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Waste Management

Issue

What is the appropriate waste management policy for Minnesota?

Policy

The Minnesota Chamber supports integrated waste management that protects the environment and relies on private-sector competition to provide cost-effective waste management options.
  • The law should state a desired outcome rather than specific management techniques. The desired outcome should be to protect the environment and achieve resource conservation. Economics must be a consideration in selecting waste management options. The Minnesota Chamber opposes any change in law that makes the hierarchy of waste management techniques prescriptive rather than guidance.
  • The law should seek to maximize the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - to the highest level that is economically practicable and sustainable. The meaning of "to maximize" must be analyzed and debated by government, citizens and the private sector. The law should encourage new technologies and promote a system that relies on the private sector and market competition. The private sector has invested significant capital in equipment, technology and process innovation.
  • Education, voluntary action and competitive markets are the keys to maximizing the three Rs. The Chamber opposes container deposit legislation, state-mandated advanced disposal fees and special taxes. Regulatory approaches are costly and create resistance. Educating waste generators on the benefits of maximizing the three Rs will lead to committed action that is sustainable in the long term (i.e., Minnesota Waste Wise).
  • The role of state government must be re-evaluated to reduce and minimize comprehensive planning and other requirements that do not focus on maximizing the three Rs. An outcome-based approach that emphasizes flexibility reduces the need for the government to plan and manage all aspects of the waste system.
  • The law should be streamlined so resources may be focused on maximizing the three Rs. Requirements and activities of state and local government that do not directly support maximizing the three Rs should be reduced or eliminated.

Business Impact

More government control of the solid waste system will result in increased state spending and higher taxes on businesses and consumers. Prescriptive regulatory options such as state-mandated advanced disposal fees, container deposit, product take-back and reduction mandates will increase costs for Minnesota manufacturers and retailers that will be passed on to customers. Government controls, taxes and regulatory approaches will make Minnesota business less competitive in the global marketplace. A waste management policy that relies on private-sector competition provides the most cost-effective opportunities for businesses and consumers to maximize resource conservation.

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