2014-10-28_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOW! 265 Mr. Anderson reviewed the grant program and process, intentionally created to be 266 simple, with a one-page grant application and no matching funds required. Mr. 267 Anderson noted that the consultant, Minnesota WasteWise Consultants, offered a 268 free assessment for each business and specific to what they needed to recycle, 269 depending on whether a warehouse or office type business, and then helped the 270 business fill out the grant, and reviewed trash hauler bills. While most businesses 271 don't even review their trash hauler bills, considering it a given, Mr. Anderson 272 clarified that it is a controllable utility. Mr. Anderson provided another example 273 of a property entitled "Crossroads" with nine buildings, and a total grant of 274 $7,000, and now on track with a sustainable recycling program. Mr. Anderson 275 noted that many businesses do no recycling of any kind, and this program is 276 intended to start, improve, define or enhance waste and recycling, as well as 277 encouraging organics programs as applicable. Mr. Anderson noted that often, 278 businesses perceive a cost to recycling, whether real or ima fined but is found to 279 be mostly due to a lack of education. 280 281 In response to questions by commissi rs, Mr. Anderson advised that 282 commercial recycling bins are part of the grant program, allowing right -sizing of 283 dumpsters as more materials are diverted into recycling, also reducing costs 284 and/or reducing the frequency of pick-ups. IftL 285 286 Member Wozniak noted that the CEC fee is separately identified on each bill, and 287 Ramsey County has audit teams available to review records each year to ensure 288 that requirement is met and Ramsey County is collecting what is being billed by 289 trash haulers, so a lot of oversight was already built in. Member Wozniak advised 290 that the goal of the CEC was intended to raise awareness for businesses that 291 throwing things away was costing them money, and while it hasn't meet that 292 requirement to -date or worked as an incentive, these programs are designed to get 293 their attention and encourage them to do it now, and offer assistance to get them 294 started. 295 296 Mr. Anderson provided another example of a food truck that was seriously 297 composting: paper waste, organics, and even using compostable utensils. 298 299 Mr. Anderson noted that an advertising campaign was scheduled for October 300 through December of 2014 providing information on the new state law; with 301 articles intended for Chamber of Commerce and business publications, as well as 302 articles in county and municipal publications. Mr. Anderson advised that 303 BizRecycling sponsored events would be hosted, bringing the information to and 304 connecting the local business community, with a workshop for administrators and 305 executive directors at The Lode in White Bear Lake, as well as business meetings 306 in the City of Woodbury. By targeting business associations and civic 307 organizations, Mr. Anderson hoped it would provide that necessary educational 308 component, with funds available to incent their involvement and partnerships. 309 Page 7 of 16