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Mr. Andersen reviewed the grant program and process, intentionally created to be <br /> simple, with a one-page grant application and no matching funds required. Mr. <br /> Andersen noted that the consultant, Minnesota WasteWise, offered a free <br /> assessment for each business and specific to what they needed to recycle, <br /> depending on whether a warehouse or office type business, and then helped the <br /> business fill out the grant, and reviewed trash hauler bills. While most businesses <br /> don't even review their trash hauler bills, considering it a given, Mr. Andersen <br /> clarified that it is a controllable utility. Mr. Andersen provided another example <br /> of a property entitled "Crossroads"with nine buildings, and a total grant of <br /> $7,000, and now on track with a sustainable recycling program. Mr. Andersen <br /> noted that many businesses do no recycling of any kind, and this program is <br /> intended to start, improve, define or enhance waste and recycling, as well as <br /> encouraging organics programs as applicable. Mr. Andersen noted that often, <br /> businesses perceive a cost to recycling, whether real or imagined, but is found to <br /> be mostly due to a lack of education. <br /> In response to questions by commissioners, Mr. Andersen advised that <br /> commercial recycling bins are part of the grant program, allowing right-sizing of <br /> dumpsters as more materials are diverted into recycling, also reducing costs <br /> and/or reducing the frequency of pick-ups. <br /> Member Wozniak noted that the CEC fee is separately identified on each bill, and <br /> Ramsey County has audit teams available to review records each year to ensure <br /> that requirement is met and Ramsey County is collecting what is being billed by <br /> trash haulers, so a lot of oversight was already built in. Member Wozniak advised <br /> that the goal of the CEC was intended to raise awareness for businesses that <br /> throwing things away was costing them money, and while it hasn't meet that <br /> requirement to-date or worked as an incentive, these programs are designed to get <br /> their attention and encourage them to do it now, and offer assistance to get them <br /> started. <br /> Mr. Andersen provided another example of a food truck that was seriously <br /> composting: paper waste, organics, and even using compostable utensils. <br /> Mr. Andersen noted that an advertising campaign was scheduled for October <br /> through December of 2014 providing information on the new state law; with <br /> articles intended for Chamber of Commerce and business publications, as well as <br /> articles in county and municipal publications. Mr. Andersen advised that Biz <br /> Recycling sponsored events would be hosted, bringing the information to and <br /> connecting the local business community, with a workshop for administrators and <br /> executive directors at The Lodge in White Bear Lake, as well as business <br /> meetings in the City of Woodbury. By targeting business associations and civic <br /> organizations, Mr. Andersen hoped it would provide that necessary educational <br /> component, with funds available to incept their involvement and partnerships. <br /> Page 7 of 16 <br />