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Mr. Andersen noted that Ramsey County often heard from businesses that start-up <br /> costs for new businesses were a barrier, and this is one response to reducing the <br /> impacts of those start-up costs. Mr. Andersen noted that there were starter and <br /> bin grants available of up to $10,000 for equipment, supplies, and/or containers, <br /> now available by applying online at www.lesstrash.com. <br /> Mr. Andersen reviewed the success of the organic recycling rewards program at <br /> the St. Paul Hotel, and their annual savings at $25,000, even though it took <br /> multiple efforts for Minnesota WasteWise to define and work out a relationship <br /> before the Hotel's Director of Operations was on board, but now they were <br /> diverting 90% of the waste that went through that hotel. <br /> Mr. Andersen noted other programs already in place and available to Roseville <br /> Schools for the "Food to Hogs"program, a private business, along with other <br /> private compost sites for organics from those institutions and managed under <br /> Department of Health regulations. <br /> At the request of Member Felice, Mr. Andersen confirmed that non-profits and <br /> churches are also eligible for this grant program. <br /> Member Wozniak advised that one reason he wanted this proposal to the PWETC <br /> was the interest shown by some Roseville churches in wishing to expand <br /> recycling to join with Eureka Recycling; with this program allowing them to do <br /> so; with Minnesota WasteWise reviewing individual bills and helping those <br /> entities shop around for the best option for their specific operation. <br /> Mr. Andersen noted that commercial businesses have more than one option for <br /> their recyclables, unlike the residential curbside pick-ups contracted for with the <br /> City for pick-up. <br /> Discussion ensued regarding labels available as part of the grant program and <br /> providing consistency throughout the metropolitan area; the hierarchy of <br /> recycling for food stuffs from restaurants or grocery stores and served to humans, <br /> as a consumable product and not part of this program at this time. <br /> Mr. Andersen advised that, while this program is very new, the goal was to reach <br /> the state's mandated goal, and to generate more interest in organic recycling, and <br /> increase route densities to provide a viable business model for haulers. Mr. <br /> Andersen noted that businesses need to concentrate on their business, and not <br /> primarily focus on recycling, and the goal of this program is to make it simple and <br /> cost-effective to recycle. <br /> Further discussion included how the City and the PWETC can facilitate getting <br /> this information to businesses by partnering with Chambers of Commerce and <br /> make everyone aware of the potential and financial benefits; and limited <br /> Page 8 of 16 <br />