Requirements to Recycle Food Waste

As of January 1, 2020, businesses that generate large quantities of food waste are required to recycle food waste. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on-site inspections were delayed. Hennepin County staff began conducting on-site inspections in June 2022. Certain businesses (including restaurants, food shelves, caterers and commercial kitchens) that generate one ton of trash per week OR contract for eight cubic yards or more of trash per week must have food waste recycling in place.

• View the how to comply guide (PDF) for more information.
• Complete the optional self-reporting form (DOCX) to confirm your business is compliant.
• Anonymously submit a complaint about a business not following the requirements.

​To be compliant with the requirements, businesses must have food waste recycling service in place, provide food waste collection containers back-of-house and properly label them, separate food waste from trash in back-of-house operations (not required in front-of-house operations), and provide education and train employees annually. Learn more here ...