The Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC), located in downtown Minneapolis, is a waste-to-energy facility that burns garbage to generate energy. HERC provides reliable, renewable electricity that is sold to Xcel Energy and steam that supplies the downtown district energy system and Target Field.

HERC facts

  • About 365,000 tons of garbage is burned at HERC to provide enough electricity for 25,000 homes each year. Electricity generated at HERC is sold to Xcel Energy.
  • Through the steam line, HERC provides enough steam for the annual natural gas needs of 1,500 homes to buildings in downtown Minneapolis and Target Field.
  • Residents and businesses in Hennepin County generate more than 1 million tons of garbage every year. According to the state waste management policy, processing waste at HERC is an environmentally preferable alternative to landfilling waste.
  • More than 11,000 tons of ferrous metal are recovered every year at HERC and recycled.

Proposal to use the capacity of HERC

On behalf of Hennepin County, Covanta Energy is proposing that the HERC be allowed to operate at capacity, increasing the amount of electricity and steam produced at the facility. This would also increase the amount of waste processed at HERC.

Hennepin County and Covanta Energy have submitted an application to modify the operating permit for this proposal as required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The MPCA will conduct an environmental review process intended to gather and disclose information about potential environmental impacts of the proposal.

Learn more about the proposal.

North Loop Community Energy System

Hennepin County is examining the potential to develop a district energy system that will use energy from HERC to provide an affordable and sustainable heating and cooling option for businesses and residents in the North Loop neighborhood of downtown Minneapolis. 

Learn more about the North Loop Community Energy System.

Take a virtual tour of HERC by watching our new video

Learn more about how waste is managed in the county and how HERC generates energy from garbage.

HERC – More Power than You Know:

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How is waste converted to energy?

Waste delivered to HERC is burned to create high-pressure steam that turns a turbine to generate electricity. A portion of the steam is diverted to the steam line. State-of-the-art emission control technology is used to treat flue gases and control air emissions.

Learn more about how HERC works.

Environmental and economic benefits of HERC

There are two options for managing waste that cannot be recycled – you can bury it in a landfill or you can burn it for energy. Processing waste at HERC is environmentally and economically preferable to landfilling garbage. 

Learn more about the environmental benefits of HERC.

The county solid waste plan

HERC is just one part of the county’s solid waste management plan. The county’s plan outlines ambitions recycling goals and prioritizes helping residents and businesses reduce, reuse and recycle even more than they already do. The county’s plan has been approved by the State of Minnesota and is consistent with state laws, policies and goals. 

HERC history

An overview of the site selection, construction and ownership of HERC.

Frequently asked questions about HERC

Answers to frequently asked questions, including:

  • Why does the county use waste-to-energy to manage garbage?
  • How are air emissions controlled at HERC?
  • How does HERC reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
  • Is waste a renewable resource?
  • How does waste-to-energy affect recycling?
  • Instead of sending garbage to HERC, can't we just reduce waste and recycle more?
  • How is the ash managed?
  • What is done to monitor and control odors at HERC?