Environmental Benefits

• In 2006 40% of municipal solid waste was recycled; this saved 46 trillion BtU’s of energy, this is nearly the amount of energy needed to power all the homes in Ramsey County for one year.

• By increasing recycling, Minnesota reduced the amount of waste which is landfilled, landfills create harmful greenhouse gasses.

• In 2003 recycling resulted in a net reduction of greenhouse gases of 1.5 million tons, this is equal to taking over 1 million cars off the road.

• Recycling reduces air and water pollution; as well as conserves our natural resources.

Economic Benefits

• Minnesota throws away over 1 million tons of recyclable material each year. The 1 million tons of material which could be recycled has an estimated value of $312 million dollars. It costs Minnesota $200 million to dispose of this material.

• Currently recycling rates remain flat, while Minnesota is producing greater amounts of waste.

• Minnesota’s recycling industry is directly and indirectly responsible for 20,000 jobs; $64 million in tax revenue; and adds $2.98 billion to the state economy.

• From ’01-’03, many sectors of the Minnesota economy lost jobs; the recycling industry had a 3.4% gain in employment.

-Minnesota’s recycling and waste to energy facilities generate $10 million of annual sales.