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Unlocking the Economic Potential of Recycling in Ramsey County

Waste presents both an environmental challenge and an economic opportunity. With significant resources thrown away, recycling can not only meet state goals but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth. In 2011, Minnesota discarded 1.2 million tons of recyclables worth $285 million. Ramsey County aims to increase recycling rates and engage businesses through the Community POWER initiative. By raising awareness and providing support, we can drive innovation in recycling, benefiting both the economy and the environment. Join us in this vital effort!

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Unlocking the Economic Potential of Recycling in Ramsey County

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  1. Welcome! Zack Hansen September 5, 2012

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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…

  5. 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

  6. Where will it come from?

  7. Business Survey 2011 • Business focus groups • Small firms • Large firms • Hmong • Latino • Consultants working in the community How we’ve learned from businesses

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. www. LessTrash.com

  11. 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

  12. Thank you!

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