01-23-2002 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Fact Sheet Environmental Consequences of Our Solid Waste Management Choices Page 2 of 3 Are some methods of managing solid waste better than other methods, in terms of adversely affecting the environment? 's. For over 20 years the State has encouraged methods of solid waste management other than wrung landfills. State law includes a waste management goal and order of preferred waste management methods (often called the "waste management hierarchy "): The waste management goal of the state is to foster an integrated waste management system in a manner appropriate to the characteristics of the waste stream and thereby protect the state's land, air, water, and other natural resources and the public health. The following waste management practices are in order of preference: * waste reduction and reuse; *waste recycling; * composting of yard waste and food waste; resource recovery through mixed municipal solid waste composting or incineration; • land disposal with methane recovery; and, to land disposal without methane recovery. The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (MOEA) has stated: *As we generate and manage more waste, particularly by landfilling, we will lose opportunities to decrease pollution and greenhouse gases, increase liability exposure, and create eyesores in our communities. ur 2000 the MOEA reviewed several recent studies and concluded: Research indicates that there are considerable resource savings and environmental and economic benefits from the reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery of solid waste. Despite this fact, landfilling continues to be an increasing method of disposal. The studies conducted to date support the solid waste management hierarchy set out in Minnesota statute. They demonstrate that environmental benefits such as resource conservation, energy conservation, and reduced pollution accrue as waste is reduced or managed as a resource. What can be done to reduce adverse environmental consequences of managing solid waste? Ramsey and Washington Counties have solid waste master plans that have been approved by the State of Minnesota. These plans call for an integrated solid waste management system that mirrors the State "hierarchy" of waste management methods. Thus, these plans emphasize waste reduction (often called "source reduction "), recycling, composting of yard and food waste, and resource recovery of remaining trash as much as possible. Landfills are still needed for some wastes, but are the least preferred method. ttp: / /www.co.ramsey.mn.us /recovery/ fact_ sheet_environmental_consequ.htm 1/18/02