The Olmsted County Board announced that they have approved a 10-year solid waste management plan. The approved plan will serve as a roadmap to capture value from waste produced by the community. It enhances existing programs and paves the way toward a more sustainable future by implementing strategies that will achieve positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes.
The environmental strategies focus on maximizing recoverable resources through the construction of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), new organics management programs, and programs to minimize construction and other waste through reuse. Social strategies include expanding waste and recycling education and stakeholder engagement.
Economic strategies involve continuing to fund the solid waste management programs through an enterprise fund, analyzing and prioritizing large capital projects, and making data-supported decisions. “We are looking forward to collaborating with our partners to implement this plan. We challenge the community to join us in minimizing waste, using waste as a resource, recycling, composting and properly disposing of waste. Together, we will attain a safe, healthy, sustainable community,” said Tony Hill, Director of Environmental Resources.