The State of Minnesota sets solid waste and recycling mandates and gives the Counties the responsibility to meet those mandates. Since adoption of the Waste Management Act of 1980 by the Minnesota Legislature, counties across the State have been contending with new concepts in solid waste management and how to deal with them. Landfill closures and shipping distances have increased the costs of managing solid waste. The Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management Board adopted a progressive stance towards solving solid waste problems.
