1999 Solid Waste Policy Report

Waste Management in Minnesota: A transition to the 21st century

1999 Solid Waste Policy Report (Jan. 2000)

This Policy report proposes several strategies and policies to begin the transition of waste management to the 21st century. This transition is based on principles of sustainability and resource conservation. It is intended to challenge both business and government to lead the way toward environmental sustainability.

Contents

Executive Summary

1. Organization of the report
2. Purpose statement and principles
3. The future of waste management in Minnesota
4. Summary of the current status of the solid waste system
5. Recommendations for establishing or modifying state solid waste policies, authorities and programs

Section One: Background

1. Solid waste authorities and responsibilities
2. Challenges facing the waste management system in the 21st century
3. Environmental and economic benefits of integrated waste systems
4. Analysis of the SCORE program

Section Two: Challenges to Minnesota's Integrated Waste Management System

1. Rapid growth of the waste stream
2. The existing recycling, resource recovery and landfill system

Section Three: Recommended Strategies for Minnesota

1. Transition from waste management system to resource efficient system
2. Encourage healthier, stronger communities
3. Research and articulate the benefits of an integrated waste system
4. Increase the sense of responsibility for Minnesota's environment
5. Provide comprehensive environmental education
6. Public entities and institutions as leaders

Section Four: Proposed Policy Initiatives

1. Eliminate the landfilling of unprocessed MSW
2. Product stewardship
3. Develop markets for recycled content and reusable materials
4. Educate businesses, consumers and waste generators
5. Revise SCORE
6. Revise solid waste planning

Section Five: Research Initiatives Needed to Move Minnesota Ahead

1. Evaluate economic proposals that maintain and improve the waste abatement infrastructure and services
2. Evaluate the environmental, economic, health and ecological effects of MSW management
3. Evaluate new ways to handle construction and demolition debris and industrial solid waste
4. Evaluate virgin material subsidies and their impact on the solid waste system
5. Evaluate volume-based or weight-based pricing.

Definition of terms

Appendix A: Review of Information on the Environmental and Economic Aspects of MSW Management Practices

Appendix B: Summary of the Public Review and Response