Frequently Asked Questions. . .
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What is RDF? |
| Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) consists largely of the organic components of municipal, commercial and non-hazardous industrial solid waste but can also include plastics and other residues, depending on collection techniques. The RDF also contains inorganic residues that remain after removing the recyclable materials such as aluminum, glass, tin, and iron based materials. This processing of the solid waste stream is intended to raise the fuel value of the waste. | |
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How is RDF used? |
| The RDF produced that is produced in this system is utilized in dedicated boilers at power plants located in Elk River, Red Wing and Mankato, Minnesota. In the past, RDF has been combusted with coal in power plants and has been used in the cement kiln industry. Processes like pyrolysis and plasma arc gasification are potential technologies that can use RDF to provide energy for industrial use and electric power generation. | |
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Is RDF a renewable fuel? |
| Because no new fuel sources are used other than the waste that would otherwise be sent to landfills, municipal solid waste is often considered a renewable fuel. Internationally, RDF has complied with Kyoto Protocol measures and is considered a renewable fuel. |
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How does burning garbage in a waste-to-energy facility compare to using a burn barrel? |
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Backyard burning of garbage is unsafe, unhealthy and in generally against the law in Minnesota. For more information on burn barels, go to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Stop Backyard Burning page. |
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What are businesses required to recycle? |
| Minnesota businesses are required to recycle batteries, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, electronics. In addition, businesses must properly dispose of hazardous waste, such as paint, acids, lawn & garden chemicals, cleaners, old gasoline, and cleaning chemicals. Contact your county solid office to learn about what recycling and hazardous waste disposal options are available. | |
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What are residents required to recycle? |
| Residents are required to recycle car batteries, rechargeable batteries, motor oil and oil filters, and electronics such as tvs and computers. Residents should also properly dispose of paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, acids and other chemicals. Click here for a list of items that should not be thrown in your regular trash. | |
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Can MWPC come to my place of business or residence and pick up trash and recyclables? |
| No. But you can call LJP Waste and Recycling and they will be able to assist you. Click here to learn more about the services of LJP Waste and Recycling. | |
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What items are acceptable at MWPC? |
| We accept trash, cardboard, appliances and electronics. Click here for a list of items we can accept. | |
Individuals that use burn barrels are burning trash at low temperatures. Burning at low temperatures and burning materials such as plastics cause burn barrels to be extremely polluting. It is estimated that burn barrels are the largest source of dioxins, which are a very toxic and carcinogenic group of pollutants. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, a single household burn barrel can produce more dioxin than an entire municipal combustor burning 200 tons of waste per day, because the burn barrel has no pollution controls. Dioxin can also cause reproductive, developmental and immunological problems in humans and animals.