City’s current education program and determine if
opportunities exist for additional technical assistance, public education, and outreach to
encourage multifamily recycling. [Medium priority]
Most of the City’s multifamily properties public education tools are the same as single-family. A
review of the need to provide additional outreach tools and information in additional languages
could be considered (e.g., web page information about recycling instructions).
The current City Code of ordinances (Section 9.01, 4.B) states that:
“The owner of a Multiple Family Dwelling must provide information to the
occupants of each dwelling unit which notifies the occupants of the
availability of Collection services, clearly describes and lists the procedures
required to prepare the Recyclable Waste for Collection, and identifies the
dates and times of Collection.”
Strategy 22. Evaluate County Recycling Ordinance 13 requirements for standardized
labeling on multifamily recycling and trash containers and determine if City Code
changes are needed. [Medium priority]
Strategy 23. Evaluate current requirements for recycling and solid waste reporting
related to multifamily recycling and determine if the City should incorporate additional
requirements into City Code or clarify existing ones. [Medium priority]
Strategy 24. Evaluate barriers and constraints for the addition of containers (e.g.,
dumpster) related to multifamily properties for organics or traditional recycling.
[Medium priority]
Eden Prairie’s intent is to work with multifamily property owners and managers to upgrade
enclosure and disposal facilities in order to make sorting recyclables and trash easier and to come
into compliance with both County and City standards. For example, as a general rule, older
enclosures were designed only for trash dumpsters. There may be a need for to design and install
larger enclosures to accommodate an additional dumpster for traditional recyclables. This will
be a long-term and ongoing strategy that needs collaboration from all parties, the City, the
County, and multifamily property owners.
Strategy 25. Evaluate current requirements for collection of and education on recycling
and solid waste related to multifamily buildings and determine if additional requirements
should be incorporated into existing City Code. [Medium priority]
Now that Ordinance 13 has been adopted by the County Board, City and County staff should
meet to further map out the details of an implementation strategy, including how the two
governments plan to cooperate on enforcement.
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC 21
4.6 Yard Waste Management
The City is currently evaluating a wide range of options for improving yard waste collection
services for Eden Prairie residents. The four broad categories of yard waste include:
Grass and leaves
Brush and small tree waste
Stumps and logs
Storm damaged tree waste
Section 2.5 briefly outlined the current services and facilities available for residents to dispose of
different yard waste materials. Many residents have stated a need for improved yard waste
disposal services, but the full extent of this need has not yet been empirically measured (e.g.,
determining the number of Eden Prairie residents that already subscribe to some type of yard
waste removal service, number of residents that “self-haul”, drop-off sites utilized, etc.).
Strategy 26. Evaluate what resources and site improvements would be required for the
City to develop yard waste drop-off sites. [High priority]
Eden Prairie could use other cities’ yard waste drop-off site designs and operations as case
studies (e.g., facility size, number of customers, staffing, budget requirements, incoming material
specifications, municipal staff vs. contract operations, compost end use, traffic flow, access,
etc.). A siting process would be needed to evaluate potential locations, including access roads,
traffic patterns, etc.
Strategy 27. Conduct a cost analysis for development of a drop-off site for items such as
tree branches, garden waste and leaves only, but no grass clippings. Evaluate the need
for a seasonal operating schedule (e.g., spring and fall months only). [High priority]
This new drop-off site for yard waste would likely not include grass clippings due to the ability
to easily mulch during mowing instead of collecting. Alternative facility design criteria should
be considered to help reduce capital and operating costs. Other means to reduce costs should
also be considered (e.g., sharing the site with a neighboring city, privatization, etc.).
Strategy 28. Provide wood chips, mulch, and/or finished compost at a City-operated
yard waste drop-off site or during events such as the City Community Drop-Off Day as
they are available. [Low priority]
If the City develops a yard waste drop-off site, quality products (e.g., wood chips, mulch, and
finished compost) could be sold at a discount to Eden Prairie residents.
Strategy 29. Promote use of existing, non-City owned facilities that allow Eden Prairie
residents to bring in yard waste, grass clippings, brush, stumps, logs, etc. [High priority]
22 Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan
An immediate next step is to continue promotion of the use of existing neighboring facilities.
This would be a cost-effective way of promoting the service if a new site within the City is
unavailable.
Strategy 30. Encourage backyard composting and mulching and evaluate opportunities
to host or cross-promote a site for a compost bin and/or rain barrel sale with other
organizations or cities. [Low priority]
The City should continue and expand promotions of yard waste reduction methods such as
mulching grass clippings and backyard composting. There may be options to work with the
County or a non-profit such as the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) to provide sales
events at the City Center or Community Center for compost bins and/or rain barrels.
Strategy 31. Evaluate current residential curbside yard waste collection services and
seasonal trends and make recommendations for improvement. [High priority]
The City could estimate the number of residents that currently subscribe to yard waste collection
service with their hauler. Working with the haulers, the City could analyze current prices,
service levels (e.g., bags vs. carts, limits on amounts of yard waste, Christmas tree collections,
etc.) and customer satisfaction.
A survey of residents could also help establish the need for expanded yard waste services (e.g.,
drop-off sites; additional materials, longer seasons; etc.) and opinions about the current level of
services.
One alternative collection method that has been used by other cities is to instruct residents to
rake their leaves onto the boulevard or into the street (i.e., in the gutter). As a general rule, these
programs use city public works crews to collect the leaves during peak leaf season in the fall.
Different trucks and equipment have been used (e.g., vacuum trucks, front-end-loaders and dump
trucks, etc.).
Advantages of this method include:
Convenient for residents.
Does not require purchase of compostable bags.
Does not require bagging of leaves.
Disadvantages of this method include:
Very seasonal, fall only.
May include grass clippings, garden waste or other materials that are best managed on
site or through disposal at an alternative site.
Collects leaves only (i.e., no brush).
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC 23
Could cause additional clogging of storm drains and localized flooding when rain or
snow storms occur after residents pile up their leaves into the curb and before the crews
can collect them.
Would also collect sand, grit and other materials from the road surface with the yard
waste. This could reduce the quality of the materials for composting as they mix
vehicle/gasoline by-products, litter, sand or other contaminants that are also swept up.
Would require an amendment to City Code which currently prohibits storage of materials
in the street.
Would require a new resident education and training program.
Expensive to operate compared to the resident yard waste bagging methods (e.g., self-
haul to a yard waste drop-off site or collection with your hauler via subscription service
order) due to the need for dedicated staff time and equipment.
The seasonal demand for public works staff is very acute in the fall (e.g., October and
November) depending on weather conditions and other factors.
Strategy 32. Evaluate need for contingency plans or written policy for a temporary drop-
off site and/or curb-side pickup for storm-damaged tree waste by the City or a private
organization (e.g., part of a broader emergency preparedness plan). [Medium priority].
Currently, the City Manager does have the authority to call an emergency after a storm and
utilize City and/or private crews to collect storm-damaged tree waste.
4.7 Organics Recycling
The City of Eden Prairie does not yet have a structured residential curbside organics recycling
program. Hennepin County as part of the County Master Plan is requiring curbside organics
recycling by January 2022. There are currently nine cities in Hennepin County where organics
recycling service is available citywide and several other cities have limited availability through
one hauler in an open system.
Experience from these programs shows that the best results are achieved when organics
recycling is available citywide, the service is structured so that everyone pays by bundling
organics service with recycling or trash, and implementation is supported by a comprehensive
communications and outreach plan.
4.7.1 Residential Curbside Organics Recycling
There are currently three methods of residential curbside organics collection:
Option 1 - Organics alone, collected in a separate cart using a separate truck.
Option 2 – Organics stored in a durable compostable bag and then “co-collected” with
trash in the resident’s regular trash cart using a regular trash truck and then separating out
the bag of organics at a central facility for transfer to a composting facility.
24 Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan
Option 3 – Organics stored in a durable compostable bag and then “co-collected” with
yard waste in the resident’s yard waste cart using the same yard waste truck and then
separating out the bag of organics at a central facility for transfer to a composting facility
or co-composting the organics and yard waste together.
Option 1 (organics alone) is similar to how Minneapolis has designed and implemented their
curbside organics recycling system. Option 2 (organics co-collected with trash) was
implemented in Wayzata several years ago and continues today. Option 3 (organics co-collected
with yard waste) is used by Columbia Heights.
As part of the City’s community engagement process in preparation of this Plan, the nine
licensed haulers were asked about this question of their preferred method of curbside collection
of organics. The results were evenly split: three of the haulers preferred Option 1 (organics
alone); two haulers preferred Option 2 (co-collection with trash); and two haulers preferred
Option 3 (co-collection with yard waste). One hauler did not respond to this question and
another simply stated they prefer an “other” (unspecified) method of collection. These results
are typical of hauler opinions in the Metropolitan Area today; there is no one industry consensus
yet on the preferred or best method of curbside organics collection.
There is a need to assure adequate transfer station and composting facility capacity to assure that
the organic materials collected have an efficient means of being collected and composted for
reuse. Option 2, co-collection with trash, has an additional need for adequate sorting capacity to
separate the organics bags from the trash. Hennepin County and the MPCA each have individual
responsibilities for such infrastructure capacity. The City will continue to evaluate this
“downstream” infrastructure capacity as it develops additional collection details.
The City of Eden Prairie has a long-standing tradition of an open hauling system for solid waste
and recycling. In lieu of a change to contracted organics recycling collection, the City could
implement the County’s new residential curbside organics recycling requirement by amending
the City’s solid waste and recycling Code of ordinances (Sections 5.36 and Section 9.01). The
City would thereby require licensed residential haulers to provide curbside organics collection
service to all of their customers in single-family through four-plex buildings. Single-family to
four-plex buildings are the type of residential dwellings specified in the County’s Recycling
Ordinance 13.
One alternative approach is to require some form of curbside organics collection service, but
allow haulers to select their preferred method of organics collection. This approach allows the
private marketplace to help decide the most popular curbside organics collection method if there
are haulers offering different collection methods. However, this would result in:
Different curbside organics collection methods used by the licensed haulers.
Increased challenges to provide consistent education about material setout instructions by
the City.
Use of additional trucks and road wear-and-tear to collect organics for recycling if
separate carts are chosen (i.e., Option 1).
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Due to the relative newness of residential organics recycling, the County’s current emphasis is
on developing curbside service to these types of single-family dwellings and has not yet focused
on the larger multifamily properties (over four-plex buildings). This is also consistent with
feedback from the haulers in the City that improving the quality and amount of traditional
recyclables collected at larger multifamily properties should be the current priority and not
adding new organics recycling containers at this time.
It should be noted that if the City moved to a recycling contract system for curbside collection of
traditional recyclables, then this could include curbside collection of organics. Contracting for
these services would provide for a more efficient collection system. Public feedback during the
community engagement process indicated that this contracting option is not supported by most
haulers but is preferred by some residents as a means to reduce truck traffic on their residential
streets.
Eden Prairie may want to consider implementing this curbside organics requirement as soon as
possible if the City wants to maximize grant funds available under Hennepin County’s
Residential Recycling Funding Policy. This is one of the City’s top priorities for the package of
City solid waste Code amendments.
In November 2016, Hennepin County adopted a Residential Recycling Funding Policy that
reduces the amount of funds available for traditional curbside recycling programs over time and
over the same time period increases the amount of grant funds for residential curbside organics
recycling. Furthermore, the County is putting a cap on the organics grant funds based on the
number of participating households such that there is a financial incentive built into the County
grant formula for cities to maximize organics recycling participation. Therefore, the sooner the
curbside organics program can be designed and implemented, the sooner the City can start
growing participation to maximize the County grant amounts.
The City plans to evaluate the County requirements within Ordinance 13 and determine if a pilot
project would be appropriate prior to implementation of citywide, curbside organics service for
single family residents.
The intent is that all single family residents (up to four-plex buildings) would have organics
recycling available equally. Therefore, the City’s amended solid waste Code would require that
all residents in units up through four-plex buildings be charged by their hauler for the organics
collection service. Recycling services were implemented by the city in this same way
historically and resulted in a very cost-effective way to implement a new collection service.
The City currently proposes to implement an “opt-out” program where all households
automatically receive the new organics collection service and educational materials. The City
could provide collection program supplies to all eligible households such as a kitchen “bucket”
or “kitchen caddy” to store food scraps. Alternatively, the hauler could be required to provide
these or other collection materials (e.g., an organics cart) to all customers on request.
26 Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan
A second option would be to provide an “opt-in” program by signing up early adopters to help
implement the new curbside organics recycling system. These early adopters would then likely
become opinion leaders and advocates for curbside organics service. As organics recycling
becomes more accepted, the program should then expand as outlined in the “opt-out” program.
Strategy 33. Adopt a management plan that complies with the new County requirements
for residential curbside organics recycling. [High priority]
Given the lack of industry consensus about the best organics collection method, and the need to
move forward with some level of additional details, the City could develop its own curbside
organics management plan that provides clear direction to the licensed haulers in Eden Prairie on
an approach to comply with both City and County requirements. This will require changes to the
City Code.
4.7.2 New Organics Drop-Off Sites
Organics drop-off sites can complement and provide a “bridge” to residential curbside organics
collection services. In general, organics drop-off sites are comparatively easy to implement
while requiring fewer City resources. Organics drop-off sites can also serve multifamily
residents and small businesses that do not have curbside organics service.
The main disadvantage of drop-offs is that they are less convenient and therefore there is
generally less participation and fewer materials recovered compared to curbside collection.
Drop-off sites are not required by the County.
Strategy 34. Evaluate opportunities for establishing a drop-off site for organics, either
with a yard waste collection site or separately. [Medium priority]
The City could simultaneously evaluate opportunities for establishing a drop-off site(s) for
organics while planning and implementing the residential curbside organics services. This
evaluation should be done in conjunction with any planning for a yard waste collection site.
Strategy 35. Evaluate new organics requirements and determine the need for an organics
drop-off program for multifamily residents. Evaluate potential opportunities for organics
drop-off through permanent or temporary sites. [Medium priority]
If multifamily residents are not provided with curbside organics collection service, there is a
greater need for an organics drop-off program in order to provide some degree of equity for all
City residents.
The closest, current organics drop-off site is the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s
Organics Recycling Facility in Shakopee. The City should evaluate how this composting facility
could be used to process organics from an Eden Prairie drop-off program.
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC 27
4.7.3 Organics Recycling at Public Facilities
The existing organics recycling program at the City Center has been in place for about two years.
Strategy 36. Evaluate the current status of organics recycling at the City Center.
Evaluate program success and whether organics recycling could be expanded to
additional City facilities. [Low priority]
City staff could develop a summary inventory of current organics container locations and service
levels at the City Center. The organics materials quality should also be evaluated in terms of the
contamination rates in relation to employee education and signage. Program costs and trash
disposal savings should also be evaluated. The collection service provider and the composting
facility should be contacted to assess program effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.
4.7.4 Organics Recycling at Commercial Establishments
Hennepin County is developing a new commercial organics recycling program. The County will
take primary responsibility for planning, implementation and enforcement of any new
commercial recycling requirements.
Strategy 37. Provide assistance and technical advice for the County’s implementation of
their commercial organics recycling policy, ordinance and program requirements.
[Medium priority]
As the County is taking the lead on commercial organics recycling, the City could focus more
effort on the residential organics recycling services, while still providing information and public
education in support of the County’s program.
4.8 Commercial and Institutional Recycling
The Eden Prairie School District has an existing recycling program, including organics.
Strategy 38. Evaluate the Eden Prairie School District current organics and recycling
program and explore opportunities to provide educational materials and collaborate with
the Schools to enhance the program effectiveness. [Medium priority]
Conversations with the School District, and their recycling service provider(s), are needed to
determine the current status and opportunities for enhanced program effectiveness. Examples of
improvements could include providing additional education resources for staff and students. If
school staff are willing, the City may be able to coordinate in-class teaching opportunities and
resources.
One objective should be to assist the School District to improve recyclables materials quality and
sustain the program in the long-term. The City has a current solid waste dumpster screening
requirements (i.e., for outdoor “enclosures” separate from buildings) in ordinance that may need
to be amended.
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Strategy 39. Evaluate barriers and constraints for outside container (e.g., dumpster)
placement related to commercial requirements for organics and traditional recycling.
[High priority]
At existing properties with current trash-only enclosures, adding new requirements to expand the
space to allow for recycling containers may be costly. The City should work with the County to
conduct an assessment of the needs, best practices approach for each property, and available
education/technical resources. The City could explore grant opportunities for this project with
the County to help reduce the capital costs of expanding or adding new recyclables enclosures.
New businesses, including new multifamily buildings, could be required by an amended City
ordinance to provide for adequate enclosure space for recyclables containers in addition to the
County Recycling Ordinance 13 requirements for adequate service levels and public education
tools.
The MPCA and County are working to encourage compliance with the new commercial business
recycling requirements. Informational resources are available to help educate regulated
businesses about the potential savings from enhanced recycling programs. The City will work
with the County to provide educational materials for the business owners and the tenants on the
new program.
Strategy 40. Evaluate compliance with the new commercial and sports facilities
recycling law (Minn. Stat. §115a.151) within the City. [Low priority]
The City could assist the County in conducting an inventory of the regulated commercial
properties, sports facilities, and public entities in Eden Prairie and to assess compliance with the
new recycling law (Minn. Stat. §115a.151). (See Section 2.8 for more information, including
County and MPCA resources.)
4.9 Event and Away from Home Waste
When residents are at events and otherwise away from home, there is a need to provide for
convenient recycling services using standardized public education tools (e.g., labels on recycling
containers). One opportunity is to enhance recyclables and organics collection services at City
facilities.
Strategy 41. Enhance collection of traditional recyclables and organics at City buildings
and park facilities where feasible. [Low priority]
The City could first conduct an assessment of the current state of these services and buildings.
Where feasible, City staff should recommend upgrades to the recycling services.
Strategy 42. Evaluate ability to expand recycling opportunities at City events, including
organics recycling. Evaluate potential language to require recycling plans at licensed
events. [Medium priority]
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC 29
Other cities and counties in the Metro Area have conducted studies and compiled multiple
guidance resources on how to enhance recycling at events sponsored or permitted by
municipalities. There are many readily available and practical tips for enhancing recycling at
events. For example, the following resources are readily available:
Dakota County’s 3 Steps to a Low-Waste Event.
Eureka Recycling’s Zero Waste Events web page (including additional resources and
Simple Tips (“Making Your Neighborhood Event Zero Waste”).
Hennepin County’s Recycling at Events web page.
Ramsey County’s Recycling Containers for Events web page (including additional
resources for planning recycling at events).
ReThink Recycling’s How to Host a Green Event.
Conditions of event permits could require recycling plans and implementation guidelines. The
County has resources available at low or no-cost (e.g., recycling bins, public education tools,
etc.). For example, event management could potentially start with a smaller test group, such as
providing organics containers and education to park rental groups.
4.10 Household Hazardous Waste and Problem Materials (including
bulky waste items)
This is a broad, catch-all category of solid waste materials that can be defined as household
hazardous waste (HHW) and other problem materials (including bulky waste items). There are
many optional collection and disposal solutions, including existing services.
4.10.1 Curbside Collection of Bulky Waste Items
The City needs to evaluate the current practices by private haulers to collect problem materials,
including large bulky waste items. There may be opportunities to enhance curbside collection
services to complement the other drop-off strategies such as expanding the items accepted at the
Community Clean-Up Day.
Strategy 43. Evaluate current City Code requirements for bulky waste pickups to
incorporate language to clarify existing or proposed policies into City Code licensing
requirements. [Low priority]
For example, the City could require bulky waste collection service (with standardized definitions
of acceptable materials) be available year round. Also, the evaluation could determine if the
more specialized “junk” companies can help provide needed collection services. If specialized
junk haulers are not yet licensed, the City’s Code should be amended accordingly.
4.10.2 Alternative Events and Drop-Off Facilities
In addition to the City’s annual Community Clean-Up Day, other events and drop-off facilities
provide locations for disposal of certain household hazardous waste and other problem materials.
30 Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan
Strategy 44. Evaluate addition of special events or locations to provide opportunities for
disposal of items such as fluorescents, carpet, cardboard, bulky items, etc. [Low priority]
These other events and locations should be identified and promoted to City residents.
Alternatives may include procurement of collection services at the City’s Community Drop-Off
Day or a special collection day or location for individual items. A market assessment may be
needed to determine if the City’s contract would be attractive.
Strategy 45. Evaluate options for what could be done if no haulers bid on the City’s
annual Community Drop-Off Day. [Medium priority]
The current contract should be evaluated and longer-term plan should be developed that is
mutually beneficial to the City and potential contractors.
4.10.3 Neighborhood-Focused Cleanups Alternatives
Alternative and complementary service models should also be explored such as neighborhood-
focused cleanups. These alternatives could allow the City to focus on specific neighborhoods
with a variety of resources, including education, technical assistance, spot collection services for
selected problem materials, and regulatory enforcement. The neighborhoods to focus on could
rotate from year to year. These alternatives would not totally replace the need for a Community
Drop-Off Day or collection site, but they could be used to help complement and expand the
services provided to include broader environmental Code enforcement efforts.
4.11 Resource Recovery
The public entities section of the Minnesota Waste Management Act (Minn. Stats. §115A.471)
contains requirements that trash collected under City contracts must be disposed according to the
County’s Solid Waste Master Plan. Any contract for trash collection from City facilities must
contain specific disposal requirements such as disposal at the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center
(HERC) in Minneapolis.
Strategy 46. Evaluate the current status of compliance with the public entities trash
disposal requirements in State Statute (Minn. Stat. §115A.471) and County policies.
[Low priority]
The County has information and technical assistance services that can readily determine the
City’s current status of compliance.
4.12 Landfilling
The Minnesota Waste Management Act contains a specific provision for the Metro Area known
as the “restriction on disposal” that prohibits unprocessed trash from being disposed in landfills
(Minn. Stats. §473.848). This requirement is administered both by the MPCA and the Metro
Region counties.
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC 31
Strategy 47. Assist Hennepin and other Metro Region counties with evaluation of and
potential implementation of the restriction on disposal law (Minn. Stat. §473.848). [Low
priority]
The City should consult with Hennepin County about the practical effects of this state restriction
on disposal of unprocessed trash.
4.13 Non-MSW
The term “Non-MSW” is a catch-all phrase intended to cover a broad category of solid waste
materials not typically found in mixed municipal solid waste (MSW). A major component of
Non-MSW is construction & demolition (C&D) waste generated from construction activities
such as building remodeling and/or demolition. C&D waste is a significant amount of material
that is not regulated or managed in the same manner as MSW. There are many opportunities for
the City to help reduce and conserve C&D materials such that they can be managed as resources
and not simply as waste. The County has resources and technical assistance that can help the
City research and develop C&D reduction and recycling strategies such as the County’s section
of Solid Waste Planning web page related to Construction and Demolition Diversion Capacity
Study (August 2015).
Strategy 48. Promote deconstruction of buildings in collaboration with Hennepin
County as an alternative to simple demolition. [Low priority]
Strategy 49. Evaluate current City Code to determine if requirements for submittal of
C&D waste recycling plans for a building or demolition permit would be reasonable.
[Low priority]
It may be instructive to research what contractors are already doing in in the Metro Area to
reduce and recycle C&D materials. Also, recent case studies from other cities C&D recycling
programs may be helpful as additional background research.
4.14 Solid Waste Collection Issues and Regulations
Eden Prairie has a primary role in managing solid waste collection systems in the City as part of
its mandate to protect the health and welfare of residents and businesses. The City’s Code of
ordinances (Section 9.01, Subd. 9) requires all residential and commercial properties to be party
to a contract for the collection of solid waste. Section 2.1 of this Plan summarizes the City’s
open hauling system.
The City Code requires collection of both trash and recyclables, plus the option for collection of
yard waste. This open hauling system could be improved to enhance curbside recycling and
organics recovery. This Plan discusses that new considerations of how best to implement
organics recycling (see Section 4.7), including options for implementing the new County
requirement for residential curbside organics recycling service. The following collection
strategies could help guide additional research and community engagement on these issues.
32 Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan
Strategy 50. Review the City’s mandatory garbage service provisions in the current
ordinance, including in relation to City enforcement efforts, to determine if there are
options or opportunities for enhancements. [Low priority]
Even though the City ordinance requires that all residents and businesses have solid waste
collection contracts, it is unknown as to the extent of properties that do not have contracts. This
could be an opportunity to evaluate current practices and determine what initiatives may improve
or add options for collection.
Strategy 51. Evaluate current City procedures and fees for licensing. [Low priority]
The City could evaluate its current hauler license fee structure in comparison to other cities.
Strategy 52. Evaluate the number of licensed haulers. [Medium priority]
The City is interested in preserving the street pavement investments for as long as possible while
reducing truck traffic where feasible. The open hauling system has resulted in four haulers that
are currently serving single family residents and four haulers serving multifamily properties (see
the City’s Garbage and Recycling web page for the list of hauling companies and other details).
The City will evaluate the need for and potential methods to restrict the number of licenses or
otherwise capping the number of haulers operating in Eden Prairie and how this could potentially
impact items such as customer service, costs, roadways and neighborhood safety.
When haulers were asked in the June 2018 survey if they would be in favor of limiting the
number of licensed haulers to the number that exists today, four (4) of the respondents said “yes”
and five of the respondents said “no.”
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC 33
5 Ten Year Plan
This Plan is intentionally trying to take a long term vision of potential system changes and
improvements. The City is making deliberate efforts to respond directly to the new city
requirements mandated by Hennepin County as well as address other solid waste management
priorities that residents and businesses have stated are needed. The proposed priority level
(“low”, “medium”, or “high”) for each strategy is based in part on whether or not action is
required by the County as well as the City’s own level of priority.
Due to limited time and other resources, the City must be very selective in determining which
strategies should become high priorities for immediate planning, development and
implementation. Not all strategies can be implemented simultaneously. The Strategies Matrix in
Appendix B directly addresses timing of strategy implementation.
In many cases the strategies outlined in this Plan suggest collaboration with other entities. The
City will be able to best optimize the use of City resources by partnering with Hennepin County,
the haulers, local businesses and residents. The solid waste management system improvements
will be more cost-effective and sustainable if these other entities can be fully engaged.
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Appendix A, Page 1
Appendix A
Definitions
The definitions in this section are terms as used in this Plan. Additional definitions in relation to
the City’s solid waste program are located in City Code Section 5.36 (Licensing of Collectors of
Solid, Recyclable and/or Yard Waste) and 9.01 (Storage, Deposit and Collection of Refuse, Yard
Waste, Recyclable Waste and Solid Waste). Additional definitions are derived from the
Hennepin County Recycling Ordinance 13 and various State Statutes as noted.
“Bulky Waste” means large items from residents that do not normally fit into a regular trash cart
but need to be disposed or recycled such as furniture, appliances, carpet, etc. Bulky waste does
not include construction & demolition waste.
“Curbside Recycling Service” includes single and multiple family dwellings where each
housing unit sets out their own refuse and recycling container for collection at the curb.
“Food Scraps” means all material resulting from the production, storage, preparation,
processing, cooking, handling, selling, or serving of food for human or animal consumption,
including but not limited to, meats, grains, dairy, fish, fruits, and vegetables. (Source: Hennepin
County Ordinance 13)
“Hauler” means any person who owns, operates or leases vehicles for the primary purpose of
collection and transportation of any type of waste. (Source: Hennepin County Ordinance 13)
“Household Hazardous Waste” means materials generated in a residential household, which
includes any dwelling from a single unit including all multifamily housing properties, that is in
solid, semi-solid, liquid, or contained gaseous form that, because of its quantity, concentration,
or chemical, physical, or infectious characteristics, may (a) cause or significantly contribute to an
increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness; or
(b) pose substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when
improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. Categories of
hazardous waste materials include, but are not limited to, explosives, flammables, oxidizers,
poisons, irritants, and corrosives. Household hazardous waste does not include source, special
nuclear, or M by-product materials as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
(Source: Hennepin County Ordinance 13)
“Materials Recovery Facility” means a permitted facility where mixed recyclables are received
to be prepared for reuse in their original form or for use in manufacturing processes that do not
cause the destruction of the materials in a manner that precludes further use. It does not include
a manufacturer using recyclable materials as feedstock. This includes a transfer station where
mixed recyclables are delivered, temporarily stored and sent to a facility where it is processed for
recycling. (Source: Hennepin County Ordinance 13)
Definitions (continued)
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Appendix A, Page 2
“Mixed Municipal Solid Waste” (MSW) is defined in State law as garbage, refuse, and other
solid waste from residential, commercial, industrial, and community activities that the generator
of the waste aggregates for collection. MSW does not include auto hulks, street sweepings, ash,
construction debris, mining waste, sludges, tree and agricultural wastes, tires, lead acid batteries,
motor and vehicle fluids and filters, and other materials collected, processed, and disposed of as
separate waste streams. (Source: Minn. Stat. §115A.03; Subd. 21)
“Mixed Recyclables” or “Recyclable Waste” means those components of solid waste
consisting of aluminum recyclables, can recyclables, corrugated cardboard, glass recyclables,
paper recyclables, plastic recyclables, organics, and other materials required to be recycled in
compliance with City Ordinances, County Ordinances and Regulations, and State Statutes and
Rules, each of which has been separated by a customer into a container or containers which have
been designated for recyclable or organic waste. (Source City Code Section 5.36 Subd. 2. O).
“Multifamily Housing” or “Multiple Family Dwelling” means attached dwelling units and
accessory structures containing two or more dwelling units. (Source: City Code Section 5.36
Subd. 2. L.)
“Non-MSW” means waste materials not defined as MSW, typically referring to items such as
construction & demolition (C&D) waste such as discards from building construction or
remodeling.
“Organic Material” (or “Organics”) means the portion of waste that is source separated for the
purpose of beneficial use, and may include food, food scraps and other materials as designated
by Hennepin County. Organic material excludes yard waste regulated in Minnesota Statute,
Section 115A.931. (Source: Hennepin County Ordinance 13)
“Organic Material Drop-off Site” is a site that accepts organic material self-hauled by
residents for the purpose of collection and transport to an approved facility for beneficial use.
The site may be a stand-alone site or be co-located at an existing disposal facility, materials
recovery facility, or transfer station. (Source: Hennepin County Ordinance 13)
“Organic Material Management Facility” means a facility where organic material is received
and processed for beneficial use, such as a composting facility. This includes a transfer station
where organic material is delivered, temporarily stored and sent to a facility where it is processed
for beneficial use. (Source: Hennepin County Ordinance 13)
“Recyclable Waste” means those components of solid waste consisting of aluminum
recyclables, can recyclables, corrugated cardboard, glass recyclables, paper recyclables, plastic
recyclables, organics, and other materials required to be recycled in compliance with City
ordinances, County ordinances and regulations, and State Statutes and rules, each of which has
been separated by a customer into a container or containers which have been designated for
recyclable or organic waste. (Source: City Code Section 5.36 Subd. 2. O.)
Definitions (continued)
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Appendix A, Page 3
“Recycling” means the process of collecting recyclable waste for reusing these materials to
prevent waste of potentially useful materials either in new products, in their original form, or in a
manufacturing process that does not cause destruction of them in a manner that precludes further
use. (Source: City Code Section 5.46 Subd. 2. P). For purposes of this Plan, “Recycling” also
includes the process of collecting and composting of organic materials (organics recycling).
“Single-Family Dwelling” refers to single-family, detached dwelling and accessory structures
designed for or containing one dwelling unit. (Source: City Code Section 5.36 Subd. 2. S.)
“Solid Waste” means garbage, refuse, sludge from a water supply treatment plant or air
contaminant treatment facility, and other discarded waste materials and sludges, in solid,
semisolid, liquid, or contained gaseous form, resulting from residential, industrial, commercial,
mining, agricultural operations, and community activities. Solid Waste does not include
hazardous waste; animal waste used as fertilizer; earthen fill, boulders, rock; sewage sludge;
solid or dissolved material in domestic sewage or other common pollutants in water resources,
such as silt; dissolved or suspended solids in industrial waste water effluents or discharges which
are point sources subject to permits under Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act, as amended; dissolved materials in irrigation return flows; or source, special nuclear, or
by-product material as defined by The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. (Source: City
Code Section 5.36 Subd. 2. T)
“Source Separation” means the separation of mixed recyclables and organic material from trash
at the source of generation. (Source: Hennepin County Ordinance 13)
“Traditional Recyclables” includes non-organic materials that have historically been collected
in residential curbside and/or drop-off collection program (e.g., recyclable glass, metal, paper,
and plastics).
“Trash” means non-recyclable material that is designated for landfill or incinerator disposal by
the hauler. The term “trash” does not include hazardous waste as defined in Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.06, subdivision 11, or construction debris as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.03, subdivision 7. (Source: Hennepin County Ordinance 13)
“Unprocessed Waste” means solid waste (or “trash”) after collection and before disposal that
has not been processed for materials / energy recovery or composting. (Source: Minn. Stat.
§474.848, Subd. 5)
“Waste” means all trash, mixed recyclables, and organic material from residential, commercial,
industrial, and community activities. (Source: Hennepin County Ordinance 13)
“Waste Reduction” (also referred to as “Source Reduction”) means an activity that prevents
generation of waste or the inclusion of toxic materials in Waste, including reusing a product in
its original form; increasing the life span of a product; reducing amount of material or the
toxicity of material used in production or packaging; or changing procurement, consumption, or
Definitions (continued)
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Appendix A, Page 4
waste generation habits to result in smaller quantities or lower toxicity of waste generated.
(Source: Minn. Stat., §115A.03, Subd. 36b)
“Yard Waste” means solid waste generated from landscaping and lawn care activities such as
mowing, trimming, gardening or raking consisting of grass clippings, twigs, tree and brush
clippings, straw, pine needles, tree branches, soft vegetative garden waste and leaves. (Source:
City Code Section 5.36 Subd. 2. U)
Eden Prairie Solid Waste Management Plan Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC Appendix B
Appendix B
Strategies Matrix
(Key: “” = Lead or primary role)
Appendix B
Strategies Matrix
Category
Strategy
Number Potential StrategySta
te o
f Min
nesot
a
Hen
nepin
Cou
nty
City
of E
den P
rair
ie
Oth
erPriority
Proposed
Timing
City Code
Amendment
Required?
Education 1
Evaluate current use of education tools such as print, web-based, social media,
Environmental Learning Center (ELC), etc. and determine ways in which these tools
may be improved or expanded. Medium After 2019 Maybe
Education 2
Conduct surveys for residents and businesses to gauge understanding of recycling,
organics, composting, beneficial use of grass clippings, hazardous waste disposal,
solid waste, etc. This could be a combination of web-based and in-person surveys. Low After 2019 No
Education 3
Encourage and promote the County’s “Master Recycler” program and evaluate
potential opportunities for graduates to assist with education and outreach within Eden
Prairie for recycling, yard waste management or other elements of this Plan. Engage
the County to determine how the City can assist in continuing this education program
into the future.
Low After 2021 No
Education 4Develop materials and provide education at City events such as the Green Fair,
Citywide Open House, Sustainable Eden Prairie Tour, etc. High After 2019 No
Education 5Provide opportunities for continued involvement of students in the City’s Conservation
Commission. Medium After 2021 No
Education 6Develop educational materials for "Move In / Move Out" to properly recycle and
dispose of moving materials from homes and businesses. Low After 2022 Maybe
Education 7
Partner with Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s, Rotary and other local business
organizations to optimize the effectiveness of City staff resources. Medium After 2021 No
Waste Reduction 8
Expand promotion of reusable materials through events including the Hennepin County
Fix-It Clinics for repair and reuse of materials as well as other County initiatives. Medium After 2019 No
Waste Reduction 9
Expand use of materials exchanges such as The Freecycle Network, Twin Cities Free
Market, or Nextdoor events to encourage material exchanges within neighborhoods. Low After 2021 No
Waste Reduction 10
Develop opportunities to partner with thrift/reuse stores, non-profits or commercial
entities to expand collection of reusable or recyclable materials. This includes
charitable giving of unused food items (e.g., dry goods, etc.). Medium After 2021 No
Waste Reduction 11Enhance promotion of the use of mulch and backyard composting to reduce
compostable materials from entering the waste stream. Medium After 2022 No
Recycling – Drop-Off 12Evaluate the past success, new opportunities for improvement, and alternatives for the
City’s Community Drop-Off Day. High 2019 No
Recycling – Drop-Off 13Explore the need to provide additional recycling, such as for cardboard, potentially in
coordination with a yard waste drop-off site. Medium 2019 No
Recycling – Drop-Off 14Promote the Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities in Bloomington and Brooklyn Park.
Medium Ongoing No
Residential Curbside Recycling 15Evaluate third-party online, web-based promotion tools to determine if they could be
implemented in the City. Low After 2021 No
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Appendix B
Strategies Matrix
Category
Strategy
Number Potential StrategySta
te o
f Min
nesot
a
Hen
nepin
Cou
nty
City
of E
den P
rair
ie
Oth
erPriority
Proposed
Timing
City Code
Amendment
Required?
Residential Curbside Recycling 16
Evaluate the need for contract recycling and/or organics recycling as a means to
decrease truck traffic and enhance residential recycling through a more standardized
collection services agreement. Low After 2022 Yes
Residential Curbside Recycling 17Evaluate how recycling is scheduled and determine if improvements could be made to
provide consistent scheduling citywide. Medium 2018 - 2019 Yes
Residential Curbside Recycling 18Evaluate population metrics in relation to existing garbage and recycling zones and
determine if modifications are needed. Low After 2022 Maybe
Residential Curbside Recycling 19
Evaluate the Minnesota Recycling Education Committee (REC) guidelines on how to
promote traditional recyclables and organics recycling programs and determine how
these could be incorporated into the City's education program. High Ongoing No
Multifamily Recycling 20Evaluate current recycling requirements at multifamily properties and establish an
inspection program. High 2018 - 2020 Yes
Multifamily Recycling 21
Evaluate the City's current education program and determine if opportunities exist for
additional technical assistance, public education, and outreach to encourage
multifamily recycling. Medium After 2021 Yes
Multifamily Recycling 22
Evaluate County Recycling Ordinance 13 requirements for standardized labeling on
multifamily recycling and trash containers and determine if City Code changes are
needed. Medium 2019 - 2020 Yes
Multifamily Recycling 23
Evaluate current requirements for recycling and solid waste reporting related to
multifamily recycling and determine if the City should incorporate additional
requirements into City Code or clarify existing ones. Medium 2021 - 2023 Yes
Multifamily Recycling 24
Evaluate barriers and constraints for the addition of containers (e.g., dumpster) related
to multifamily properties for organics or traditional recycling. Medium 2020 Yes
Multifamily Recycling 25
Evaluate current requirements for collection of and education on recycling and solid
waste related to multifamily buildings and determine if additional requirements should
be incorporated into existing City Code. Medium 2022 - 2024 Yes
Yard Waste Management 26Evaluate what resources and site improvements would be required for the City to
develop yard waste drop-off sites. High 2018 - 2019 Maybe
Yard Waste Management 27
Conduct a cost analysis for development of a drop-off site for items such as tree
branches, garden waste and leaves only, but no grass clippings. Evaluate the need for
a seasonal operating schedule (e.g., spring and fall months only). High 2018 - 2019 Maybe
Yard Waste Management 28
Provide wood chips, mulch, and/or finished compost at a City-operated yard waste
drop-off site or during events such as the City Community Drop-Off Day as they are
available. Low 2024 - 2026 No
Yard Waste Management 29Promote use of existing, non-City owned facilities that allow Eden Prairie residents to
bring in yard waste, grass clippings, brush, stumps, logs, etc. High 2018 - 2019 No
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Appendix B, Page 2
Appendix B
Strategies Matrix
Category
Strategy
Number Potential StrategySta
te o
f Min
nesot
a
Hen
nepin
Cou
nty
City
of E
den P
rair
ie
Oth
erPriority
Proposed
Timing
City Code
Amendment
Required?
Yard Waste Management 30
Encourage backyard composting and mulching and evaluate opportunities to host or
cross-promote a site for a compost bin and/or rain barrel sale with other organizations
or cities. Low 2019 No
Yard Waste Management 31Evaluate current residential curbside yard waste collection services and seasonal
trends and make recommendations for improvement. High 2019 - 2020 Maybe
Yard Waste Management 32
Evaluate need for contingency plans or written policy for a temporary drop-off site
and/or curbside pickup for storm damaged tree waste by the City or a private
organization (e.g., part of a broader emergency preparedness plan). Medium 2021 - 2025 Yes
Organics Recycling 33Adopt a management plan that complies with the new County requirements for
residential curbside organics recycling. High 2021 Yes
Organics Recycling 34Evaluate opportunities for establishing a drop off site for organics, either with a yard
waste collection site or separately. Medium 2029 - 2021
Organics Recycling 35
Evaluate new organics requirements and determine the need for an organics drop-off
program for multi-family residents. Evaluate potential opportunities for organics drop-
off through permanent or temporary sites. Medium 2019 - 2020
Organics Recycling 36
Evaluate the status of organics recycling at the City Center. Evaluate program success
and whether organics recycling could be expanded to additional City facilities. Low 2020 - 2024
Organics Recycling 37
Provide assistance and technical advice for the County’s implementation of their
commercial organics recycling policy, ordinance and program requirements. Medium 2019 - 2021 Maybe
Commercial and Institutional Recycling 38
Evaluate the Eden Prairie School District current organics and recycling program and
explore opportunities to provide educational materials and collaborate with the Schools
to enhance program effectiveness. Medium 2020 - 2022
Commercial and Institutional Recycling 39
Evaluate barriers and constraints for outside container (e.g., dumpster) placement
related to commercial requirements for organics and traditional recycling. High 2019 Yes
Commercial and Institutional Recycling 40Evaluate compliance with the new commercial and sports facilities recycling law (Minn.
Stat. §115a.151) within the City. Low 2022 - 2025 Yes
Event and Away from Home Waste 41Enhance collection of traditional recyclables and organics at City buildings and park
facilities where feasible. Low 2021 - 2023
Event and Away from Home Waste 42
Evaluate ability to expand recycling opportunities at City events, including organics
recycling. Evaluate potential language to require recycling plans at licensed events. Medium 2019 - 2020 Yes
Household Hazardous Waste and Problem
Materials (including bulky items)43
Evaluate current City code requirements for bulky waste pickups to incorporate
language to clarify existing or proposed policies into City code licensing requirements. Low 2024 - 2026 Yes
Household Hazardous Waste and Problem
Materials (including bulky items)44
Evaluate addition of special events or locations to provide opportunities for disposal of
items such as fluorescents, carpet, cardboard, bulky items, etc. Low 2022 - 2024 No
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Appendix B, Page 3
Appendix B
Strategies Matrix
Category
Strategy
Number Potential StrategySta
te o
f Min
nesot
a
Hen
nepin
Cou
nty
City
of E
den P
rair
ie
Oth
erPriority
Proposed
Timing
City Code
Amendment
Required?
Household Hazardous Waste and Problem
Materials (including bulky items)45
Evaluate options for what could be done if no haulers bid on the City's annual
Community Drop-Off Day. Medium 2020 No
Resource Recovery 46Evaluate the status of compliance with the public entities trash disposal requirements
in State Statute (Minn. Stat. §115A.471) and County policies. Low 2025 No
Landfilling 47
Assist Hennepin and other Metro Region counties with evaluation of and potential
implementation of the restriction on disposal law (Minn. Stat. §473.848). Low 2026 Maybe
Non-MSW 48Promote deconstruction of buildings in collaboration with Hennepin County as an
alternative to simple demolition. Low 2024 - 2027 Yes
Non-MSW 49
Evaluate current City Code to determine if requirements for submittal of construction &
demolition (C&D) waste recycling plans for a building or demolition permit would be
reasonable. Low 2024 - 2027 Yes
Solid Waste Collection Issues and
Regulations50
Review the City’s mandatory garbage service provisions in the current ordinance,
including in relation to City enforcement efforts, to determine if there are options or
opportunities for enhancements. Low 2019 - 2021 Yes
Solid Waste Collection Issues and
Regulations51
Evaluate current City procedures and fees for licensing. Low 2019 - 2021 Yes
Solid Waste Collection Issues and
Regulations52
Evaluate the number of licensed haulers. Medium 2019 - 2020 Yes
Eden Prairie
Solid Waste Management Plan
Foth Infrastructure Environment, LLC
Appendix B, Page 4