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:
- 8.5” x 11” – Apply to clean containers or post on walls above containers at eye-level.
- 5” x 14” – Apply to containers, especially good for tall bins.
- 11” x 5.5” – Apply to containers and lid flaps, small deskside/desktop bins, and other smaller bins.
- 3” x 3” – Apply to containers and lid flaps.
Electronics and Fluorescent Bulb Collections
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.
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.
Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program
Businesses are required to properly dispose of hazardous waste such as batteries, solvents, paint, used oil and fuels. For businesses that produce small amounts of hazardous waste--less than 220 lbs. or about 22 gallons per month--Dakota County offers the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program. More than 90 percent of businesses qualify as VSQG.
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.
For a program application, current disposal costs, information on accepted waste or preparation requirements:
- Contact Laura Villa at 952-891-7548 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Visit www.dakotacounty.us and search VSQG