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 Work Plan: Identify the regions 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 YearResidentialCommercialTotal 2008 Collection 4,600 tons96,400 tons100,000 tons 2015 Potential 220,000 tons290,000 tons510,000 tons

How to Reach Goal? BusinessesResidentsSchools Diversion Goal

Regional Role Options Planning and Policy Development Legislative Advocacy Financial Support Infrastructure Development Education/ Promotion Regulation Market Development

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