Welcome!

Zack HansenSeptember 5, 2012

Elevator Speech – Why Business Recycling

Waste is an environmental challenge -- and an economic opportunity;

There is tremendous potential in the trash: a lot of resources are thrown away, and it costs more to toss than recycle;

The State has goals for all of us to meet – meaning we need a lot more recycling;

Ramsey County is creating new ways for businesses to make this happen;

Community POWER is one way to take action; Thank you!

Minnesota’s Value-added Recycling in 2011

Direct jobs at manufacturers: 15,221Total job activity: 36,981 Gross economic activity: $8.5 billionWages: $1.96 billion~200 MN companies use recycled materialManufacturers are looking for locally

sourced material

Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, May 2012

Waste is inefficiency…

1.2 million tons of recyclables were thrown in the trash in 2011 in Minnesota

That material was worth $285 million Minnesotans spent $200 million to get dispose of it.

Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, May 2012

The Challenge: recover more

Recycling2011 Ramsey County: 40% recycling2015 Objective: 45-48%

That means 40,000 – 60,000 additional tons of recycling!

Organics2011 Ramsey County:6%2025 Objective: 6 – 12%

Where will it come from?

Metal10%

Glass3%

Plastic10%

Paper25%

Lumber3%

Mixed Recyclables14%

Organics22%

Mixed MSW11%

Electronics1%

How we’ve learned from businesses

Business Survey 2011Business focus groups

◦Small firms◦Large firms◦Hmong ◦Latino

Consultants working in the community

What we’ve learned

Identified a variety of barriers:◦Awareness◦Service levels by haulers◦Space & equipment◦Tenant/landlord issues◦Leadership◦Time

Businesses want to recycle moreRaise awarenessExplain the economicsDon’t regulate it, but provide assistanceProvide tools

Ramsey County’s Approach

A comprehensive approach:◦Raise awareness: inform, inform, inform◦Provide consultation and technical assistance◦Continue the financial incentive provided by the

County Environmental Charge (CEC)◦Partner with Washington County for an East

Metro recycling and organics approach◦Partner with other metro counties (SWMCB) on

research and resources

www. LessTrash.com

Community POWER

One way that we are seeking innovation in business recycling

Pilot programs that we can learn from and others can replicate

Opportunity for business-to-business growth and development

We are eager to learn from your projects!

Thank you!