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Self assessments, school wastes, new staff |
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Consider self-assessments to maintain hazardous waste compliance
Generators don’t need to wait for an inspection to check up on their hazardous waste management practices. Instead, consider adding periodic hazardous waste self-assessments to stay on track.
Read more
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Reduce your pollution footprint with the Business Pollution Prevention Program
The Business Pollution Prevention Program provides technical and financial assistance to help businesses reduce the use of harmful chemicals, switch to safer, more sustainable chemicals, and install modern, high-efficiency equipment. There are many opportunities for pollution prevention in businesses, especially related to hazardous waste and indoor and outdoor air quality.
“The grant program was a game-changer for my shop,” said Paul O’Leary, owner of O’Leary Auto Body in Willernie, Minnesota. “All of us working here are in a cleaner and healthier environment as well as our neighbors. Productivity is up with the new equipment we purchased with the grant. I’m very happy this went through for us.”
O’Leary received $50,000 in 2022 to upgrade his shop to be compatible with low VOC (volatile organic compound) water-based paint.
Your business could qualify for up to $50,000 in grant funding.
Get started reducing your business’ pollution footprint.
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Hazardous waste in schools
With many schools back in session, it’s important to understand how to identify and manage hazardous waste in academic settings. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has a fact sheet with guidance on hazardous wastes commonly generated at schools, such as lab chemicals, art education wastes, building maintenance wastes, vaping devices and pharmaceuticals. Read carefully! Some components of hazardous waste regulations are different specifically for schools. Read the fact sheet to learn more.
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Welcome Zekima and Kaylee!
Zekima Rashid (left) joined Solid and Hazardous Waste Compliance in May as an intern. She is a student at St. Catherine University majoring in public health with a public policy focus. This fall, Zekima begins coursework for her master’s in public health. In her free time, Zekima enjoys spending time with family and friends, painting, reading and Korean dramas. Welcome Zekima!
Following her internship, Kaylee Long (right) is now a full-time permanent inspector on the hazardous waste team. Her territory includes ZIP codes 55112, 55113 and 55432. When not at work, Kaylee enjoys hunting, fishing and attending Minnesota Wild hockey games whenever she can with family and friends. Keep up the great work Kaylee!
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Tanks vs. containers
Hazardous waste tanks and containers have specific definitions and regulations. Here’s a quick guide:
In essence, a tank is stationary, and a container is portable. Follow MPCA requirements for containers and tanks, noting there are some differences between the two categories. There are also some differences in tank requirements depending on generator size.
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News Flash
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Did you know? Lithium-ion batteries are a significant fire hazard in the solid waste system. They can easily become damaged and catch fire while in garbage trucks and at solid waste facilities, which is why they shouldn’t go in the trash. Lithium-ion batteries are considered universal waste in Minnesota. Here’s how to manage them.
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Interns play an important role at Ramsey County Environmental Health, with many finding full-time permanent positions in the division. If you or someone you know is interested in an internship, please email Mindy Stepnick.
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If your business closes, moves or changes ownership, let your hazardous waste inspector know as soon as possible. Your inspector will help you update your license.
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We apologize! If you received an email from GovDelivery stating you had been unsubscribed from the "Hazardous Waste Portal List", please ignore. No action is needed. Licensed generators will continue to receive the Haz Waste Quarterly. Indeed, real life humans (and occasional human error) are behind this newsletter.
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Hazardous waste training webinar
We are planning a webinar-style hazardous waste training for December 2023 (date and time TBD). Stay tuned. |
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Hazardous waste portal
Fill out and review annual reports, update contact information and more.
Hazardous waste fact sheets
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency publishes fact sheets covering a variety of hazardous waste topics.
Hazardous waste management vendor list
Information on businesses that recycle or dispose of 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.
BizRecycling 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
This program offers technical and financial assistance to help businesses reduce the use of harmful chemicals, transition to safer, more sustainable chemicals, and install modern, high-efficiency equipment.
Deconstruction Grant
Commercial properties in Ramsey County can receive up to $10,000 for projects that use deconstruction/salvage techniques.
MPCA Grants & Loans
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency offers grants and financial assistance for environmental projects in Minnesota.
Inspector Territories
Terese Bordeau: 55108, 55449
Paul Gelbmann: 55110, 55126, 55127, 55144 and Facilities
Molly Flynn: 55109, 55117
Kaylee Long: 55112, 55113, 55432
Ryan Lundgren: 55119
Elsie Lundquist: 55103, 55104, 55106, 55130, 55155, 55414, 55421
Erin Wetzstein: 55101, 55102, 55105, 55107, 55114, 55116, 55118
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