2026-0224 PWETC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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are welcome to ask questions throughout rather than waiting until the end Member Fergus asked for clarification about the food paper wrappers and liners that are exempt under the Green To Go ordinance, specifically wondering whether those materials are typically coated with wax or plastic. Ms. Bakken indicated she would just put those materials in the trash. Member Fergus said he was thinking of materials like parchment paper and questioned whether it would be overly burdensome for businesses to switch to compostable options for food paper wrappers and liners. Ms. Bakken explained that one challenge with food paper wrappers and liners is that it can be difficult to determine what type of coating they contain, such as wax or plastic, and whether they are truly compostable. She noted that she has not yet identified parchment -style products that are clearly compostable, though she acknowledged she could look into it further. She added that products certified as compostable, such as those labeled BPI, would qualify. Ms. Bakken also shared an update that the City's recycling hauler, Waste Management, is now accepting plastic -lined paper cups in its recycling stream, which changes previous guidance. Throughout 2025, compostable cups were essentially the only compliant option. However, Waste Management is currently the only material recovery facility in the Twin Cities accepting those cups, and acceptance does not yet extend to similar items, such as bowls. She cautioned that if contamination issues arise or other haulers report problems, the City may revisit whether those cups remain eligible for use. Under the ordinance, materials accepted by the City's residential recycling hauler qualify as compliant. Member Cicha asked how many restaurants are currently listed as compliant under the Green To Go program and how many remain noncompliant. Ms. Bakken estimated that Green To Go compliance is currently likely in the low 20% range. Midway through last year, it was around 19%, and she believes it has increased slightly since then. She said she will confirm the exact number from her spreadsheet and share updated figures with the Commission. Ms. Bakken highlighted the City's first clothing swap event, led by the 2025 sustainability intern, which she described as a major success. The event collected more than 2,100 pounds of clothing and drew 116 participants in a single afternoon. Donations were gathered from community members and local churches. At least half, and possibly up to two-thirds, of the clothing was redistributed directly to residents, with the remaining items donated to nonprofit organizations. She noted lessons learned, including the need for additional sorting time and the potential to expand the event to multiple days Page 10 of 18