In 2019, the MNCBG was the recipient of the Brewing a Sustainable Future grant initiative to help MN craft breweries find solutions to sustainability issues facing their businesses. The first priority of the program was to support the management of spent grain disposal so that it is easier, more reliable, and more cost-effective.
Spent grain is a reusable waste product, but reliable and sustainable disposal is a challenge for most craft breweries and brewpubs. While many have a system for managing spent grain waste, the process can be sporadic, unreliable, costly, or challenging to implement and maintain. In response to this problem, in partnership with Environmental Initiative, the Guild built and maintains a Spent Grain Directory to help connect breweries with local farmers and other small businesses who can utilize spent grain and keep it from entering a landfill.
USE THE SPENT GRAIN DIRECTORY
Other Resources
Check out the Spent Grain Disposal Guide. This guide provides an overview of best practices for spent grain disposal, with a focus on the farmer-brewer relationship. It is based on common practices of Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild members, local distilleries, and other breweries in the state.
BizRecycling helps East Metro businesses reduce waste and recycle better through free technical assistance, business recycling grants (up to $10K) and other resources. Learn more: www.bizrecycling.com
The Hennepin County Business Recycling Program offers grants, signage, technical assistance and case studies to help businesses and organizations in Hennepin County start or improve recycling programs, reduce waste and donate usable goods. Learn more: www.hennepin.us/businessrecycling
Thank you to Environmental Initiative, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington Counties, and the City of Minneapolis for support on the Spent Grain Directory project.