Dakota Times

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners has approved the 2024–2044 Solid Waste Management Plan, which will shape waste and recycling practices across the county for the next two decades.

This update follows a requirement from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that mandates all counties in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area to revise their solid waste management plans every six years. More than 2,300 residents participated in developing this new plan.

The document outlines strategies aimed at reducing landfill use and advancing toward Minnesota’s goal of recycling 75 percent of waste by 2030. It also commits to providing programs for waste reduction and recycling that comply with state requirements.

Other initiatives in the plan include expanding education on reducing and reusing materials, preventing edible food from being discarded, and introducing curbside food scraps collection for suburban residents by 2030. The plan also calls for haulers to increase communication about recycling with their customers.

"The plan will guide proper recycling and trash management by residents, businesses, schools and public entities in Dakota County over the next 20 years," according to officials. "It includes strategies to: Reduce waste going to landfills. Work toward the state's goal to recycle 75 percent of waste by 2030.​ Provide waste reduction and recycling programs to meet state requirements."

For more details or to view the full plan as approved on September 23, visit the Solid Waste Management Plan page.