Zero Burn Coalition demands Hennepin County take steps immediately to shut down HERC

On July 22, 2025, members of the Zero Burn Coalition held a press conference following testimony during the Hennepin County Board’s open forum, demanding that the County immediately initiate the closure process for the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC), with a firm shutdown date no later than Jan. 1, 2028. 

The coalition continues to demand that Hennepin County end decades of environmental harm disproportionately impacting residents of North Minneapolis and other frontline communities. Despite public pressure and past commitments, including a 2023 county resolution acknowledging the need to close HERC, Hennepin County has failed to initiate the closure process and set a closure date. 

“Minneapolis City Council has done their part, unanimously passing a resolution calling for HERC to be shut down by 2028 –  and Mayor Jacob Frey signed off. Despite this clear direction from city leadership and mounting public pressure, the County continues to delay – moving the goalposts, citing unattainable diversion rates not required by state law, and advancing a new mixed-waste facility in Brooklyn Park without meaningful community engagement. We are demanding that Hennepin County stop stalling and begin the closure process now,” said Minneapolis resident Shoshana Daniels.  

“As a resident, I’m genuinely disappointed that after 36 years of our neighbors advocating for closure, and the commitment in 2023 by Chair Fernando and the county board to close the HERC, they still have not started the closure process… Commissioner Fernando, the public commitments you've made don't match what's really happening. It's time to have real accountability,” said Anndrea Young, a North Minneapolis resident and community advocate.

For over three decades, local residents and health experts have been vocal about the harmful effects of waste incineration at HERC, which disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities. 

“The air pollution emitted from this center is silently and steadily poisoning our community… How many children with asthma attending schools in the HERC’s shadow must struggle to breathe before we say enough. If we do not act now, those children may not live long enough to become grandparents themselves. I urge you from the depths of my grief and conviction, close the HERC by 2028. We must prioritize health over convenience,” said Janet Kitui, Hennepin County District 6 resident and community advocate.

The Zero Burn Coalition is urging that the county act in good faith and engage with the coalition, especially members from frontline communities, in a transparent and accountable manner to ensure a clear path toward a just transition away from incineration and landfilling.

“Hennepin County is trying to get funding from the legislature for a waste facility in Brooklyn Park that would extend the trash corridor in our area and increase pollution… There is limited or no outreach, and residents most affected by the project have been inadequately informed, let alone involved in decision making. This undermines our trust with the leadership of the county board. The coalition sent a letter to all commissioners asking a series of questions regarding the Brooklyn Parkway facility. However, we are still waiting for a response.” said Audua Pugh, North Minneapolis resident and CEO of Rusty & the Crew. 

During the press conference, speakers highlighted the ongoing harm caused by the HERC, addressed misleading narratives presented by the county, and outlined a vision for a cleaner, more just waste management future in Hennepin County.

“The county states that there are no inequities in health risks associated with HERC’s pollutants. This is false. Despite this undeniable disparity and strong body of research on its harms, the county has acted with deception. County staff have deliberately cherry-picked data and hidden inequities by intentionally not showing maps to support their claims,” said Leslie Myint, Associate Professor of Statistics and Data Science at Macalester College.

The Zero Burn Coalition calls on Hennepin County to stop delaying and begin an honest, accountable transition away from incineration and landfilling. With leadership from impacted communities, technical experts, and public officials who are ready to act, Hennepin County has the opportunity - and the responsibility – to lead the region into a cleaner, healthier future. 

To support public understanding and transparency, the coalition announced the launch of a new website providing analysis on the health risks and other detriments of the HERC, debunking misconceptions delivered in county presentations. Visit hercshutdown.org to learn more.