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Typically, waste generation has grown faster than population. Each person in Ramsey County produces <br />about 7 pounds of waste (including recyclables) at home and at work or school each day. The recent <br />downward trend can be attributed, in part, to the downturn in the economy (see Figure 2). <br />Figure 2 <br />Waste Generation & Population Trends, Ramsey County, 1991 -2010 <br />900000 <br />500000 _ <br />c <br />700000 <br />—Tons per <br />0 600000 Year <br />a 500000 — Population <br />400000 <br />0 300000 <br />0 200000 <br />0 <br />100000 <br />0 <br />Waste Reduction and Reuse <br />Ramsey County encourages waste reduction in its technical assistance, outreach and marketing <br />activities. The County uses a variety of methods in its extensive efforts to provide information to the <br />public on waste reduction and reuse, as well as other solid waste management issues. Print materials, <br />electronic media, training, phone service and partnerships are the core delivery methods. <br />Ramsey County offers financial and staff support to Community POWER (Partners On Waste Education <br />and Reduction) through the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB). Staff members are <br />part of a team to develop Environmentally Preferable Practices (EPP) policies and educate people on <br />options to reduce what they buy. Through the Ramsey /Washington Counties Resource Recovery <br />Project, Ramsey County works with Second Harvest Heartland to significantly expand food rescue with <br />emphasis on larger grocery stores. Food rescue means that healthy and safe food can be redirected to <br />organizations feeding people instead of throwing the food in the trash. <br />As an organization, Ramsey County: <br />Purchased an electronic document management system to reduce paper usage. <br />Supports an Earth Action Challenge for employees. <br />Hosts a joint team between the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County to evaluate opportunities <br />to buy more environmentally preferable products and enhance contract specifications. <br />Distributes a joint Ramsey County /City of Saint Paul newsletter focused on purchasing, Green <br />Alternatives, quarterly to all City and County staff. Staff members participate in the GREEN <br />Group, convened by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to network and coordinate <br />activities around EPP. <br />Partners with organizations to provide the opportunity for interested residents to purchase <br />backyard composting bins for food waste and yard waste. <br />Ramsey County Solid Waste Master Plan 2011 -2030 Page 136 <br />Approved by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on 3120112 <br />