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133 <br />ground irrigation systems to consider retrofitting their irrigation system with water efficient <br />technologies. Due to the greater financial impact of retrofitting, the EPB felt that a carrot, rather <br />than a stick, approach would be better. <br />There continues to be a need for public education on the current status of groundwater availability <br />and conservation techniques and measures that could be implemented by individual property <br />owners to help reduce the demand on aquifers. Ramsey has a keen interest in this subject as it had <br />previously explored utilizing surface water from the Mississippi River as a source of drinking water. <br />However, this is truly a regional issue and one that Ramsey believes needs a regional solution. <br />Thus, instituting a education and awareness campaign around groundwater has the distinct ability <br />to help delay and defer any significant capital expenses that Ramsey may incur. <br />Solid Waste Reduction <br />Ramsey contracts with a single hauler for curbside service for single-family residential . This not <br />only helps with participation rates and education, but also helps reduce the number of trucks <br />traversing local streets (less wear and tear and likely reduces air pollutants as well). The curbside <br />program provides collection of recyclables on an every other week (EOW) schedule. Ramsey is <br />divided into an east side and west side for collection purposes, generally along Sunfish Lake Blvd <br />and Nowthen Blvd (with all residential properties south of Highway 10 being considered west). <br />In 2014, State Statute 115A.551 (Recycling) was amending to specify that by December 31, 2030, <br />each metropolitan county will have a goal to recycle seventy-five percent (75%), by weight, of the <br />total solid waste generated. Furthermore, it states that counties will develop or require political <br />subdivisions within the county to develop and implement programs, practices, and/or methods <br />designed to achieve this goal. <br />In recognition of this aggressive goal, Ramsey has created new and/or additional opportunities for <br />residents to properly dispose of recyclable materials. This includes expanding the list of acceptable <br />materials collected during Ramsey's Recycling Day events, which now accepts carpet, carpet <br />padding, textiles, motor oil, oil filters, and antifreeze. Additionally, Ramsey has added a third <br />Recycling Day (summer) event to provide an additional opportunity for residents to properly <br />dispose of materials generally not accepted through the curbside program. <br />After review of a recent metropolitan waste sort (completed for Hennepin County in 2016), it is <br />clear that organic materials represent the largest component remaining in trash. This represents a <br />potential opportunity to boost Ramsey's recycling tonnage, which led the city to implement an <br />organics recycling drop-off program. <br />Ramsey is providing `starter kits' at no cost to encourage residents to <br />participate in this program. There are carts located at the Public Works <br />Campus for participants to drop off their organics. Ramsey is continuing to <br />explore various options to expand and improve the organics program. This <br />could include a larger scale drop-off site and/or a curbside program is <br />yet another attempt to increase the amount of material diverted from <br />the trash to the recycling stream. <br />Cily of RAMSEY <br />August 2018 Draft <br />Comprehensive Plan 2040 <br />