ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) released a plan Tuesday to manage the growing waste problem in the Twin Cities metro over the next two decades.
MPCA says the Twin Cities metro, which encompasses seven counties, produces more trash each year. In 2021, the area produced 3.3 million tons of waste.
The MPCA's waste-reducing plan stretches out over 20 years. The next step is for county governments to develop a plan to meet the requirements of the state roadmap, a process that should take about nine months, according to a news release sent out Tuesday.
As part of the waste-reduction plan, counties will be required to add resources for recycling and composting in multi-family housing buildings. By 2030, curbside compost collection will be required for cities with more than 5,000 residents.
Also highlighted in the plan is boosting support for grocery stores, restaurants and food processors to cut down on waste.
In response to public comments, the MPCA also boosted the Twin Cities waste reduction goal from 5% to 15%.
For metro residents, the MPCA is asking that you buy used goods when possible, use reusable bags and containers, and try composting food waste for one month to see that it actually is possible.
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