The Minnesota Solid Waste Policy Report provides an analysis of the status of the state's solid waste system, and makes recommendations regarding Minnesota's waste management policies, system improvements and research. In addition, the report includes a summary of the 1998 recycling programs and expenditures (SCORE program).
This year's 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.
Table of Contents: Solid Waste Policy Report
Executive Summary
- Organization of the report
- Purpose statement and principles
- The future of waste management in Minnesota
- Summary of the current status of the solid waste system
- Recommendations for establishing or modifying state solid waste policies, authorities and programs
Section One: Background
- Solid waste authorities and responsibilities
- Challenges facing the waste management system in the 21st century
- Environmental and economic benefits of integrated waste systems
- Analysis of the SCORE program
Section Two: Challenges to Minnesota's Integrated Waste Management System
- Rapid growth of the waste stream
- The existing recycling, resource recovery and landfill system
Section Three: Recommended Strategies for Minnesota
- Transition from waste management system to resource efficient system
- Encourage healthier, stronger communities
- Research and articulate the benefits of an integrated waste system
- Increase the sense of responsibility for Minnesota's environment
- Provide comprehensive environmental education
- Public entities and institutions as leaders
Section Four: Proposed Policy Initiatives
- Eliminate the landfilling of unprocessed MSW
- Product stewardship
- Develop markets for recycled content and reusable materials
- Educate businesses, consumers and waste generators
- Revise SCORE
- Revise solid waste planning
Section Five: Research Initiatives Needed to Move Minnesota Ahead
- Evaluate economic proposals that maintain and improve the waste abatement
infrastructure and services
- Evaluate the environmental, economic, health and ecological effects of MSW
management
- Evaluate new ways to handle construction and demolition debris and industrial
solid waste
- Evaluate virgin material subsidies and their impact on the solid waste system
- 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
Solid Waste Policy Report
1999 Solid Waste Policy Report (400Kb)