Mandatory recycling is being expanded Thursday in Minneapolis to cover all businesses, workplaces and even houses of worship. The ordinance extends what already is required for all residential property. “Wherever you live, work, learn, worship, play or do business in Minneapolis, you will be able to recycle,” Mayor R.T. Rybak said in a statement. “This ordinance gives recycling the normal, routine status it deserves. Now it’s up to all of us to do our part to recycle.” The ordinance requires:

• Regular recycling collection (at least twice a month) for all recyclable materials generated on-site. That includes paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles and jars.
• Placement of recycling containers.
• Distribution or posting of written recycling information and instructions to tenants and/or employees.
• Creation of a written recycling plan.

Failure to follow the ordinance will draw a written warning notifying offenders that they have 10 days to comply. Further violations will lead to fines. However, the city is not out to get violators right away. “We are taking our time with enforcement,” said Council Member Cam Gordon, vice chair of the council’s Regulatory, Energy and Environment Committee and chief sponsor of the ordinance. “We want to help people who aren’t [recycling]. … It’s not our intention to say, ‘Look out, we’re coming to get you.’” Gordon said the city took pains to notify ahead of time the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Minneapolis School District and the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches about the new ordinance. Property owners can find a guide to setting up a new recycling system at rethinkrecycling.com/business. Hennepin County also provides technical assistance and education resources at hennepin.us/businesswaste. The complete ordinance is online at minneapolismn.gov/government/laws.asp. Property owners with questions can call the city at 311 or (612) 673-3000. Source: Minneapolis StarTribune By Paul Walsh , Minneapolis StarTribune