The SCORE Report

An annual evaluation of Minnesota's recycling, reduction and waste management programs

Since 1990, the state has produced The SCORE Report, an annual report on recycling and waste management programs in Minnesota. The most recent report is:

• (Dec. 2011)
• Select data back to 1991 are available online
• Survey on 2011 SCORE Programs: Coming soon

What is SCORE?

In 1989, the Minnesota Legislature adopted comprehensive waste reduction and recycling legislation based on the recommendations of the Governor's Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment. This set of laws, commonly referred to as SCORE, is a part of Minnesota's Waste Management Act. The SCORE legislation has provided counties with a funding source to develop effective waste reduction, recycling and solid waste management programs. Ambitious goals for recycling and waste reduction were set for Minnesota counties, which have typically been met — and often exceeded.

In the report

The SCORE Report is an annual examination of Minnesota programs and data. The figures are gathered through a formal survey of county solid waste officers. Analysis and evaluation of this data helps the MPCA report on:

• Statewide recycling rates.
• Waste reduction efforts.
• Waste generation figures.
• Waste processing and disposal.
• SCORE finance and administration.

Statewide trends are examined, as well as providing detailed data by county.

Solid Waste Policy Reports

The Pollution Control Agency submits a policy report to the Senate and House Environment and Natural Resources Committees each odd-numbered year that includes the SCORE Report. (In even-numbered years, MPCA issues a report on the SCORE program, but there is no legislative mandate.)

Through these policy reports, MPCA provides an analysis of the status of the state's solid waste system, and makes recommendations to the Legislature regarding Minnesota's waste management policies, system improvements, and research.