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Minn. PCA Wants Ban On Trash Burning

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Jan 18, 2009 1:02 pm US/Central

Minn. PCA Wants Ban On Trash Burning

ST. PAUL (AP) ― The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is leading the push to end outdoor garbage burning, which is popular among rural farmers.

The MPCA's Mark Rust says a 2005 survey found that about half the people living in rural areas burned their garbage outside.

While state law bans most outdoor garbage burning, Rust says it gives farmers an exemption if they don't have a reasonable alternative, like access to a garbage pickup service.

Rust says the problem is most people don't realize how dangerous it can be to burn garbage. He says igniting trash can release cancer-causing dioxins.

In Lincoln County, officials have found one way to persuade farmers to stop burning. It has put nine Dumpsters out where rural residents can use them.

An official says the amount of trash being dropped off is almost double what was expected.

(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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