State recycling could be outsourced

A plan to outsource the state’s recycling operations got the OK from a House committee. Supporters argue it’s a technical change, but opponents say it might lower environmental standards.

Sponsored by Rep. Kirk Stensrud (R-Eden Prairie), HF1470 would allow the Department of Administration to outsource the state’s waste removal activities. The House Government Operations and Elections Committee approved the bill April 18. It now goes to the floor. Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood) sponsors SF1266, which awaits action by the Senate.

The department is currently responsible for ensuring that at least 60 percent of all solid waste produced by state offices is recycled. It has traditionally run the program itself; however, last year the department used an exception in the law to outsource the work to a company that hires workers who are developmentally disabled.

Dave Fielding, director of plant management for the department, said the move to a private contractor will save the state $1.5 million over five years. He said the bill would merely formalize changes that have already been made administratively.

“We’ve got something here that, quite frankly, I think the state was micromanaging. And what this represents is an attempt to get it back to a point of reasonable oversight,” Fielding said.

Some committee members expressed concern about a provision that would turn the 60 percent requirement from a mandate to a goal. Fielding said the change is intended only to reduce administrative burdens on the department, but Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) opposed the change.

“Why get rid of the 60 percent requirement? Why not leave that in place and make that a requirement for the vendor?” Winkler said.

Fielding said the Pollution Control Agency already monitors the environmental impact of the recycling program, and would continue to do so regardless of who runs it.

Stensrud successfully amended the bill to include a provision that would allow the state to hire a private company to provide its waste removal services.