DCR Chamber Metro Solid Waste Plan Virtual Briefing

Help shape trash and recycling policy in the Twin Cities metro. 

Did you know the Twin Cities metro is bulging with trash? The seven-county metro generated 3.3 million tons of waste in 2021. This number is expected to grow 19% by 2042. In 2021, Dakota County’s recycling rate dropped to 54%, a 2% reduction from the previous year, and short of the state’s goal of achieving a 75% recycling rate by 2030.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently released a draft of the Metropolitan Solid Waste Policy Plan with 70 recommendations for managing this waste problem while growing our reuse and recycling economy over the next 20 years. Recommendations include initiatives like weekly curbside recycling and composting pickup, fees on restaurant takeout containers, and incentives for deconstruction over landfilling demolition debris.

Knowing our businesses play an important role in managing waste, the MPCA has asked the Dakota County Regional Chamber and area businesses to provide input on this plan. Join agency leaders for a virtual briefing on their recommendations on Thursday, August 3 at 8:00 AM. Learn more about the plan and share your perspective here.