In The Weeds

WARNING: This section of our site is for policy wonks or those trying to find a way to fall asleep.

MPCA Solid Waste Policy Report 2007-2008

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s most recent solid waste (residential and commercial garbage) report focuses on how recycling and waste prevention can contribute to our state’s renewable energy, energy conservation, greenhouse-gas emissions reductions needs.  The report calls for recycling beverage containers through a refund system if voluntary efforts don’t work, and estimates that would result in an 80% return rate and a reduction of 855,000 tons per year of Minnesota greenhouse gas emissions.

Solid Waste Stakeholders Report 2009

The Minnesota Environmental Initiative, a private nonprofit organization, was asked by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to assemble stakeholders – interest groups – to offer consensus or majority recommendations on solid waste options that would help reduce climate change. A majority of the group strongly recommended a recycling refund system for Minnesota.

Association of Recycling Managers

The Association of Recycling Managers (ARM), a Minnesota-based network of city and county recycling and waste reduction coordinators, has urged the Minnesota Legislature to enact a recycling refund for beverage containers.

Comments Supporting Minnesota Recycling Refund Recommendation

Read comments by Recycling Refund Campaign Co-Directors Sarah Heuer and Ben Olsen on the need for a beverage container recycling refund in the Minnesota Environmental Initiative’s solid waste stakeholder report.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency answered ten questions regarding beverage container recycling per the request of the legislature…