Waste Wise
SCHEDULE A SITE VISIT
A site visit is a quick and easy way to identify projects that help your organization reduce waste and save money.
Waste Wise services are free for all Minnesota Chamber members and businesses in Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. A small fee may apply for others.
About Waste Wise
WASTE WISE SAVES MONEY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Waste Wise experts have secured more than a million dollars in grants for Minnesota businesses that reduce, reuse, and recycle. We’re here to help you get started.
SITE VISIT CONSULTATIONS
We’ll do a walkthrough of your space and help
you identify new ways to recycle, maximize reuse,
and explore new waste reduction options.
WASTE BILL ANALYSIS
We’ll review your organization’s waste bills and a
Waste Wise sustainability specialist will help you
right-size services to make them as efficient and
affordable as possible.
GRANTS AND FUNDING ASSISTANCE
We can connect you with local grants that make
waste reduction and recycling improvements
more affordable and accessible.
EMPLOYEE TRAINING
To ensure new or expanded recycling programs
are successful, we can conduct in-person or
virtual employee trainings that help your whole
team recycle right.
WASTE SORTS
Our team of sustainability experts will help you
sort, separate, and weigh a sample of your waste
to identify and quantify material that can be
removed from the waste stream through waste
reduction, reuse, or recycling.
Related resources
BECOME A PRO AT PLASTICS
Check out MNimize, a Waste Wise program that helps food establishments cut down on single-use plastics.
Waste Wise FAQs
Is the Waste Wise program free?
Yes! Thanks to existing contracts Waste Wise’s consultation services are completely free for businesses and nonprofits located in Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties or for members of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
Who qualifies for Waste Wise services?
Any businesses and nonprofits located in Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties, and/or members of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce are eligible for free Waste Wise services.
Are there any costs involved after the consultation?
No, consultations are vendor neutral and pressure free. The recommendations made by your Sustainability Specialist are 100 percent optional, although most will qualify for grant funding.
What happens after I reach out?
After submitting a consultation request form, a Sustainability Specialist will contact you within two business days to schedule an on-site consultation.
What happens during a Waste Wise consultation?
- Review your goals and priorities for waste reduction.
- Walk through your facility to identify waste reduction, recycling and organics recycling opportunities.
- Review your waste and recycling bills.
- Share information about available grants.
How can Waste Wise help my business save money?
Waste reduction could lower your overall disposal costs by reducing the size or frequency of your waste service. You may be able to save on taxes associated with waste hauling.
Improved recycling and education can decrease contamination fees.
What types of waste reduction or recycling projects does Waste Wise support?
The project depends on the business type but often includes:
- Adding color-coded, labeled recycling and organics bins
- Setting up containers for specialty materials for reuse or recycling
- Improving waste management systems, compactors or balers
- Switching to reusable food service ware
- Installing dishwashers and bottle refill stations
- Identifying outlets for unique waste streams
Can Waste Wise help us start organics recycling?
Yes, your Sustainability Specialist can help you set up an organics recycling system, provide employee training, and determine whether grant funding is available to support the project.
Does Waste Wise provide labels, bins, or other equipment?
Yes, many businesses qualify for grant funding to cover bins, labels and equipment that make recycling and organics collection easier and more effective. Get in touch with Waste Wise to determine your eligibility.
Will Waste Wise help me apply for grant funding?
Yes, if your organization is in Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington County, and/or is a member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, your Sustainability Specialist will complete most of the grant paperwork. Your prompt signatures and responses will keep things moving quickly.
Is there staff training available?
Yes, your Sustainability Specialist can provide training to make sure everyone understands what goes in each bin. Trainings are customized to your business’s specific setup and can include an interactive sorting activity and best practices for reducing contamination.
Any and all proceeds directed by Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation are restricted to the sole and intended purpose of managing and implementing Waste Wise and Energy Smart, two programs of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.