Helpful Business Resources

1. Solid Waste Prevention:

• Have MN Waste Wise perform a waste stream analysis of your daily trash and recycling stream
• The Coon Rapids Recycling Center accepts many items not offered by your waste hauler

2. Recycling

• See what commercial recycling resources are available through Anoka County 
• See what business recycling resources are available through the Pollution Control Agency and Recycle Minnesota
• Find places to recycle your hard to manage items such as:
  1. Hazardous waste material
  2. Appliances and electronics
  3. Printer ink cartridges
  4. New or slightly used furniture
  5. Bulky and non-recyclable items
• Learn more with Rethink Recycling’s comprehensive list of resources available for businesses

3. Purchasing

• Learn about establishing a local purchasing preference for your business:
• Buy and sell, new or used items from other businesses and organizations: 
• Buy Green: 
  1. EPA Environmental Purchasing breaks down sustainable options in many different purchasing categories, https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/identify-greener-products-and-services
     • Energy Star, https://www.energystar.gov/products?s=mega
     • Green Seal Cleaning Products, www.greenseal.org
     • Compostable Dishware/Products, https://www.partyvalue.com/eco-friendly.html

4. Energy & Water Conservation:

• The MN PACE Program provides financing for energy efficiency projects
• The LEED rating system provides energy efficiency and sustainability best practices for homes, neighborhoods, new buildings, and interior renovations
• The B3 programs are Minnesota-specific sustainability standards for buildings that can be applied to any project
• The Clean Energy Resource Team provides technical assistance and advice about how businesses and organizations can adopt renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Review the Minnesota Energy Code, 2015
• Find a financial incentive or rebate for your renewable energy and efficiency project 
• Minnesota Energy Smart provides energy consultations and an energy efficiency grant program for businesses 
• Learn more about how to purchase or install solar energy in Coon Rapids on our Solar Energy page
• Contact your utility provider to discuss potential energy efficiency programs and financial incentives for equipment upgrades and system-wide imporvements

5. Transportation:

• Get your work place EV ready:
  1. Drive Electric Minnesota provides information on how to install EV chargers at your business
  2. PlugShare shows where chargers are currently installed and helps you plan EV trips
  3. Workplace Charging provides information on the benefits of installing chargers for employees at your organization, and guides on how to start the process. 
  4. Zef Energy provides guides and products for workplace charging infrastructure 
• Alternative commuting:
  1. Encourage your employees to commute via Metro Transit! Routes and schedules are available online.
  2. Encourage your employees to try commuting by bicycle! Get tips on bike commuting here

Learn more about national green business best practices

• Read the Small Business Guide to Sustainable Business Practices
  1. Explore the Green Business Certification with Green America
  2. Learn from the sustainable initiatives suggested by the Green Business Bureau