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