Strengthened regional and State collaborations through the Reciprocal Use Program and MPCA HHW Contract. The following indicators demonstrate achievements of county and regional programs. Further gains in the area of product stewardship are expected in the future. The region used HHW drop-off locations as an educational opportunity to teach residents about purchasing decisions and waste management practices. About the Indicator Vehicles served represents a general indication of the level of participation in HHW programs.
Counties also estimate number of households served based on information provided by participants.
Some wastes are weighed, such as batteries, but many of the waste streams are measured with volume measures such as gallons or drums. These volume measures are converted to pounds so that a total figure can be calculated and trends assessed. Conversion factors are based on actual samples of wastes collected at metropolitan program sites. Collection of electronic equipment began in 1996, which is partly responsible for the increase in household hazardous waste collected from 1995 to 1996. In accordance with Minnesota's waste management hierarchy, most HHW collected was recycled or fuel-blended.