Dive Brief:
- The results are in for Minneapolis’ recycling rate after the city established a new single-sort collection system.
- Officials reported a recycling increase of 6,434 tons during the city’s first year of single-sort, which brings the residential recycling rate up to 25%.
- Prior to the new system being implemented, the rate topped out at 18%, meaning it's increased nearly 40%.
Dive Insight:
The city hopes to double the amount of recyclables collected from 18,000 tons in 2012 to 36,000 tons in 2015 by making recycling easier.
Minneapolis is trying its hand at becoming a zero waste city. Within the past year, it has implemented numerous initiatives including experimenting with miniature waste bins and recycling the debris from the Metrodome, and is also considering an expanded food waste recycling program.