Hennepin County's Plastic-Free Challenge
Begins February 1

Plastics are problematic for many reasons. They create waste and litter, contribute to climate change, pollute our water, harm wildlife, and have largely unknown health impacts for us. Be part of the solution to reduce waste, protect water and wildlife, address climate change, and look after the health of ourselves and future generations by joining the Hennepin County Plastic-Free Challenge and committing to actions that help create a plastic-free world. Learn more, sign up and get ready to go plastic-free. 

Take the Organics Recycling Bingo Challenge

Curbside organics recycling is here! To help make this transition a fun learning experience, residents are invited to participate in an Organics Bingo Challenge, running through the end of February. Compete with friends and family to reduce waste and manage organics in ways that encourage behavior change. Winners will be entered into a drawing to win three boxes of BPI bags. Learn more about the Organics Bingo Challenge.

Remember These Rules When It Snows in Hopkins

When winter comes in Minnesota, it has potential to bring heavy snowfall along with it. Remember the following rules to sail smoothly through winter in Hopkins:

1. Move your car: When any amount of snowfall occurs, residents should move vehicles off city streets and parking lots. If the snowfall is two inches or more, a snow emergency may be declared.
2. Shovel the sidewalk: As mandated by City ordinance, Hopkins residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from public sidewalks within 12 hours of a snowfall.
3. Clear the fire hydrants: While the City tries to clean snow from fire hydrants as soon as possible after a snow, we could use your help. Please adopt a nearby fire hydrant and keep it clear of snow through the winter. Hydrants should be cleared five feet on each side to give the Fire Department the quickest and best access.
4. Keep garbage, recycling and organics carts clear: Garbage, recycling and organics collection requires a minimum clearance of four feet  around each container. Sometimes a spot is carved out in the snow to create a pocket for the container, but this does not allow enough room for the automated arm on the truck to reach. Although alleys and driveways can be narrow because of snow piling up, it is necessary that the four-foot clearance be maintained.

Practice Smart Salting This Winter

Winter is among us, which means slippery roads and sidewalks. We all know salt can be a good tool to melt ice on slippery surfaces, but it comes at an environmental cost. When the snow melts, the de-icing salt, which contains chloride, runs into nearby lakes and can harm our fish, ducks, and other aquatic life. How can you make a difference?

1. Check the temperature: Is it too cold for salt? Most salts stop working around 15 degrees (F).
2. Apply less than you think: Adding more salt does not equal more melting.
3. Clean-up any extra salt: If you can see sand or salt on dry pavement, it’s means that it is no longer working and could be washed away.

Meetings & Events

• January 31, 7 p.m. - City Council Meeting (preliminary agenda)

Quick Links

Ask the City |  City of Hopkins Website | Think Hopkins Website