Mayor Jacob Frey is joining the full Minneapolis City Council in calling for an earlier closure of the Hennepin Energy Resource Center, a trash incinerator in the North Loop that’s one of Minneapolis’ biggest sources of air pollution.

Hennepin County-owned HERC is currently expected to permanently close between 2028 and 2040, but Minneapolis officials want it taken out of commission by the end of 2027.

Frey on Thursday signed a resolution unanimously approved by the City Council last week. The resolution was initially signed by eight council members, including Jeremiah Ellison, whose Ward 5 contains HERC and is most impacted by pollution from the facility.

Minneapolis officials say HERC’s closure will help the City achieve its ambitious Zero Waste Plan, which aims to recycle or compost 80% of waste citywide by 2030.

HERC burns nearly 365,000 tons of waste per year and converts it into energy. About 75% of that garbage comes from Minneapolis residents and businesses, and the rest comes from surrounding cities.

Hennepin County pledged last year to shut down HERC sometime between 2028 and 2040 after a major public pressure campaign, according to the Sahan Journal, which has been closely following the issue.

A staff report received by Hennepin County earlier this year identified new policies and State laws that need to be implemented before HERC closes to ensure the waste isn't diverted to landfills.

HERC burns about 45% of all trash generated in Hennepin County.