Resources

Promote zero waste. Maintain the integrity of the solid waste management hierarchy as defined in Minn. Stat. §115A.02 and support working with all stakeholders to:

• Reduce the amount of waste generated;
• Reduce the toxicity of waste through waste diversion, household hazardous waste programs, and other methods;
• Separate and recover recyclable materials and energy from waste; and
• Reduce dependence on landfilling.

Allocate all revenue generated by the Solid Waste Management Tax (SWMT) to waste management activities and increasing SCORE funding.

Advance product stewardship programs for problem materials (reduce packaging and single use plastic waste, increase recycling, lower taxpayer costs for managing waste) and special wastes (wastes having heightened potential for environmental harm or danger/difficulty in processing) that limit the adverse impact of burdensome and dangerous materials in the waste stream (and push waste up the current Minnesota waste hierarchy).

Oppose any attempt to remove waste-to-energy as an “eligible energy technology” that can contribute to meeting a utility’s renewable energy standards. (Minn. Stat. §216B.1691). *Support state research and investment in new technologies

Support legislative efforts that advance environmental justice in solid waste systems by ensuring full and fair participation in the planning and execution, equally sharing in the benefits, and mitigating the disproportionate adverse impacts.

Support legislative efforts to revise and update the process for the formation of and powers granted to Solid Waste Management Districts (Minnesota Statutes 115A.62 – 115A.72) to improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of solid waste programs statewide.

Learn more about MRRA from our presentation at the 2022 RAM/SWANA Conference.