Jon Schroeder

headshot of JonJon Schroeder

Sustainable Materials Management Specialist

jschro@umn.edu| 612 – 624 – 4645

Jon joined MnTAP in August 2022 as a sustainable materials management specialist (SMM). He specializes in waste reduction, reuse, and diversion across many sectors, including schools, hospitals, grocery stores, manufacturers, and wholesalers and retailers, to name a few. He runs the Minnesota Materials Exchange (MME) and enjoys advocating for its use with many organizations across the state. He has helped organizations reuse over 65,000 pounds of material since he started. 

He began his career working as an advocacy intern for the Alaska Wilderness League and trying to prohibit oil companies from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). He has had many experiences in his journey leading to MnTAP and enjoys helping clients reduce, reuse, and divert various waste streams. He is particularly proud of his work with schools that includes conducting waste audits and educating staff and students on sustainable material use. He is also proud of his interns for what they’ve been able to achieve in their respective projects for innovative organizations.

Outside of role with MnTAP, Jon volunteers his time on important causes he cares about and enjoys travel, trivia, music, language learning, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Education / Training

  • Master of Science, Sustainable Systems – Golisano Institute for Sustainability
  • Bachelor of Science in Business, Minor in Sustainability – Carlson School – University of Minnesota
  • Business Exchange Program – Universitat St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • LEED AP, Homes
  • Certified Master Gardener

Selected Presentations

  • Schroeder, J. (2025, June 10-11).  I Know What You Did Last Summer: What a MnTAP intern achieved in upcycling [Presentation]. Upcycled Food Foundation: Global Scientific Symposium, Virtual.
  • Schroeder, J, Wenzel, M, Carson, D, & Bennink, D. (2025, August 4-6). How to leverage strategic partnerships and policy to amplify built reuse at various scales [Presentation]. Build Reuse Annual Conference, St. Paul, MN, United States.

Selected Written Pieces

  • Schroeder, J. (2025). First Year Review: MnTAP School Waste and Recycling Work in Hennepin County. MnTAP Source Newsletter, MnTAP – May 2025. 
  • Schroeder, J. (2024). Reuse Success Story: Nonin Medical. MnTAP Source Newsletter, MnTAP – January 2024.