The document discusses solid waste management in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota. It notes that the area consists of 7 counties with a population of 2.9 million people and generates 60% of the state's municipal solid waste. The state sets waste management goals that are implemented through local planning using public and private services. The system emphasizes reducing health, environmental, and economic risks. It has a blend of public and private services and is a leader in waste diversion despite limited connections between energy and waste policies.

1. Solid Waste Management in the
Twin Cities Metro Area

3. Metro Area
• Seven Counties
• Population: 2.9 Million
• Households: 1.14 Million
• Employment: ~1.6Million
• Generates 60% of Minnesota’s MSW

4. Waste Categories in Minnesota

5. Key Points
• The State of Minnesota sets the purpose and
goals for waste management
• Local waste management is deliberately
planned
• A variety of tools are used to achieve goals
• Focus is on reducing risk: public health,
environment, economic
• System is operated by a combination of public
and private participants

7. Observations about the System
• Blend of public/private sector services
• Private sector landfills drive the economics
• U.S. Court decisions have limited government
tools to manage waste
• Conflict between public sector goals, private
sector competition
• There is little connection in Minnesota between
energy policy and waste policy
• Despite that, the region is one of the leader in
waste diversion in the U.S.

8. 6%
4%
1%
60%
54%
45%
47.54%
46.55%
45.49%
44.17%
15%
9%
3%
4.39%
4.31%
4.22%
4.13%
24%
28%
32%
31.67%
30.24%
27.16%
25.27%
9%
9%
20%
20.81%
22.08%
25.07%
28.34%
2030 (High)
2030 (Low)
2015 (Low)
2013
2012
2011
2010
SWMCB Regional Progress Towards State Waste Objectives
Source Reduction & Reuse Recycling Organics Resource Recovery Land Disposal

11. Trends
• Legislature has established significantly higher
recycling/organics management goal: 75%
• Continued challenges to use the market to
achieve State goals
• Emphasis on organic waste management
• Looking to new methods for waste conversion