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# Mankato Area Zero Waste

Reducing waste in all forms

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/blog/)
- [Resources on Plastic](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2026/02/24/resources-on-plastic/) - Resources on Plastic
- [Less is Best -- Ways to Reduce Waste Event](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2024/04/10/less-is-best-ways-to-reduce-waste-event/) - It’s time to get excited about reducing waste! Here’s your opportunity to learn more about actions you can take to reduce your impact on the environment.
- [Articles and Video Interviews on Organic Recycling and Plastics](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2022/03/16/one-year-of-plastic-film-recycling/) - One Year of Plastic Film Recycling: KEYC & Free Press Articles Ae you cuious about how many pounds of plastic film were collected in the first year of the plastic film recycling program in Mankato, North Mankato and Lake Crystal? Here are two stories that tell about it. The first is a video clip from
- [Give & Take Exchange](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2025/03/30/give-take-exchange/) - Downsizing? Stocking up? This event provides and opportunity to do either at absolutely no cost!
- [Prom Dress Exchange](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2025/03/31/prom-dress-exchange/)
- [Chemical Recycling Fact Sheet](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2025/03/14/chemical-recycling-fact-sheet/)
- [Global Treaty Letter](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2024/08/16/global-treaty-letter/) - Global treaty letter 8.16.24Click this link for a version of the letter that can be edited. Global treaty letter 8.16.24
- [Volunteer Needed!](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2024/05/06/elementor-2146/) - If you would like to volunteer with Mankato Zero Waste, or join the steering committee, please contact:Jane Dow507-469-5537janedow47@gmail.comSue Hytjan507-340-0007suehytjan@gmail.comBetty Winkworth507-380-1008bjwink46@gmail.com
- [Skip the Stuff Program](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2024/03/08/skip-the-stuff-program/) - Information Talking Points Restaurant Poster
- [Letter to Coca-Cola President](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2024/03/08/letter-to-coca-cola-president/)
- [Past Recycle Rigid Styrofoam™ Event](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2023/02/27/past-recycle-hard-styrofoam-event/)
- [Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Fact Sheet](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2022/03/30/extended-producer-responsibility-epr-fact-sheet/) - EPR Fact Sheet Producer Responsibility - Reduce plastic and hold polluters accountable What is EPR for Packaging? It’s a program to hold producers responsible for the cost of managing packaging waste. At present, producers decide what to use for packaging and consumers must accept it and pay for it. EPR for Packaging puts costs
- [Sign a Resolution: Reduce the Use of Throwaway Plastics](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2022/04/04/sign-a-resolution-to-reduce-the-use-of-throwaway-plastics/) - The omnipresence of plastic is harming our health, our environment and the planet. Beyond Plastics Greater Minnesota Area has developed resolutions to be presented to the City Councils in Mankato, North Mankato and St. Peter. The number of signatures entered in support of these resolutions will have an impact on how successful they are. Please
- [How to get started](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/2016/09/17/how-to-get-started/) - HOW TO GET STARTED WITH ORGANICS RECYCLING IN THE VERY BEGINNING, TO TRY IT OUT: Sign up to become members and receive valuable information/updates. For Mankato members, call 311 or 507-387-8600 or sign up at mankatomn.gov under “City Services”, “Garbage & Recycling” and then “Organics Recycling”. For North Mankato residents, call April at City Hall

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/) - Mankato Area Zero Waste is a grassroots organization focused on reducing waste in all forms. Currently we partner with the Minnesota cities of Mankato, North Mankato, and Lake Crystal to provide drop-off sites at no extra charge for recycling organics from any area household into useable compost. We are also very concerned about the growth
- [Other Resources](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/other-resources/) - RESOURCE WEBSITES FOR RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING www.mankatozerowaste.com – local group with information on composting, recycling, plastics and city drop-off sites for organic recycling. www.blueearthcountymn.gov BEC Environmental Services has a Waste Wizard tool. Search for any material to find out where and how to recycle it. You can also change your search to another county. http://ilsr.org/initiatives/composting –
- [Governmental & Business Actions](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/legislative-actions/) - Click on any of the titles below for letters that can be downloaded and sent to state or federal legislators. There are also several petitions you can sign. To learn who represents you in the legislature, enter the pertinent information here: Representation Search Letters to Businesses: Hy-Vee and Cub FoodsTarget and WalmartCoca Cola Local Government:
- [MZW Events](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/eventsmzw/) - Give and Take (Get Flyer)Saturday, April 11, 202610 a.m.–1 p.m.Second Floor, VINE Community Center421 E Hickory Street, MankatoDrop off items: April 10, 4–7 p.m. Compost Giveaway (Get Flyer)Saturday, May 9, 20269 a.m.–NoonBEC Community Farm20612 Indian Lake Road, Mankato Styrofoam Recycling (Get Flyer)Saturday, May 30, 20269 a.m.–1 p.m.Kato Moving and Storage/Mayflower417 Poplar Street, Mankato Zero Waste
- [Plastic Pollution](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/plastic-pollution-2/) - From this page you can learn more about plastic pollution and advocacy from articles, videos and books.AdvocacyChemical Recycling Fact Sheet“Forever Chemicals” Called PFASHow to Eat Less Plastic (Video) Know Your Plastics – Guide to Plastics RecyclingPlastics Harmful Effects on Human HealthPlastic Pollution ResourcesReasons to Eliminate Single-Use Plastics“The Plastic Detox” (Netflix Documentary; Feb. 2026)How to Cut Plastics After
- [Plastic Pollution Resources](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/plastic-pollution-resources/) - A list of articles, books and videos about plastic pollution.Click on the link below for a list that can be downloaded. Plastic Pollution Resources
- [News](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/news-2/) - Articles, Podcasts and Video Interviews on Organic Recycling and Plastics What’s New in Plastics Research and Recycling • KMSU Podcast • March 14, 2024 What is the impact of plastic on our health? Plenty – and it’s NOT good news. Jane Dow and Betty Winkworth, co-chairs of Mankato Zero Waste, talk about the latest research in
- [Plastic Film Recycling: A New Option](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/plastic-film-recycling/) - What can we do about plastics? There are currently recycling bins like this for plastic bags and wraps near the entryways at most groceries and some department stores. These stores are collecting many forms of plastic (bags, wraps, mailers—enlarge the poster for more items) that do not go into our curbside recycling carts. In turn,
- [Contact Mankato Area Zero Waste](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/contact-mankato-area-zero-waste/) - Please contact us via email at mankatozerowaste@gmail.com
- [Personal Actions](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/actions-you-can-take-2-2/) - Personal Actions: Sign-up to use the organics recycling dumpsters on mankatozerowaste.com. You’ll receive info to get started. Tell restaurants and businesses “no thank you” to straws, plastic bags, utensils and other giveaways you don’t need. Stop using balloons and plastic/Styrofoam containers. Borrow, rent or share items like party decorations, tools, baby clothes, books. Repair products rather
- [Sustainable Alternatives](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/sustainable-alternatives/) - Alternatives to Plastics (PDF) Beyond Plastics Pocket Guide (PDF) Where to Find Sustainable Products (PDF)
- [Advocacy](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/advocacy/) - Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead Personal Actions Includes suggestions foractions you can take at home, website references to access, and tips on becoming plastic free. Click here Governmental Actions Includes local, statewide and national initiatives
- ["Forever Chemicals" Called PFAS...](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/pfas-info/) - “‘Forever Chemicals’ called PFAS show up in your Food, Clothes, and Home. These toxic chemicals are so common in consumer products and manufacturing that they’re practically everywhere–including inside our bodies.” This overview from NDRC.org gives you background, what you can do to avoid them and the direction needed to get them out of our lives.
- [Accepted and Non-Accepted Materials](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/accepted-materials/) - What is accepted? Food Scraps:Fruits & vegetablesMeat, fish & bonesBakery & dry goodsEggs & eggshellsDairy products Food-soiled & non-recyclable paper: Paper cups, plates, bowls (without plastic lining)Paper towelsKleenexNapkinsPizza boxes, cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towelsPaper egg cartonsCertified compostable plastic-lined plates, cups, bowls and containers (must be BPI certified)Parchment paper (BPI Certified only) Other
- [How to Get Started](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/how-to-get-started-2/) - IN THE VERY BEGINNING: Sign up to become members and receive valuable information/updates. For Mankato members, call 311 or 507-387-8600 or sign up on the bottom half of the “Organics Recycling” page. North Mankato residents, call City Hall at 507-625-4141. Lake Crystal residents sign up by calling City Hall at 507-726-2538. Next: Find an acceptable
- [Where to take Difficult to Recycle Items in the Mankato Area](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/other-resources/where-to-take-difficult-to-recycle-items/) - Not sure where to take items that are difficult to recycle? Follow the link below to review our popular handout showing where to recycle items such as Christmas lights, clothes, electrical cords and more! Downloadable/printable version of this document.
- [Letters to Target & Walmart](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/letters-to-businesses/) - Target: MS Word version which can be edited Target: Version that can be viewed/printed here Walmart: MS Word version which can be edited Walmart: Version that can be viewed/printed here
- [Letters to Hy-Vee & Cub](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/letter-grocery-stores/) - Hy-Vee: MS Word version which can be edited Hy-Vee: Version to view/print here Cub Foods: MS Word version which can be edited Cub Foods: Version to view/print here
- [Sign the Resolution: North Mankato's Resolution to Reduce Single-use Throwaway Plastic](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/sign-the-resolution-north-mankatos-resolution-to-reduce-single-use-throwaway-plastic/) - Beyond Plastics Greater Mankato AreaResolution to reduce single use throwaway plastics in North MankatoWhereas plastic never completely breaks down but breaks into smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles that remain in our environment indefinitely (approximately 9 billion tons in total);Whereas only 8% is recycled or recyclable;Whereas about 8 million tons of plastic waste escape into the
- [Sign the Resolution: Mankato City Council Resolution to Reduce Single-use Throwaway Plastic](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/sign-the-petition-mankato-city-council-resolution-to-reduce-single-use-throwaway-plastic/) - Beyond Plastics Greater Mankato AreaResolution to reduce single use throwaway plastics in MankatoWhereas plastic never completely breaks down but breaks into smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles that remain in our environment indefinitely (approximately 9 billion tons in total);Whereas only 8% is recycled or recyclable;Whereas about 8 million tons of plastic waste escape into the oceans
- [Sign the Resolution: City of St. Peter Resolution to Reduce Single-use Throwaway Plastics](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/sign-the-resolution-city-of-st-peter-resolution-to-reduce-single-use-throwaway-plastics/) - Beyond Plastics Greater Mankato AreaResolution to reduce single use throwaway plastics in St. PeterWhereas plastic never completely breaks down but breaks into smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles that remain in our environment indefinitely (approximately 9 billion tons in total);Whereas only 8% is recycled or recyclable;Whereas about 8 million tons of plastic waste escape into the
- [Plastics Harmful Effects on Human Health](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/plastics-harmful-effects-on-human-health/)
- [Know Your Plastics - Guide to Plastics Recycling](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/know-your-plastics-guide-to-plastics-recycling/)
- [Plastic Recycling Chart - Know Your Plastics](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/plastic-pollution-2/plastic-recycling-chart-know-your-plastics/)
- [Organics Recycling](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/organics-recycling/) - Click on the links for more information about a specific topic. Benefits of Composting Quick Info Sign Up How to Get Started FAQ Accepted and Non-Accepted materials Finding Compostable Products Online Video: Food Scraps to Compost Where to Find Local Compostable Products
- [Fact Sheet: EPR Resolution to Reduce Plastic Pollution](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/fact-sheet-epr-resolution-to-reduce-plastic-pollution/) - Producer Responsibility:Reduce plastic and hold polluters accountableWhat is EPR for Packaging?It’s a program to hold producers responsible for the cost of managing packaging waste. Producers decide what to use for packaging and consumers must accept it and pay for it. EPR for Packaging puts costs back on producers, so they make different choices. The goal
- [Opt-out preferences](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/opt-out-preferences/)
- [FAQ](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/how-does-this-work-faq/) - What happens to my scraps? They go to a commercial composting facility near the Twin Cities where they are mixed with leaves or wood chips, turned regularly and allowed to decompose over 4-6 months. The result is compost—a rich soil amendment for gardens, farms and landscaping. Do I have to live in town to use
- [Benefits of Composting](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/benefits-of-composting/) - Trash is less smelly and easier to manage.The volume and weight of the trash is less so homeowner can save by reducing the size of their garbage cart–and how much they pay for that cart each month.Because the garbage weight is less, the city, and we taxpayers, save on disposal fees.Composting food waste instead of putting it
- [How to Eat Less Plastic](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/how-to-eat-less-plastic/) - “Some researchers believe the average person consume about 5 grams of plastic per week. Consumer Reports offers six tips for reducing your exposure to microplastics.” 3:50 minute video
- [Finding compostable products online](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/other-resources/finding-compostable-products-online/) - LIST OF COMPANIES THAT SELL COMPOSTABLE PRODUCTS ONLINE greenpaperproducts.com/biodegradable-products – Has smaller quantities worldcentric.org – available in smaller and larger quantities earthchoicepackaging.com selfeco.com – based in Stillwater – unusual products litineco.com- smaller quantities available – great Minneapolis store ecoproductsstore.com – wide range of compostable products including compostable straws – can order in smaller
- [Where to Find Compostable Products Locally](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/other-resources/where-to-find-compostable-products/) - WHERE TO BUY COMPOSTABLE PRODUCTSCUB WEST has Wild Harvest compostable straws, compostable bags and Shopper’s Value compostable plates.CUB EAST has Shoppers Valu compostable plates, compostable straws and Wild Harvest or biobag compostable bags.TARGET has plates and Matter compostable trash bags, Ziploc and sandwich bags.ALDI has Boulder compostable bags.PARTY CITY has a special “ECO-PARTY” section with
- [Hate Waste While Eating Out?](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/hate-waste-while-eating-out/)
- [Business Opportunity for Young People](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/business-opportunity-for-young-people/) - Do you have a a child who’s a budding environmental activist and would like to earn some cash? Here’s an invitation from a young person who’s done just that.Please click on the link belowto see a video explaining the business and how to get involved. Green Growth 2020
- [Help from Mankato Area Zero Waste](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/help-from-mankato-area-zero-waste/) - One Great Action IdeaThese bins can be reserved for your event at no charge, and you can personalize the signs. Just contact us at mankatoaerowaste@gmail.com.When you are done, the food scraps and compostable items can go into an organics dumpster. What else can you do? Become a block leader. We
- [Sign Up](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/sign-up/) - Yes, you do need to sign up--we use sign-ups for our record-keeping and to let you know about any significant changes. The good news--you don't have to live in one of the three cities with organics dumpsters in order to sign up. USERS AGREE: • I will bring only acceptable items. (Find list at Accepted
- [Quick Info](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/quick-info/) - This brochure covers all of the basics for our free drop-off program.To print the brochure click on this link.
- [Fact Sheet: Break Free From Plastic Act](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/fact-sheet-break-free-from-plastic-act/)
- [Venue Dashboard](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/venue-dashboard-2/) - [venue_dashboard]
- [Submit Venue Form](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/submit-venue-form-2/) - [submit_venue_form]
- [Submit Organizer Form](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/submit-organizer-form-2/) - [submit_organizer_form]
- [Submit Venue Form](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/submit-venue-form/) - [submit_venue_form]
- [Submit Organizer Form](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/submit-organizer-form/) - [submit_organizer_form]
- [Reasons to Eliminate Single-use Plastics](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/reasons-to-eliminate-single-use-plastics/) - Enough reasons for you? Sign the Zero Waste Pledge. https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/pledge/
- [Zero Waste Pledge - Plastics & Styrofoam](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/pledge/)
- [Video: Food Scraps to Compost](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/video-full-circle-of-recycling-food/) - https://youtu.be/HLOji3huQjM

## Events

- [Test Event](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/event/test-event/)
- [Get to Know Your Sewing Machine](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/event/get-to-know-your-sewing-machine/) - Whether you are new to sewing or just need a refresher, this class is for you. Register for a 25-minute one-on-one session on this Google form: https://forms.gle/5Xaw8PRcWMNgfpQaA
- [Clothing Swap](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/event/clothing-swap/) - Mankato Area Zero Waste and Vagabond Village have teamed up for this free event! Bring lightly-used clothing that you no longer wear and exchange it for some wardrobe updates! This is part of the Zero Waste Day in the Park.
- [Zero Waste Day in the Park](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/event/zero-waste-day-in-the-park/) - Ready to learn more about a zero waste lifestyle? Join us for this fun event on September 14 from 12:00 – 3:00 at the Sibley Park Pavilion, 900 Mound Avenue in Mankato. Please see the poster for more information.
- [Give & Take Exchange](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/event/give-take-exchange/) - Downsizing? Stocking up? This event gives you an opportunity to do either at no cost! Please see the event poster for which items are accepted and which are not. « All Events
- [Prom Dress Exchange](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/event/prom-dress-exchange/) - A prom dress swap will be part of Mankato Area Zero Waste’s “Give & Take Exchange”. Drop off a dress you no longer need or pick up one for this year’s prom, all at no cost!

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [plastic film recycling](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/category/plastic-film-recycling/)
- [Plastic pollution](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/category/plastic-pollution/)

## Tags

- [plastic film recycling](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/plastic-film-recycling/)
- [Trex](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/trex/)
- [EPR](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/epr/)
- [extended producer responsibility](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/extended-producer-responsibility/)
- [zero waste; swap; free](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/zero-waste-swap-free/)
- [prom dresses; clothing exchange](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/prom-dresses-clothing-exchange/)
- [recycle clothing](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/recycle-clothing/)
- [zero waste](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/zero-waste/)
- [clothing swap](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/clothing-swap/)
- [sewing](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/sewing/)
- [sewing machine](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/tag/sewing-machine/)

## Event Categories

- [recycle electronic](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/events/category/recycle-electronic/)
- [recycle clothing](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/events/category/recycle-clothing/)
- [swap clothing](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/events/category/swap-clothing/)
- [repair clothing](https://www.mankatozerowaste.com/events/category/repair-clothing/)