To better understand the dos and don’ts of Minnesota recycling etiquette, Sheletta Brundidge, community activist and host of the “The Sheletta Show” podcast on WCCO Radio, spoke to Beth Carreno, an Environmental Health Program Supervisor for Outreach and Engagement for Ramsey County.
Carreno addressed a common misconception – the belief that all recyclables end up in landfills regardless of effort. While Minnesotans are enthusiastic about recycling, she explained that many unknowingly engage in “wish cycling”— the act of placing non-recyclable items in recycling bins, hoping they will be processed.
“We call it wish cycling – it’s that moment when you think, ‘I wish this could be recycled,’ and you toss it in,” said Carreno. “But if it’s not recyclable, it creates problems in the recycling process.”
The pair’s conversation took place on the heels of America Recycles Day (Nov. 15), an annual reminder of the importance of proper recycling to conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, and support local economies.
In homes across Minnesota, young people are emerging as champions of environmental sustainability, teaching their parents about the importance of proper recycling practices. This shift is driven by a combination of school programs and public awareness campaigns, ensuring the state remains a national leader in recycling.
Brundidge shared her own humorous and eye-opening moment when her children corrected her recycling habits. “I put some plastic plates and store bags in the recycling bin, and my kids nearly disowned me,” she joked.
Her kids, equipped with knowledge from school and online resources, insisted that these items belonged in regular trash—not the recycling bin. This interaction highlights an issue familiar to many families: the challenge of recycling correctly.
Carreno emphasized that Minnesota’s recycling system is both efficient and impactful. “Minnesota manages waste differently from other states. Nearly 75% of the materials collected for recycling are processed within the state to create new products, contributing to jobs and the economy,” Carreno explained.
The recycling industry supports approximately 78,000 jobs in Minnesota and generates nearly $23.9 billion annually, according to Carreno.
Public awareness campaigns in the Twin Cities aim to dispel recycling myths, drawing attention to the tangible benefits of recycling. Resources like RamseyRecycles.com and RecyclingExists.com provide comprehensive recycling guidelines for residents. The websites also offer creative ways to learn about recycling.
To ensure recycling is effective, Carreno’s sorting tips to recyclers include keeping recyclables loose versus bagging them in plastic, which clogs recycling machinery, checking plastics carefully as only those labeled #1, #2 or #5 are recyclable in Minnesota, rinsing containers before tossing them into recycling so residue doesn’t contaminate other recyclables, breaking down cardboard boxes to save space and ensure processing efficiencies, and leaving lids intact on glass and plastic bottles.
“When we recycle, we keep items out of our landfills, save energy, and sustain jobs,” Carreno said. “In Minnesota, recycled materials from the metro alone equal the weight of four large cruise ships every year, demonstrating the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Minnesota’s recycling movement is the leadership shown by young people. Both Brundidge and Carreno agreed that kids will lead the way, sharing that children are often the ones holding their families accountable for proper recycling practices.
“Their passion makes a difference,” said Carreno. “They are the ones checking bins, making sure things are sorted correctly, and ensuring we all do our part.”
As families across the state honored America Recycles Day, making a collective effort for a sustainable future, Carreno and Brundidge’s message was clear – recycling works when everyone plays their part.
By following the guidance of young leaders and trusted resources, Minnesotans can continue to set an example for the nation. To listen to Brundidge and Carreno’s full discussion, visit audacy.com.
Featured image courtesy of Nareeta Martin on Unsplash