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New resources, staff updates, available grants |
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The Haz Waste Quarterly gathered some dust over the past year. We return with staff updates, new resources and hazardous waste information. We hope this finds you and your business well, and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Respectfully, The Solid & Hazardous Waste Compliance Team
Tips to stay on top of hazardous waste regulations with a changing workforce
The shifting workforce has been challenging for many. Competing priorities and staff shortages sometimes mean hazardous waste management is put on the backburner. Consider these tips to ensure your business stays in compliance.
Read more
 Ramsey County recently entered into a hazardous waste joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to increase efficiency in hazardous waste regulation.
Read more
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Online hazardous waste training now in Spanish
Ramsey County’s online hazardous waste training is now available in Spanish. Both the English and Spanish trainings are free and available anytime. This training is a great first step in understanding the basics of managing hazardous waste, especially if your business has experienced staff turnover recently. All employees with hazardous waste or emergency response duties should be trained in hazardous waste management. Learn more
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Reminder to manage infectious waste correctly
Recently, Ramsey and Washington counties were notified of several incidents where commercial and residential solid waste (e.g., regular trash) contained what appeared to be improperly disposed of infectious waste. We kindly remind all entities producing infectious waste (including pathological) to ensure it is managed and disposed of correctly. Use the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s infectious waste management fact sheet to learn what to do with infectious waste.
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Solid & hazardous waste staff updates
Ramsey County’s Solid & Hazardous Waste Compliance Team has some new faces! Joining the team are Mindy, Elsie, Ryan and Terese. Learn more about the new staff below.
Mindy Stepnick (top left) was promoted to supervisor of Solid & Hazardous Waste Compliance. Previously, Mindy led outreach, education and planning work for the unit. Mindy has worked for the county for 15 years, including working as an inspector in the food/beverage/lodging program.
After a brief internship, Elsie Lundquist (top right) joined the team in December 2021. She is a hazardous waste and pre-demolition inspector. Elsie teaches swim lessons in her community and enjoys long car rides.
Territory: 55103, 55104, 55106, 55130, 55155, 55414, 55421
Ryan Lundgren (bottom left) joined the team in October 2021. His role includes conducting inspections, overseeing solid waste facility and hauler licensing, and managing County Environmental Charge (CEC) administration. Ryan previously worked in petroleum remediation and brownfields at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He enjoys cooking, camping and fishing in his free time.
Terese Bordeau (bottom right) joined the team in February 2022 and is equal parts inspector, project manager and communicator. Previously, she spent seven years with Ramsey County focused on recycling and waste education, including coordinating the Fix-it Clinics. She enjoys cooking, meditation and learning about outer space.
Territory: 55449 and 55108
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Grant Spotlight
Consider applying for the following grants to help your business reduce pollution and show environmental stewardship.
- Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy offers funding to dry cleaners, auto body shops, industrial painters and printers to switch to safer chemicals and modern equipment. Apply by December 31 to get up to $50,000 (or 75% of project costs).
- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency offers funding to small businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations to reduce air emissions. Apply by July 27 to get up to $25,000.
Resource Spotlight
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency publishes fact sheets about hazardous waste identification and management. If you have a hazardous waste question, chances are there’s a fact sheet about it.
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Hazardous waste training webinar
We are planning a webinar-style hazardous waste training for Fall 2022 (date and time TBD). Stay tuned. |
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Hazardous waste portal
Update contact information, see your hazardous waste management plan and more with our online portal.
Hazardous waste fact sheets
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency publishes fact sheets covering a variety of hazardous waste topics.
Hazardous waste management vendor list
This list (PDF) provides information on businesses that dispose of or recycle hazardous waste.
Online hazardous waste training
Ramsey County’s free, on demand hazardous waste training available in English and Spanish.
Report a spill or release
Learn who to contact if your business has a hazardous material spill.
Grant Roundup
BizRecycling
BizRecycling helps businesses, non-profits, schools, apartment buildings and institutions in Ramsey and Washington counties reduce waste and recycle better.
Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant
Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy offers funding to support businesses, non-profits, schools and colleges to implement projects that prevent waste.
Business Pollution Prevention Program
Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy offers funding to dry cleaners, auto body shops, industrial painters and printers to switch to safer chemicals and modern equipment.
MPCA Grants & Loans
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency offers grants and financial assistance for environmental projects in Minnesota.
Inspector Territories
Elsie Lundquist: 55103, 55104, 55106, 55130, 55155, 55414, 55421
Erin Wetzstein: 55101, 55102, 55105, 55107, 55114, 55116, 55118
Paul Gelbmann: 55110, 55119, 55126,55127, 55144 and Facilities
Ahmet Baysal: 55112, 55113, 55432
Molly Flynn: 55109, 55117
Terese Bordeau: 55108, 55449
Self-audits are now distributed according to ZIP code.
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