Utilizing Policy & AI-Powered Sorting to Reduce Organic Waste in Twin Cities, Minnesota Landfills
Abstract
How can solid waste management issues be remediated with sustainable or smart waste management in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota?
Introduction & Problem Statement
The current waste management method in the Twin Cities fails to tackle organic waste, a principal inhibitor of developing environmental sustainability in the area. Twin Cities’ current plan, created by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, relies on high-emission Waste-to- Energy facilities, which negatively impact residents and the city’s environment. Additionally, the plan’s inability to account for organic waste has led to groundwater contamination and poor air quality for the areas closest to landfills. Not only that, but organic waste in landfills produces high amounts of methane that increase global warming.
Proposed Solutions & Approach
To address this issue, two approaches will be made: passing legislation forcing large commercial food generators to sort their organic waste from municipal solid waste, and implementing AI-sorting technology to sort out organic waste at high volumes. The overall economic cost of this plan is estimated to be $25,733,803.90.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
The current plan projects $25 million in benefits, which includes long-term investments in machinery to directly address the solid waste issue, the ability to spread awareness on waste management through education, and new job opportunities. There will be additional social costs with this proposal as well, regarding potential job loss for waste management workers and potential resistance from business owners to the legislation. However, there are additional social benefits that include increased well-being of waste management workers through the reduction of pollutants and harmful materials that they have consistent exposure to, as well as potential job generation to help maintain the machines. Moreover, the overall well-being of the community will be improved through the lowering of emissions and education on waste management. Overall, these proposed solutions will better the health, environment, and economy of Twin Cities while providing a fix to the area’s organic waste issue.”
