02-13-1985 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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t> What Needs to Be Done Counties, cities and townships would need to pass ordinances: — requiring homeowners, businesses and others to separate recyclable materials from other wastes; and — prohibiting disposal of yard wastes with mixed municipal waste. The requirement will create a modest burden for home- owners and businesses. It means that all wastes could not be placed in the same bag or can for collection. Under the legislation, however, neither the state nor the Metropolitan Council would specify how the requirement would be met —for example, how many bins would be needed for recycling. This approach would permit local governments to tailor the requirement in a way that's responsive to local concerns and keep any burden to a minimum. How would the prohibition be enforced? Surveys show that the interest in recycling is strong, and similar programs around the country show a high compliance rate. Many people will cooperate voluntarily because it is the law. Many will do so because it is simple and convenient. Such a requirement will also raise people's awareness of recycling's benefits. Local governments will need to develop programs providing alternative disposal methods for recyclables and yard wastes. But it leaves the decision on the kind of program — public, private or combined effort —where it belongs, with local government. Increasing Funding for Waste Recovery Efforts Proposed Legislation Two legislative proposals would provide additional funding for waste recovery efforts. The first would broaden the Council's existing authority that permits it to sell $1 5 million in bonds for new landfills. This proposal would allow funds to be used by local units of government for projects that reduce the amount of waste generated or recover useful materials and energy from waste. The second proposal is a request to increase, by appropriation, the amount of monies available initially to the Council to assist programs for reuse and recovery of materials, public education, technical assistance, and market development. Why Action Is Needed Now Major changes to the solid waste system will not occur without resources to plan for and provide them. Some resources are already available. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, state Waste Management Board, Department of Economic Development, the Council, counties and some cities can provide information or funding for project and program development. The Council has created an assistance team that can provide information and help to local govern- ments and the private sector in developing alternatives. But additional funding is needed. If waste recovery programs were eligible for funding under the Council's bonding authority, it would make needed funding available to the governmental units charged with implementing such programs. No increase in bonding authority would be needed. Instead, a larger share of the existing $15 million authorization will be available because fewer landfills will be needed than originally thought. An annual appropriation would also provide needed support to waste recovery programs. The 1984 amendments to the Waste Management Act created a surcharge on solid waste going to landfills. A portion of this fee will be administered by the Council to fund such programs, but revenues will accrue slowly. Estimates indicate the fund will total slightly over $1 million annually. However, a substantial portion of this money will not be available until 1986. Lack of adequate funding could contribute to counterproductive competition between county, municipal and private efforts. The Council will request that a some- what more sizeable fund be appropriated in 1985 that will be repaid in future years through the surcharge revenues. What Needs to Be Done Funds raised through the waste surcharge would be directed at supporting low- technology projects, like those for recycling and composting. Funds obtained through the sale of bonds would be available to counties and other local units of government to fund capital costs of such low - technology projects and small - scale, high - technology facilities, like small waste - burning plants. The counties would continue to be responsible for funding large- scale, high - technology projects, like large waste - burning plants, through their own bonding authority and waste disposal fees they establish for users of such facilities. Benefits These proposals would provide needed funding for efforts that will help reduce the region's reliance on landfills — efforts that could falter without such support. They will provide an incentive for counties, cities and townships to develop effective waste recovery programs by easing the costs borne by local governmental units at the crucial, beginning stage of developing these programs. These proposals represent the Metropolitan Council's position as of the publication date shown below. They may change between now and the 1985 session of the Minnesota Legislature. if you have questions or comments about the proposals, please call the Council's Communications Department at 291 -6464. Nov. 1, 1984 Publication No. 12 -84 -151