Description
Importance of reduce and reuse
We focus too much on recycling and composting. We need to focus on waste reduction and reuse. Reduce and reuse come before recycling on the waste management hierarchy. Not generating waste in the first place is also the best solution for the planet. It reduces air, water, energy and resources from the entire supply chain of a product.
Repairing and reusing items extends their lifetime, resulting in fewer disposal needs. It also saves money and creates local green jobs on top of reducing waste. A Reuse Minnesota Impact Report found:
- Reuse creates 45,000 jobs in Minnesota.
- The industry is worth over $5 billion.
- Reuse avoids carbon emissions equal to 100,000 gas-powered vehicles.
Read the Reuse Minnesota Impact Report
Indicators
Indicators help us track our progress towards our goals. The indicators for this strategy are:
- Average pounds of recycling and organics collected per household
- Average pounds of garbage collected
- Average percent change in garbage collected per household
What we’re doing now
We’re supporting neighborhood-level initiatives by:
- Offering Waste Reduction Grants to community groups.
- Helping neighborhoods plan and hold swap events.
- Promoting waste reduction and reuse at events happening in and around the City.
- Pushing for state-level change to support reuse and repair.
Learn more about our progress on Outcomes Minneapolis- Public Works
Read more about Minneapolis 2025 Legislative Agenda and Policy Positions
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