The Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market (NEFM) strives to be a Zero Waste market. Zero Waste means materials are reused, recycled, or composted—resulting in little to no waste sent to landfills or incinerators.

The market asks vendors and visitors to do their part to support this goal. NEFM prohibits the use of Styrofoam and encourages everyone to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost.

Zero Waste Highlights

• In 2019, we composted 3,100 pounds, recycled 590 pounds, and sent just 340 pounds to the landfill.

• We partner with a Master Recycler/Composter to provide outreach and education at the market.

• All market events are promoted as successfully run zero waste events.

How the Program Works

• Waste stations are located throughout the market, each with three bins: Recycling, Compost/Organics, and a small Trash bin.

• Large banners at each station clearly explain what belongs in each bin.

• All on-site staff are trained in recycling and composting practices and are available throughout market days to monitor bins, greatly reducing contamination.

Where Does the Waste Go?

• Recycling is transported to a Materials Recovery Facility, where items are sorted, baled, and shipped for reprocessing into new products.

• Compost/Organics are taken to an industrial composting facility, where materials break down into nutrient-rich soil.