Item Description:
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Neg Agmt PR00008274 with ACET, Inc. to provide multifamily recycling assistance, 04/07/26-03/31/28, total NTE $583,888
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate Agreement PR00008274 with ACET, Inc. to provide multifamily recycling assistance services, during the period of April 7, 2026 through March 31, 2028, with a not to exceed amount of $583,888; that following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the County Administrator be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
The Metropolitan Council estimates there are more than 215,000 multifamily units in Hennepin County. Compared to single-family units, multifamily buildings tend to have lower recycling rates, higher contamination rates, and limited access to organics recycling and bulky waste services. Engagement during the development of the Zero Waste Plan identified the need to expand the county’s efforts to improve recycling access at apartment and condominium buildings. One of the priorities of the county’s Plan to Reinvent the Solid Waste System is to ensure every individual has equitable access to zero-waste tools.
The county’s multifamily recycling program provides a variety of resources to help improve and expand recycling at multifamily properties, including site visits, bins, signs and labels, reusable recycling tote bags, recycling guides, and financial assistance. Each year, the county’s multifamily recycling program assists hundreds of properties and thousands of units. Approximately 50% of these properties are receiving county assistance for the first time while the other half are returning for additional resources and assistance.
To increase the number of multifamily properties assisted, the county has contracted with experienced vendors to increase the county’s capacity to connect with those properties and provide the technical assistance needed to bolster their recycling efforts. Staff recommend contracting with ACET, Inc., to provide recycling outreach and technical assistance to multifamily properties to supplement the county’s own ongoing multifamily recycling program efforts. ACET, Inc. is a woman- and minority-owned small business enterprise with extensive experience with community engagement, coordination of technical assistance, and data collection.
Current Request: This request is to authorize the County Administrator to negotiate Agreement PR00008274 with ACET, Inc. to provide multifamily recycling assistance services, for the period of April 7, 2026 through March 31, 2028, with a not to exceed amount of $583,888.
Impact/Outcomes: ACET, Inc. will provide recycling outreach and technical assistance to multifamily properties that county and city staff would otherwise not reach. In coordination with county staff, ACET, Inc. will provide the following services to expand and enhance the county’s multifamily recycling program:
• Perform outreach to multifamily properties to identify needs
• Provide technical assistance via site visits to at least 115 new properties annually
• Distribute county recycling resources to multifamily properties
• Collect and manage data on all properties contacted and assisted
This work supports the county’s commitments to zero-waste, climate action and eliminating disparities by ensuring equitable access to recycling services in multifamily settings.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval