Beyond Zero Waste: Envisioning a Circular Future for the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities have some of the most ambitious waste goals & policies in the country:
Minneapolis first adopted a Zero Waste Plan in 2017
Hennepin County wants to divert 90% of what's thrown into landfills and incinerators
In 2024, Minnesota became the 5th state in the country to pass legislation making companies responsible for managing the end-of-life of the packaging they produce
These goals and policies are so important, guiding strategy and funding and action for local governments. But they don't always do a great job of painting a picture for folks who aren't involved in this work on a daily basis.
What does a zero waste future look like? What if we set our sights on something more?
Join us for an engaging and hopeful conversation about a circular future for the Twin Cities. You'll hear from local leaders active in waste reduction, recycling, reuse, solid waste policy, and coalition building. We'll discuss the successes and challenges we've seen in current efforts toward achieving the Cities' zero waste goals. We'll also share our ideas and visions for a future in which the Twin Cities does not just achieve its zero waste goals, but also cultivates a circular economy with broad and deep community benefits.
We'd love for you to join us.
Here's what the evening looks like
4:00pm — Doors open
4:30pm — Welcome, who's in the room, + 15-minute primer on waste management and circularity in the Twin Cities
4:45pm — Panel Discussion
Lucy Mullaney of Eureka Recycling
Leslie Myint of MN EJ Table
Mac Sellars of r.World
Trista Martinson of Ramsey Washington Recycling & Energy
Kirk Koudelka of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Hannah Jenkins of North Star Sustainability — our host!
5:45pm — Audience Q&A
6:00pm — Happy hour next door at Lake Monster!
This event belongs to the community. Our planet belongs to the community. If you're reading this, you're a part owner of it.
Event Q&A
How much knowledge should I have about waste an circularity in the Twin Cities? This event is designed specifically for a general audience!
Who Is welcome to attend? Building a future where all can thrive truly takes all of us, and as such, not only are all humans of all types welcome, you're sincerely invited and encouraged to attend. No matter your background, experience, age, education, income, or where you are on your climate journey, you are invited, and we would genuinely love to have you.
How can I support this work? Join us, or send this to a friend who might be interested!
Who are the hosts? What is TC3 (Twin Cities Climate Collaborative)? TC3 is a grassroots org seeking to celebrate, educate, and connect about all the incredible humans, resources, and organizations building an equitable sustainable future in Minneapolis. Learn more about our work here.