Item Description:
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Amd 1 to PR00006817 with MN Waste Wise Foundation, ext end date to 12/31/28, increase NTE by $304,355 for a new total NTE of $707,355
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 1 to PR00006817 with Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, extending the end date from January 31, 2028 to December 31, 2028, and increasing the total amount from $403,000 to a new not-to-exceed amount of $707,355, be approved; that following the review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Amendment on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
Reducing single-use plastics and plastic packaging is one of the highest impact zero-waste actions identified in the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan.
The county has contracted with Minnesota Waste Wise since 2022 to develop and implement the MNimize campaign targeting the reduction of single-use plastics at restaurants and foodservice businesses in Hennepin County (Resolutions 22-0035 and 25-0025). Participants receive recognition for their efforts, customized assistance including waste audits and sustainable product consulting, and access to rebates to help cover the cost of swapping single-use products with durable or compostable equivalents. Since 2022, more than 170 Hennepin County businesses have participated in MNimize. It’s estimated that over 1 million plastic items have been avoided, and businesses have achieved total cost savings of over $100,000 due to the changes they have implemented.
The proposed amendment to PR00006817 seeks to expand on the program’s success. The amendment extends the period to cover all of 2028, and the increased funding will be used to recruit a minimum of 75 new businesses per year (up from 50 participants) and add a new “skip the stuff” program component.
Skip the Stuff is a waste prevention strategy focused on reducing unnecessary single-use food service items, such as utensils, napkins, straws, and condiment packets. The approach works by changing the default: businesses provide these items when requested rather than automatically distributing them with every takeout or delivery order.
The Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation will continue to provide a match to the county’s rebate funding to support the campaign. Rebates of up to $1,500 per business will be available to emerging small business enterprises to reduce cost barriers to participation. A total of $82,000 in rebate funding will be provided, including $41,000 contributed by the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation.
Plastics are an increasing threat to our environment, climate and health. Of the plastic used today, 99% is made from fossil fuel feedstocks, and 40% of plastic products are manufactured for one-time use, including items such as packaging, grocery bags, and straws. Tackling plastic waste is a critical component of achieving county climate and zero waste goals.
Current Request: This request seeks approval of Amendment 1 to Agreement PR00006817 with Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, extending the end date to December 31, 2028, and increasing the not-to-exceed amount to $707,355.
Impact/Outcomes: At least 150 new restaurants and foodservice businesses will participate in the MNimize campaign over the amendment period, with 80 businesses implementing a “skip the stuff” action.
Reducing single-use plastics supports the county’s zero-waste and climate goals by shifting consumer options and behaviors to reduce the environmental impacts of waste. Additionally, eliminating single-use plastic foodservice ware reduces exposure to and the health impacts of the numerous chemicals, many of which are endocrine disruptors, used in the manufacturing of these products.
This request funds services that are: mandated
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval