THE LOOP: a zero-waste innovation hub for hennepin county
What’s next?
Zero Burn Coalition is partnering with zero waste experts, urban planners, and community members to envision what comes after the HERC trash burner closes. Drawing inspiration from around the globe, we propose a zero waste innovation hub in North Loop—a place to recycle, repair, congregate, and build systems toward zero waste.
In 2023, Hennepin County committed to achieving zero waste by 2040. We seek to support the county and local municipalities in achieving this goal.
Waste Sorting
Composting
Repair + Maker Space
Reuse Flea Market
Community Center
Recycled Carpentry Materials
Model projects
Monterey, CA
ReGen Monterey is a public agency operating a 475-acre zero-waste campus. The site handles recycling, composting, household hazardous waste and more.
kerala, india
Kerala’s decentralized waste management system reduces dependency on large processing facilities, particularly for biodegradable waste.
Amsterdam, NL
Amsterdam seeks to create a circular economy where virtually all waste is eliminated, recycled, or reused. Its innovation district, “Buiksloterham,” is part of this vision.
Zero waste in every community
The North Loop resource recovery hub is designed to meet the specific needs of the neighborhood. But in order for Hennepin County to reach its goal of 90% waste diversion by 2040, every community must become a zero-waste community. We propose adapted “Loops” throughout the county to meet each area’s specific needs.
Paired with small collection sites integrated into neighborhoods, we believe that these sites will help Hennepin County reach its zero-waste goals and fundamentally change how residents interact with waste.