Policy Discussion on Regional Role for

Organics Management SWMCB Board Meeting

July 22, 2009

Regional Role Objective

• Master Plan Outcome: By 2015, the collection and separated management of food waste and other organic waste will increase.

• 2009 Work Plan: Identify the region’s role in source separated organics management policy.

Existing Organic Tonnage

• Collected 100,000 tons in 2008

• Variety of Management Methods– Food Waste Recovery– Food-to-Hogs– Backyard Composting– Yard Waste-Organics Co-

Collection

Regional Role Alternatives

• Alternative #1: 3% Diversion– Status Quo

• Alternative #2: 5% to 7% Diversion– Double Existing Efforts

• Alternative #3: 15% Diversion – Aggressive Effort

Recommended Alternative: 5% to 7% Diversion

• Goal: Double existing tonnage diversion• Level of Effort: Moderate increase – may

require some public financing and subsidies

• Tonnage Goal: 160,000 – 225,000 tons per year– 2008 Collection : 100,000 tons– Additional Tonnage Needed: 60,000 to 125,000

tons

Recommended Alternative: 5% to 7% Diversion

• Assists in Achieving Master Plan Outcome

• Manages Waste Higher on the Waste Hierarchy

• Consistent with Current Finding from the MPCA Stakeholder Group

Recommended Alternative: 5% to 7% Diversion

Additional Benefits• For Residents: Increased

Traditional Recycling Rates• For Businesses: Cost Savings• For Schools: Hands-on

Recycling Experience for Children and Increased School Recycling Rates

• For Environment: <?>

2015 Potential Tonnage Diversion

Year Residential Commercial Total

2008 Collection

4,600 tons 96,400 tons 100,000 tons

2015 Potential

220,000 tons 290,000 tons 510,000 tons

How to Reach Goal?

Analysis

Residential programs alone will not reach tonnage diversion goals

Commercial program would need to be paired with recycling program

School program and multi-unit diversion tonnage potential is limited

Voluntary programs are unlikely to achieve the 5% to 7% diversion

Additional capacity is needed

What Roles Could the SWMCB Play?

• Planning/Policy Development• Communication• Legislative Advocacy• Infrastructure Development• Financial Support• Research• Regulation• Market Development

Policy Questions

• Should the SWMCB develop interim policies that use existing capacity and/or develop longer term policies that require additional capacity?

• Should the SWMCB focus on one sector?

• Should organics programs be voluntary or mandatory?

Policy Questions

• Is the SWMCB role a planning agency or joint facility development?

• What additional research or analysis is needed?

• How/When should the findings be presented to the Board?

QUESTIONS