On December 2nd, Eureka Recycling joined coalition partners and community members for the MN Zero Waste Coalition’s end-of-year celebration at the Wilder Foundation. The atmosphere was electric – filled with laughter, the smell of delicious food, and the buzzing of sewing machines.
Zero waste encompasses many things, including fun! Whether attendees were getting their clothes fixed by talented menders, exploring the clothing swap to find something new, or having the MN Zero Waste Coalition’s logo screen printed on their shirts and bags, the event was a wonderful mix of action, creativity, and community.
After a warm welcome by zero waste champion, Representative Athena Hollins (66B), the MN Zero Waste Coalition shared our 2025 legislative priorities, which includes:
- Expanded Electronics Collections & Recycling: legislation will ensure all residents have access to free recycling for all electronics by expanding the definition of electronics, requiring producers to pay for collection, and expanding drop-off sites across the state. (Lead coalition partner: RECA (Recycling Electronics for Climate Action)
- Plastic Bag Preemption: Minnesota law prevents cities from banning retail plastic bags. This legislation will remove the state’s preemption of local laws – restoring local control. (Lead coalition partner: Clean Water Action)
- Ban on State Purchasing of Single-Use Plastic: Legislation that would ban the purchasing of all single-use plastic water bottles and food service ware by Minnesota state agencies. (Lead coalition partner: Eureka Recycling)
- Ban on Hotel Single-Use Guest Products: Legislation that would phase out the use of single-use personal care products in hotels and health clubs. (Lead coalition partner: Eureka Recycling)
- Bottle Deposit Program: Legislation that would require producers to place a 10 cent deposit on all beverage containers that consumers could redeem when they recycle or return the container for reuse. (Lead coalition partner: Eureka Recycling)
- Phthalates in Packaged Food Act: Legislation that would require brand owners to test their packaged food for Phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals in lots of plastic packaging that can cause health issues when they leach into the food we consume. (Lead coalition partner: Coalition for Plastic Reduction)
- Organics Diversion & Food Waste Prevention: discussed stopping methane at the source by stopping food waste from making it to landfills and incinerators, while investing in programs that reduce food waste, address food insecurity, and support community composting. (Lead coalition partner: Minnesota Environmental Justice Table)
- Local Ordinance Opportunities: Exploring opportunities with recent local commitments to zero waste and climate action plans.
Following the policy presentations, attendees participated in smaller group discussions for a deeper dive into each issue. People shared their thoughts and feedback on the proposed bills; and brainstormed additional ideas and perspectives that could strengthen them.
The celebration was a reminder of both the progress we’ve made and the work ahead to create a sustainable, zero waste future.
Thanks to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to this exciting event! Let’s keep the momentum going — join us for Zero Waste Lobby Day on January 17th to build support at the Capitol for these zero waste solutions!
Organizations that tabled included:
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Zero Waste Event in Mankato Draws 300+ Attendees
In September, we joined our Mankato partners for a celebration of waste reduction efforts. The Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition, Mankato