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in Saint Paul, the greenhouse gas reductions achieved from recycling are over 1.00 times <br />greater than the greenhouse gas emission caused by collection. Managing trash has similar <br />transportation and processing requirements; however, trash provides little benefit and <br />wastes the embedded energy in materials, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and <br />pollutes the environment. <br />4. Measuring our impact in Minnesota <br />To quantify our climate impact from wasting in Minnesota, we need to have an in-depth <br />understanding of what we currently discard anal what we do with those discards. Using <br />two studies, outlined below, eve are able to compile an accurate picture of Minnesota's <br />total waste stream. Dividing the total waste stream by our population, we can understand <br />our individual impact. <br />What do Minnesotans Currently Waste and Recycle? <br />Since 1990, the State of Minnesota has produced a SCORE Report; an annual report on <br />recycling and waste management programs in Minnesota. The report is currently <br />compiled by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA): <br />SCOh.E is an annual examination of Mimiesota programs and data. The figures are <br />gathered through a fonalal survey of county solid waste officers. Analysis and <br />evaluation of this data helps the MPCA report on: <br />* Statewide recycling rates. <br />* Waste reduction efl"orts. <br />* Waste generation figures. <br />* Waste processing and disposal. <br />* SCORE finance and administration {M.PCA, 2008). <br />Table 1 shows the total amount of reported municipal solid waste (MSW) For the year <br />2006 (nrost recent available data) and the amount of reported recycling. Currently, <br />Minnesota reports about a 41% diversion rate. MSW estimates how much waste residents <br />generate throughout their daily routines. It includes waste generated in their homes as well <br />as waste generated at work places and commercial locations, such as restaurants, retail <br />stores, and other businesses. It does not include industrial, hazardous, or construction <br />waste. <br />~;S Yi~t` E' ~'~~3 t~St'C ~3~{l .`'+e 7~tz1 C~E.t: - <br />`.Sf t'..,4#t ~~ ~.t: t f l ~~ .~~#~):7i~ [ 5}~"S .'ti i{~ ~ 5..7 ~~: <br />Dis osal <br />Total Incinerated 1,200,000 19J% <br />Total Landfilled 2,200,000 36.1% <br />Other onsite dis oral, etc. 200,000 3.3% <br />Total Disposed 3,600,000 59% <br />Total Recycled 2,500,000 41% <br />Total MSW 6,100,000 <br />Page 6 <br />