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RAMSEY COUNTY RECYCLING COORDINATORS' MEETING: Commissioners and other interested people are welcome to attend these monthly meetings, and the May 20 meeting may be of particular interest to the Commission because the topic is waste reduction. Several members indicated that they may attend the meeting and report at the next Commission meeting. COMMISSION GOALS (CONTINUED): Laura Kuettel summarized the discussion at the April meeting of the Solid Waste Commission's goals for 1993 -94, which are to be included in the annual report to the City Council. The Commission went on to discuss the following goals in greater detail: Expanded Recycling. While residential participation in recycling is high, the scope of recycled materials could be broader. As a long -term goal, the Commission will work toward curbside pickup of ALL household waste. Terry Iverson discussed a report from the Vinyl Institute regarding the increased recyclability of plastics, such as motor vehicle parts. Terry is also obtaining a directory of companies engaged in the recycling of plastics. This information could be used to assist the recycling hauler in developing markets for more plastics or to arrange for drop -off points for plastics not currently eligible for curbside pickup. The concept of drop -off points for items which may be recyclable but are not picked up at curbside may be feasible for other materials as well. Education. The Commission discussed continuing its public education efforts by moving into the mass media. Debra McKinley of the Minnesota Office of Waste Management's Waste Education Clearinghouse is sending information to Laura Kuettel regarding the Clearinghouse's resources, which include print material and audio visual productions. The Commission will review this information for possible distribution, either independently or as part of a newsletter, and for airing via cable television. Members also discussed the possibility of producing an original cable television informational piece. Continuing in the creative realm, Terry Iverson suggested that Falcon Hei collect, assemble, and display plastic in the nature of the world- famous twine ball in Darwin, Minnesota. This would serve the three purposes of education, publicity, and keeping plastic out of the mainstream. The Commission will also explore opportunities to expand its educational efforts through participation in school and community events. Because residential participation in the existing curbside recycling program is already good, the Commission will focus its educational efforts on such areas as toxic and hazardous waste, resource conservation, and waste reduction through informed choices in purchasing. Expanded Role of Commission. Members discussed several possibilities for expansion of the role of the Commission. Pollution prevention and waste reduction are a natural extension of the Commission's previous and largely successful efforts to encourage recycling. Resource conservation and other -2-