Report on 1999 SCORE Programs

Data and analysis of state, county and municipal solid waste management activities in Minnesota that involved SCORE funding. (January 2001)

The report was prepared using data from all 87 counties in Minnesota, and the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District. Information was submitted to the Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) through the annual SCORE survey, which contains sections for annual program information, finance and administration, source reduction, recycling, and waste generation.

Highlights

		1997	1998	1999
	Greater Minnesota	1.96	2.08	2.16
	Metropolitan Area	3.05	3.22	3.30
	Statewide	5.01	5.30	5.46
(Millions of tons)

Waste generation

Minnesota continues to produce more municipal solid waste (MSW). In 1999, over 5.4 million tons of mixed MSW were generated in Minnesota. Statewide, this represents a nearly three-percent increase over 1998.

The average Minnesotan is creating more waste, too — 2260 pounds per year. Since 1993, waste generation increased by 29 percent, while the population grew by just 6 percent.

Recycling

Minnesota's statewide recycling rate grew to 47.2 percent in 1999. Over 2.1 million tons of recyclable materials were collected, a 3-percent increase from 1998.

Paper	803,320 tons		Metal	335,724 tons
Glass	112,383 tons		Plastic	42,288 tons
Food waste	169,402 tons		Problem Materials	101,025 tons
Textiles & carpet	19,700 tons		Other	593,483 tons

Waste disposal

Waste from Minnesota goes to processing facilities, landfills, or is handled by on-site disposal.

Although it is last on the "solid waste heirarchy," landfilling of Minnesota garbage is on the rise. Over 33 percent of Minnesota's MSW goes to landfills in Minnesota and surrounding states (1.8 million tons).