Becoming an ARROW member is easy and free. Click the button below to download this application.

Simply complete the top portion of the application and mail or fax to Dakota Valley Recycling:

Dakota Valley Recycling
Attn: Jackson Becker
13713 Frontier Court
Burnsville, MN 55337

The ARROW Newsletter is an annual publication for businesses in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan and Lakeville who are interested in recycling, waste reduction, proper disposal and sustainability issues. This newsletter is sent out to all ARROW members and serves as a primary way for members to learn about upcoming events, programs or grants for businesses and organizations with green policies. For more information about the ARROW program, visit our ARROW program guide and application. 

Click the date to read archived newsletters 

• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008

The ARROW program is a free, voluntary recognition program for businesses, schools, and other organizations in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, and Lakeville. The program recognizes businesses that have made efforts in reducing, reusing, recycling, and other environmentally responsible choices. 

How to Apply

Step 1. Application

  Fill out and return application via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by the mailing address listed below.

Attn: Jackson Becker
13713 Frontier Ct. 
Burnsville MN, 55337

Step 2. Receive Conformation Packet and Free Advertising 

Once approved, your business will receive a welcome letter in the mail along with a certificate and window cling. In addition, ARROW members will be recognized annually in the local newspaper and on the Dakota Valley Recycling webpage under Business Recycling. The ARROW program recognizes environmentally preferred practices and therefore will not send any junk mail to participating businesses. All ARROW members will receive just one newsletter per year with useful resources such as grant opportunities, resources to improve recycling, and other similar topics. 

Is my business right for the ARROW program? 

If any of the following describe your business practices, then the ARROW program is for you.

Recycling
Your business has an advanced recycling program in place, by recycling more than 3 materials and/or recycling organic materials. 

Buying Recycled
Your business buys materials or supplies with recycled content.

Selling Recycled
Your business sells products or merchandise containing recycled materials or content.

Reducing
Your business has implemented practices that reduce resource consumption including reducing paper use, packing materials, and reducing water and/or energy consumption.

Reusing
Your business sells secondhand goods, reuses manufacturing byproducts, reuses shipping pallets and other supply elements, or procures furniture and office supplies from reuse programs like Minnesota Materials Exchange.

What businesses are currently participating?  

Since 2002, over 150 local businesses, schools, and organizations have joined the ARROW program. See the directory of current members here. 

Current ARROW members: Did you know you can request digital files of the ARROW logo for your website or print material? Email our ARROW coordinator, Jackson Becker to receive your free digital files. Questions about the program? Call 952-895-4559

In the Twin Cities metropolitan area, we are lucky to have a wide variety of resources for businesses interested in reducing their environmental impact. Dakota Valley Recycling is happy to be of assistance to ARROW members in any of the following opportunities. 

 Resources from Xcel Energy:

• Online energy assessment [link]
• On-site energy assessment [info sheet][application]
• Energy conservation study [info sheet][application]
• Request a copy of the Small Business Guide to Energy Savings [link]
• Learn about equipment efficiency rebates [link]
• Learn about reduced electricity rates for off-peak programs [link]

 Resources from Dakota Electric Association:

• Energy audit and analysis programs [link]
• Rebates, grants and loans for businesses [link], including lighting rebates [info][application] and VendingMiser rebates [info][application]
• Reduced electricity rates for off-peak programs [link]

 Resources from CenterPoint Energy:

• Rebates for equipment upgrades [link], including
• Boiler rebates [info][application]
• Heating system rebates [info][application]
• Foodservice equipment rebates [info][application]
• Water heater rebates [info][application]
• Compare energy savings through SaveOnEnergy [link]

 Resources from the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP):

• Start a green team with MnTAP facilitation [link]
• Reuse materials with Minnesota Materials Exchange [info][link]
• Read tips to “go green” [link]

 Resources from Center for Energy and Environment:

• Lighting rebates for small businesses [link]
• Technical services available for rental property owners [link]

 Resources from Minnesota Waste Wise:

• Conduct a waste stream analysis (waste sort) [link]
• Read Waste Wise Success Stories [link]

 Resources from Metro Clean Energy Resource Team:

• Light Bulbs: Which is right for you? [info][link]
• Buy pre-rinse spray valves and faucet aerators at bulk prices [link]

 Resources from Dakota County:

• Dispose small amounts of hazardous waste [link]
• Search for disposal options by material type [link]

The goal of energy efficiency is to reduce the amount of energy required for products and services. Energy efficiency offers a powerful and cost-effective tool for achieving a sustainable energy future. According to the International Energy Agency, improved energy efficiency in buildings, industrial processes and transportation starting now, could reduce the world's energy needs in 2050 by one third, and help control global emissions of greenhouse gases.

Why should we be energy efficient?

• Environmental Benefits: 
  Energy efficiency is seen as a key solution to the problem of reducing emissions and local air pollution. By reducing the amount of energy we consume we are also reducing the amount of oil that must be transported around the world.   
• Financial Benefits: 
  Reducing energy use results in a financial cost savings.  Improvements in energy efficiency can reduce the need for investment in energy infrastructure. Energy efficiency programs provide customers with home improvements that enhance home comfort and increase property values.
• Energy Security: 
  Political instability of several energy producing countries, the manipulation of energy supplies, and competition over energy sources has led to significant vulnerabilities. Energy efficiency decreases the reliance on imported fossil fuels and protects the economy from possible price fluctuations. 

Everything you need to know about recycling in the work place.

ARROW Program

Green Business

Hazardous Waste

Garbage and Recycling

Tips for Reducing Paper Use

• Always try to use both sides of a sheet of paper. 
• Reuse paper that's already printed on one side by manually feeding it into copiers and printers.
• Email can be used to share documents and ideas; only print the emails that you need a hard copy of.
• Use two-way or send-and-return envelopes. Your outgoing envelope gets reused for its return trip. 
• Use reusable inter- and intra-office envelopes.
• Reuse old paper for notepads. It can be cut to custom sizes and bound with a staple, or a printing business can bind them into actual pads. 

Purchasing Green for Your Office:

Here are some purchasing ideas to help make the workplace more environmentally friendly.

• Refurbish and buy refurbished office equipment.
• Reuse and refill toner cartridges and ribbons.
• Purchase nontoxic, biodegradable cleaners that contain low- or non-volatile organic compounds.
• Buy concentrates.
• Buy in bulk.
• Buy products that are reusable, returnable or refillable.
• Buy office products that contain post-consumer recycled material.
• Use flexible interior features, such as movable walls, to reduce waste associated with renovation.
• Choose durable materials and furnishing to reduce the costs and waste associated with replacement.

Take advantage of business programs

1. Dakota County Business Grant Program

• Receive up to $10,000 to reduce waste, start or improve recycling, and/or start organics recovery
• Get free bin labels 

2. Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program

• Get rid of smaller amounts of hazardous waste such as solvents, paints, used oil and fuel at The Recycling Zone

The following businesses, schools and organizations are recognized by ARROW for their sustainable actions. Each ARROW member has something unique to offer according to their mission, services, and location. We're thankful for all of the members who have volunteered to join us in improving how we reduce, reuse, & recycle.

Apple Valley

Burnsville

Eagan

 Lakeville

The commercial sector generates more than half of the total waste in Dakota County, and nearly two-thirds of that waste is recyclable. A strong recycling program conserves natural resources, can help your bottom line, and demonstrates your organization's commitment to sustainability. 

Recycling Program Assistance

Recycling is now required by law for many businesses, including housing retail, restaurants, educations and professional services, health care services or any other business with a North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code between 42 and 81 and contracting disposal for at least four cubic yards of solid waste per week. To help businesses start or improve recycling programs, Dakota County is offering funding and technical assistance to businesses including non-profit organizations and multi-unit dwellings, who are looking to start or improve recycling programs. 

Funding Assistance

Dakota County provides funding to reduce waste, start or improve recycling, and start organics recovery. Business, organizations and mutli-unit dwelling located in the County and subject to the commercial recycling requirement are eligible for funding up to $10,000 per location. No match is required.

To see if your business or organization is eligible for funding assistance, complete this short questionnaire.

For more information, see Dakota County's Business Recycling Incentive Program Guidelines (pdf).

Technical Assistance

Research shows that many businesses lack the time, knowledge, and money to set up recycling and organics recycling programs. If you are one those businesses, Dakota County makes it easy for you.

Dakota County has solid waste and recycling consultants that help businesses start or improve their recycling programs, which can help your business save money.

Contact Renee Burman, Business Recycling Program Coordinator, to schedule a site visit by our expert consultants.

Free Bin Labels

Signage for recycling, organics, and trash containers is essential for a successful program. Dakota County has a wide variety of container labels available for businesses to order for free. The labels are durable, self-adhesive, and available in the following sizes:

For Businesses - Very Small Quantity Generator Program

Businesses are required to properly dispose of hazardous waste such as batteries, solvents, paint, used oil and fuels. The Recycling Zone accepts waste from businesses that produce small amounts of hazardous waste--less than 220 lbs. or about 22 gallons per month--as a part of Dakota County's Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program. More than 90 percent of businesses qualify as VSQG. Businesses with any amount of electronics, fluorescent lamps and batteries may qualify regardless of limitations. Fluorescent bulbs and electronics contain hazardous components, making it illegal to throw them in the trash. Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and electronics contain toxic materials such as lead, PCBs, mercury and cadmium.

Apply to the VSQG Program
Businesses must complete and submit a VSQG program application to Dakota County. Once the completed application is received, they will set up an appointment for you to drop off your waste at The Recycling Zone. Waste is not accepted without an appointment. To review prices associated with items accepted for drop-off and a more detailed list, visit Dakota County's Very Small Quantity Generator program page.

Accepted materials

• Hazardous Waste
• Electronics
• Batteries
• Lamps and ballasts (Xcel Energy customers can bring an Xcel Energy utility statement and receive free disposal of up to 10 fluorescent lamps once per year.)
• Recyclables accepted for free during all business hours:
  • Cardboard
  • Cartons - milk, juice, soup, broth, wine
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Metal - cans, scrap, aluminum foil (clean)
  • Paper - newspapers, office papers, magazines, phone books
  • Plastic bottles and containers numbered 1, 2, or 5.

Items not accepted

• Appliances
• Microwaves
• Yard waste
• Trash
• Medical equipment
• Free-standing copiers
• Business sharps
• Controlled substances

Transportation Guidelines
Dakota County reserves the right to refuse waste that is not transported in accordance with state requirements.

• Use containers that are closed, labeled, and in good condition (without rust or leakage) and can be left at The Recycling Zone.
• Transport lamps in original cartons or similar containers to prevent breakage. Do not tape lamps or bulbs together.
• Tape both ends of batteries or put each battery in individual packaging to prevent short-circuiting.
• Keep a completed shipping paper with any waste that is not being transported under a Materials of Trade (MOT) exemption. Dakota County can provide this for you.

Payment
Cash, check or Visa/MasterCard payment is due at the time of delivery. Make checks payable to Dakota County Property Taxation & Records. Businesses receive a tracking receipt upon payment.

For a program application, current disposal costs, detailed information on accepted waste or preparation requirements:

• Contact Dakota County Environmental Resources at 952-891-7557 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Visit www.dakotacounty.us and search VSQG

Electronics and spent fluorescent bulbs from businesses are collected for a fee at The Recycling Zone on the second Tuesday of every month from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

The Recycling Zone
3365 Dodd Road (South Highway 149)
Eagan, MN 55121
651-905-4520

Fluorescent bulbs and electronics contain hazardous components. Therefore, it is illegal to throw them in the trash. Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and electronics contain toxic materials such as lead, PCBs, mercury and cadmium.

Current disposal and recycling costs (prices subject to change)

• Four foot and shorter straight fluorescent bulbs—$0.25 each
• Five foot and longer straight fluorescent bulbs—$0.45 each
• Compact fluorescent bulbs—$0.40 each
• Shatter-shielded fluorescent bulbs—$1.15 each
• U-shaped and circular fluorescent bulbs—$0.45 each
• HID and low-pressure sodium bulbs—$0.90 each
• Broken bulbs (packaged in sealed containers)—$1.00 each or $1.00 per pound
• Ballasts—$0.70 per pound
• Mercury devices (thermostats, switches, thermometers, relays, manometers, barometers, thermocouples, gauges, etc.)—$2.90 per pound
• Electronics—$0.35 per pound
• Cell phones—free

Transporting fluorescent bulbs

• Count each type of bulb and bring the count with you.
• Transport bulbs in original cartons or similar containers to prevent breakage. Broken bulbs are considerably more expensive to recycle.
• Don’t tape bulbs together.

Payment
Cash, check or Visa/MasterCard payment is due at the time of delivery. Make checks payable to Dakota County Property Taxation & Records. Businesses receive a tracking receipt upon payment.

Free disposal for Xcel customers
One visit per year, you can bring in your Xcel utility statement and receive free disposal of up to 10 fluorescent bulbs.

For more information, call the Dakota County Environmental Management Department at 952-891-7557.

For information on all Dakota County business programs, please see Dakota County Programs.

Worldwide, there are over 300 environmental certification and eco-labeling programs.  It is challenging to decide what certification to use. 

The following are examples of commonly used certifications to look for:

For a full list, visit the EPA Greener Products Recommendation Guide. 

 Links for more information about Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP).

U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) - General information about EPP/Green purchasing

EPEAT - Information about "green" electronics

Fair Trade USA- "Enables sustainable development and community empowerment by cultivating a more equitable global trade model that benefits farmers, workers, consumers, industry and the earth."

Forest Stewardship Council- Encourages the responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC sets high standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable way.

Green Seal- A non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services.

EcoWise - A certification program that distinguishes knowledgeable, leading-edge licensed pest management professionals who practice prevention-based pest control.

Terra Choice Greenwashing Report 2010 - A consulting firm that publishes reports on "greenwashing", false and misleading environmental claims, to help consumers distinguish fact from fiction.

Most businesses in Dakota County generate hazardous waste including items like light bulbs, batteries, paint and more. All generators of hazardous waste, including home-based businesses, must be licensed by Dakota County. For information about the Dakota County Ordinance No. 111--Hazardous Waste Regulation, as well as hazardous waste generator licensing and disposal resources, visit www.co.dakotacounty.mn.us and search ordinances. 

Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program

For businesses that produce less than 220 pounds or about 22 gallons per month, Dakota County offers the Very Small Quantity Generator program. More than 90% of businesses qualify as a VSQG. To apply, visit the Dakota County VSQG site and submit an application online. 

Other disposal resources

The Hennepin County hazardous waste disposal fact sheet lists business in the Twin Cities that help businesses dispose of hazardous waste. 

Other Dakota County programs

Dakota County offers recycling grants of up to $10,000 for businesses looking to start or improve recycling, and/or start organics recovery. To see if your business is eligible, visit our Dakota County Program Guideand fill out the short online questionnaire.

Each city licenses a variety of haulers to collect garbage and recycling for businesses and commercial properties. The city does not actually pick up any of the trash and recyclables. Businesses, organizations and commercial properties can choose from any of these licensed haulers for garbage and recycling service in their respective city. Some licensed haulers also offer ongoing organics recycling services. Call a licensed hauler to see if this service is available to you. 

If you live in a multi-family home setting, your choice of hauler is part of the licensed commercial haulers.  The following are considered multi-family homes:

• Most apartments, townhomes or other homes in assocations, condominiums, fourplexes, etc.
• Homes that have dumpsters for garbage and recycling.
• Homes that have individual garbage and recycling bins, but are part of an association or complex.

Click on your city in the left column or below to view commercial haulers licensed in Apple Valley, Burnsville or Eagan.

Apple Valley Hauler Directory

Burnsville Hauler Directory

Eagan Hauler Directory

Lakeville Hauler Directory

Buying recycled-content paper provides the foundation for an environmentally sustainable paper production system.  The first paper mill in the U.S. colonies, built near Philadelphia in 1690, was a recycling mill which made paper by recycling cotton and linen rags.  Papermakers learned how to make paper from trees in the mid-1800s when forests & energy seemed unlimited, and air & water infinitely capable of cleansing and renewal.  Today, we recognize the limits of resource demand and the necessity for environmentally sustainable production systems. 

Why buy recycled-content paper:

• Performance - Recycled-content paper has excellent performance, meeting the same technical specifications as virgin papers.    Successfully runs on most copiers, office machines and printing presses.  High to moderate brightness levels and ranges from clean, bright whites to a wide palette of colors.
• Availability - Recycled-content paper is available in virtually every grade of paper.  Choices are even greater if you order recycled paper ahead of time.  It is either evenly priced with virgin paper or the price differentials are quite small.  Buying in larger quantities and planning ahead further reduces or eliminates price premiums on recycled paper.
• Environment - Saves trees, energy, water, and landfill space compared to virgin paper.  Protects forests, watersheds, and ecosystems and produces less pollution than virgin paper production.  Offers environmental savings many times over, since fibers can be recycled repeatedly.

1 ton (20 cases) of 100% recycled content paper, versus paper using virgin wood, saves:

• 17 trees
• 7000 gallons of water
• 4100 kWh of energy, enough to power an average home for 6 months
• 60 pounds of air pollution
• 2.5 cubic yards of landfill space

Other logos:

Also look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Chain-of-custody certificates.  This means the trees used to make the paper were harvested from a sustainable forest. 

If you are a business or institution that already recycles, great job! We have some tips to help make sure you are getting cost-effective trash and recycling service that fits your needs. If you don’t have recycling service, these tips can help you get started.   

KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR CONTRACT

Haulers rarely revisit their customers’ service levels after the initial set-up; it's up to you to make sure you’re still getting the best deal. Many businesses have been locked into their contracts so long that they’re no longer getting the best price or receiving a level of service that meets their needs. Moreover, contracts often include language that makes it difficult to switch haulers. 

Here are some phrases to watch out for: 

• Automatic roll-over
• Advance notice of discontinuation
• Formal notice of discontinuation
• Ability to increase rates without notice
• Ability to add surcharges for fuel and other inflationary items

These terms can keep you locked into a contract that charges more than the market rate and make it hard to switch to a service provider who will offer a better price. Contracts usually have only a small window of time where you can switch haulers without penalty. Get a copy of your waste contract and read it carefully! 

UNDERSTAND YOUR INVOICE

Make sure you understand your invoices. If something is unclear, ask your service provider to clarify it for you.  Invoices often make it hard to distinguish the relative costs of recycling and trash service. It can also be hard to tell what part of your bill is being charged state and county taxes. These are charged on trash ONLY; shifting from trash to recycling should save you money on these charges. Also pay attention to additional fees that may be added on top of your quoted rates; these may creep up over time without being noticed. Examples include items such as:

• Rental trash
• Rental recycling
• Container service fee
• Recyclable material offset
• Extra yardage fee
• Single sort processing fee
• Administrative fee
• Environmental fee
• Non-tax fee
• Fuel surcharge
• Fuel/Environmental/Recovery fee
• Commodity adjustment

RIGHT-SIZE YOUR CONTAINERS

If you don’t already have recycling service, do your part by adding it! Rates charged to customers for recycling service are usually less expensive than chose charged for trash, and your recyclables will not be taxed by the state or county. However, adding recycling to an existing trash-only service contract costs more money in total unless the trash service levels can be reduced.

Take steps to “right-size” your containers. You should evaluate whether you have extra space in your dumpsters or if they could be serviced less often. Once you have established a continuing contract with a hauler, the hauler has no incentive to evaluate your service frequency or size of your containers.

If you update your contract, make sure your hauler is collecting the maximum types of recyclable material. The majority of businesses recycle cardboard and office paper. With almost all haulers now offering single-sort recycling service, you could be recycling all kinds of materials! For example, most haulers now accept #1-7 plastics and cartons.

If you don’t have control over your waste contract, contact your property manager, building owner or corporate office and ask for recycling!

GO OUT FOR BIDS

Businesses that go out to bid, even through an informal process, tend to get lower rates and more services.

Visit our commercial haulers page for a list of commercial haulers in your community.

This information is adapted from the report “Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board: Commercial Cost and Billing Research” by Skumatz Economic Research Associates, Inc. http://www.swmcb.org/studies-reports/studies-and-policy-reports/business.

Do you use salt on your parking lots and driveways during the winter? You may be washing money and pollution down the storm drain. Salt is a useful tool to improve safety but it also ends up washing into our ponds, lakes and rivers where it can harm the plants and animals that live there. In fact, just one teaspoon of salt can pollute 5 gallons of water forever and contrary to popular belief, there is no treatment plant between your parking lot runoff and the nearest water body. The good news is that there is a way to reduce this source of pollution. Most people apply more salt than needed or apply salt when it won't be effective, so educating yourself on the proper amount and timing for salt application can save you money and help keep our waters clean. By applying these practices, the average business can reduce costs by 65%.