Cook County seeks more community input as recycling survey deadline approaches

With the deadline approaching for a community survey on the future of Cook County recycling services, county officials are working to broaden participation and gather input from more residents and businesses.

The survey, launched Oct. 23 by Cook County and North Shore Waste, asks residents, businesses and organizations about their current recycling habits, experiences with local services and priorities for the future of the county’s recycling program.

As of Nov. 10, the county had received more than 830 responses to the residential survey and more than 90 responses from businesses and organizations, said Neva Maxwell, land services director.

Participation has been strongest in areas surrounding Grand Marais and the Lutsen area.

However, Maxwell said the county would like to hear from more people in Schroeder, Tofte, Grand Portage and along the Gunflint Trail.

“We’re still trying to get more participation or awareness of the survey” in those areas, Maxwell said.

While the land services department hasn’t compiled the survey data yet, early survey responses are providing some insight into community priorities.

One recurring theme in the responses is the importance residents place on keeping recyclable materials out of the landfill.

“That kind of sticks out as an outlier with lots of people clicking that answer, and I think that shows a pretty high community priority that recycling is valued and important,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell emphasized that residents who don’t currently recycle are encouraged to participate as well. Their feedback can help the county and North Shore Waste better understand why they don’t recycle and identify potential barriers, including convenience, accessibility, and a lack of information about what materials can be recycled.

The survey feedback will help the county consider potential improvements, including better signage, educational materials, and other initiatives to reduce waste and encourage reuse.

The residential survey and business survey, which remain open until Nov. 20, are available online through Cook County’s website. And also available below. Paper copies are also available at The Hub, Care Partners, and the Cook County Courthouse.

Access the Cook County resident survey here: Cook County Resident Survey.

Access the Cook County business and organization survey here: Cook County Business/Organization Survey.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Cook County Land Services Director Neva Maxwell for a midway point check in on the recycling survey. More information is available in the audio interview below.

Kalli Hawkins November 12, 2026