More waste and disposal also expands Minnesota's long-term environmental risks. However, waste prevention and waste recovery reduce pollution by avoiding harmful emissions and conserve natural resources and energy. As many Minnesota companies already know, using less materials and energy is efficient and provides a competitive edge. Minnesota's flourishing economy, growing population and low unemployment rate are a few reasons why there is more trash. However, it is unclear if it is residents or businesses that are responsible for the growth.
Preliminary data suggest that both residents and businesses are generating more waste.
Changes in lifestyle, commerce and manufacturing may all play a role in waste growth. Minnesota's per capita personal income has steadily increased throughout the 1990s, allowing consumers to buy more and throw more away in the trash can. There is evidence that even in poor economic conditions waste growth continues but at lower rates. The act's purpose is to foster an integrated solid waste system that recovers assets such as raw materials and energy from waste, thereby reducing the need for landfilling. Minnesota's modest investment in recovery is returning significant environmental and economic benefits.