120 likes | 223 Views
Welcome!. Zack Hansen September 5, 2012. 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;
E N D
Welcome! Zack Hansen September 5, 2012
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! Elevator Speech – Why Business Recycling
Direct jobs at manufacturers: 15,221 • Total job activity: 36,981 • Gross economic activity: $8.5 billion • Wages: $1.96 billion • ~200 MN companies use recycled material • Manufacturers are looking for locally sourced material • Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, May 2012 Minnesota’s Value-added Recycling in 2011
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 Waste is inefficiency…
Recycling 2011 Ramsey County: 40% recycling 2015 Objective: 45-48% That means 40,000 – 60,000 additional tons of recycling! Organics 2011 Ramsey County: 6% 2025 Objective: 6 – 12% The Challenge: recover more
Business Survey 2011 • Business focus groups • Small firms • Large firms • Hmong • Latino • Consultants working in the community How we’ve learned from businesses
Identified a variety of barriers: • Awareness • Service levels by haulers • Space & equipment • Tenant/landlord issues • Leadership • Time • Businesses want to recycle more • Raise awareness • Explain the economics • Don’t regulate it, but provide assistance • Provide tools What we’ve learned
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 Ramsey County’s Approach
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! Community POWER