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toxic, corrosive, flammable and that are produced by businesses are strictly regulated by federal, state and local law. Because waste is complex, the "waste management system" is complex, and is actually a large number of smaller systems put in place to safely handle discarded materials. Except for yard waste and household hazardous waste (HHW), the County does not directly collect, handle or manage waste. State law includes a preference for private- sector management of waste. Many entities, including for - profit- businesses and non - profits, provide a wide array of waste management services throughout Ramsey County. To help accomplish the goals set by the MPCA and the standards set by Minnesota law, and to assure protection of the environment, public health and safety, Ramsey County uses a variety of tools. Examples include: Regulation, such as adopting ordinances to establish standards, licensing of hazardous waste generators, waste haulers and solid waste facilities, assuring compliance through training and consultation, inspecting licensees, and taking enforcement action when necessary. Providing direct services, including yard waste sites operated by the County to allow residents to deposit yard waste at no charge. Contracting for services, such as the household hazardous waste service provided by Bay West to residents of the county, joint powers agreements to share services with other counties, or contracting with RRT for waste processing services. Providing grants, such as using SCORE funds from the state to provide grants to municipalities to assist the delivery of recycling services, or Community POWER grants to organizations within the County. Financing County activities with the County Environmental Charge which is designed to reflect the volume of waste generated and to encourage recycling. Reaching broadly across and deeply into the community to provide educational opportunities and innovative communication tools, focused on community and putting how -to information in the hands of businesses and citizens, with special emphasis on reaching communities with limited - English proficiency. Providing consultation and technical assistance, such as pollution prevention advice to businesses or working with schools on food waste recycling. Demographics Ramsey County is the smallest county geographically and the most densely populated in Minnesota. Its U.S. Census population was 511,035 in 2000 and 508,640 in 2010, and the number of households was 201,236 in 2000 and 202,691 in 2010. According to Metropolitan Council population forecasts, Ramsey County is the slowest growing of the metropolitan counties. While pockets of developable land remain, the vast majority of Ramsey County is fully developed. However, redevelopment continues to occur throughout the county. Ramsey County's population is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of race, culture, and language. Table 1 shows the population breakdown by race and ethnicity. Ramsey County Solid Waste Master Plan 2011 -2030 Page 133 Approved by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on 3120112