The plan for managing the seven-county Minneapolis Metro Area's solid waste (SW) through the year 2017. Adheres to a vision of sustainability, by which the region will manage its SW in a manner that will not compromise future generations' ability to meet their own needs. Establishes 5 goals for the region, as the key components of sustainability. Describes how the region's SW mgmt. system is one of the most successful in the nation. Describes the challenges in handling rapidly increasing volumes of SW. Sets forth policies addressing the mgmt. practices of reduction, recycling, processing, landfilling, waste collection, governance & cost & finance policies.