Less Waste is Smart Business: Save Money with No-Cost Waste Consulting Mike Weitekamp Program Coordinator Minnesota Waste Wise

1.The Who: Background on Waste Wise 2.The What: Logistics of Recycling 3.The Why: Benefits of Recycling 4.The How: What You Can Do 5.Questions Agenda

About Minnesota Waste Wise

Introduction to Minnesota Waste Wise  Nonprofit organization affiliated with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.  18 years of experience working with businesses to improve sustainability and save money  Last Year:  1426 Businesses Assisted  Over $196,000 saved

The What: Logistics of Recycling

General Recycling Metals(Cans) PaperPlastic Glass Can be set up through existing or separate haulers, along with other organizations Variety of common materials accepted Metals Glass Paper Cardboard Plastics Lighting Electronics

Where it goes: Materials Recovery

Food/Organic Waste Recycling Organic waste is the single largest category thrown away. Includes: Food Waste Non-Recyclable Paper Plant Waste Compostable plastics A valuable, renewable resource

Where It Goes: Food to Hogs Photo courtesy of Barthold RecyclingBarthold Recycling

Where It Goes: Composting Photos courtesy of Specialized Environmental Technologies, Inc.Specialized Environmental Technologies, Inc.

The Why: Benefits of Recycling

Introduction to Waste Wise Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) taxes.  State of Minnesota: 17%  Ramsey County: 53%  Total: 70% Recycling is not taxed. Creates new markets and new industries* 56,000 Businesses 1.1 million Jobs $236 Billion in Revenue Economic * U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Environment Much of what we throw away can be re-used or recycled Recycling makes the best use of valuable resources Environmental concerns are becoming ever more important to customers *U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The How: What Businesses Can Do

Schedule an Evaluation Get to know the business Analyze waste bills and contracts Provide recommendations Help implement recommendations  Working with haulers  Finding options for difficult materials  Setting up bins and signage  Training staff Track results to ensure cost savings If a business is interested in our services, we will:

Tell your Friends Our services are available to any business in Ramsey County

Contact Us Mike Weitekamp Program Coordinator Minnesota Waste Wise (651)