Hennepin County wants to dig through your trash

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Hennepin County is conducting a new study that digs into residents’ garbage to learn more about what they are throwing away and where they'e missing opportunities to recycle. The study is the first step toward achieving the county’s goal of recycling 75 percent of waste by 2030.

Crews will examine trash from a cross-section of Minneapolis residents and sort it into new categories for recyclable and non-recyclable materials. The study is designed to give the county a better idea of what materials could be recycled currently, but are not. 

In 2015, 46 percent of all waste generated in Hennepin County was diverted to recycling or organics recycling. Officials are hoping to increase that number to 75 percent in the next 14 years.

Officials say the study will pinpoint what changes need to be made to recycling behavior and waste management methods to meet Hennepin County's goal.