ST. PAUL
Minnesotans are generating more trash, a sign the economy seems to be growing, the state Pollution Control Agency says.
It said trash disposal is up 4 percent this year after declining in 2009 and 2010, two years in which the economy had soured.
The agency said historical trends show the volume of materials generated by state residents and businesses tends to increase as the economy grows and to decrease when it contracts. Recycling rates in recent years have remained relatively flat.
Saying household waste typically increases 25 percent between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the agency suggested several measures to reduce trash. They include composting food scraps, re-using bags and paper and buying gifts made from recycled materials.
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Distributed by MCT Information Services
