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Recycling Program Background and Goals <br /> The purpose of this document is to identify appropriate and achievable goals through a curbside recycling <br /> program. The City currently operates its curbside program through a contract with a hauler for every <br /> other week, single stream collection of recyclable materials. Under the current contract, recyclable <br /> materials include glass containers, plastic containers, tubs and lids, metal beverage and food cans, <br /> newspaper, corrugated cardboard, boxboard (e.g. cereal, cake and chip boxes), aseptic cartons(e.g.juice, <br /> milk, soup and broth cartons), mixed mail, paperback books, magazines and phone books. The current <br /> recycling charge per month, per household, is $2.95. <br /> The City's current recycling program services all single family homes and townhomes. Apartment <br /> complexes and the manufactured home park are considered as commercial and are not covered by this <br /> contract. Ramsey's population is approximately 25,828 people (U.S. Census Bureau 2015 data) and <br /> includes an estimated 8,500 households (2014 Metropolitan Council data). <br /> Recycling across the state has 'plateaued' over the last decade or so, accounting for approximately forty- <br /> one percent (41%) of the total municipal solid waste stream. However, the Metropolitan Solid Waste <br /> Management Policy Plan 2010-2030 (MSWMPP 2010-2030) outlines objectives of a recycling rate of fifty- <br /> four percent to sixty percent (54-60%) by 2030. Accomplishing this objective will require a significant <br /> increase of materials recycled across the metropolitan area, including Ramsey. It is important to keep <br /> this objective in mind as goals of the local recycling program are identified. <br /> While the City wants to find the most cost-effective way to implement the recycling program, cost alone <br /> should not be the only factor in this decision. Other factors may bejust as important to ensure an efficient <br /> yet effective program. The following goals are intended to help guide the City as it contemplates its course <br /> of action with the current recycling contract set to expire at the end of 2017. <br /> • Maximize recovery of recyclable materials from residents of the community to ensure the City <br /> meets or exceeds the tonnage goal set by Anoka County <br /> o Anoka County sets an annual tonnage goal for each municipality that is based on 175 <br /> pounds per person for multi-family units (five [5] or more units) and 195 pounds per <br /> person for up to four(4) units(these goals are set with the objective within the MSWMPP <br /> 2010-2030). <br /> ■ Easily measured, can track on a monthly basis from curbside reports, and then <br /> add in data from recycling events. Reports must be consistent and provide a <br /> breakdown of materials and weights (currently, monthly report from curbside <br /> program includes newspaper, cardboard, magazines, low grade paper, glass, <br /> plastic, aluminum cans, tin cans). <br /> ■ Also want to receive a "Special Materials" list monthly that includes other, non- <br /> standard recyclable items (mattresses/box springs, tv-large/tv-small, tires, <br /> appliances, etc.)that are incorporated into reporting to the County. <br /> • Improve and Enhance Marketing and Public Education to Improve Participation and Recovery <br /> Rates <br /> o Program requirements (per annual Recycling Agreement with Anoka County) include at <br /> least one (1) promotion mailed to each household focused exclusively on the recycling <br /> program, one (1) promotion advertising recycling opportunities available for residents <br /> within the newsletter or local newspaper, and two (2) community outreach activities at <br /> municipal events to inform residents about recycling opportunities. Operating with a <br />