Training, solvent recyclers, closed containers

December 2023

Sign up for Dec. 13 virtual hazardous waste training

Join this free webinar to learn about managing hazardous waste in Ramsey County. Topics will include hazardous waste licensing, storage, documentation and emergency planning. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion.

Wednesday, Dec. 13

9 - 11:30 a.m.

Teams Webinar

Register

Can't make it? Ramsey County offers an online hazardous waste training in English and Spanish. This training is free and available anytime.

Training requirements according to generator size Hazardous waste training requirements differ slightly depending on generator size. Use this guide to stay compliant.

Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQG)

• Training is recommended, but not required by hazardous waste state statute.
• However, VSQGs may be required to train employees under other government entities, like the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) or the Department of Transportation (DOT). More information

Small Quantity Generators (SQG)

• One-time training is required. Refreshers are not required.
• Train employees within six months of starting hazardous waste responsibilities.
• Keep records (employee name, training date and description of training) for three years after an employee stops hazardous waste duties. More information

Large Quantity Generators (LQG)

• Training is required annually.
• Train employees within six months of starting hazardous waste responsibilities.
• Keep records (employee name, training date and description of training) for three years after an employee stops hazardous waste duties.
• General hazardous waste training alone is insufficient. Additional, site-specific training is needed. More information

Don’t know your generator size? Check your hazardous waste license or contact your inspector.

Thank you to Ramsey County’s Business Advisory Council for suggesting this topic.

Use solvents more efficiently with the Business Pollution Prevention Program The Business Pollution Prevention Program provides technical and financial assistance (up to $50,000) to help businesses switch to safer chemicals, reduce the use of harmful chemicals, and install efficient equipment. Escape Climbing, a wall climbing molds designer and manufacturer in Little Canada, recently used the Business Pollution Prevention Program to install a solvent recycler to reclaim isopropyl alcohol. Solvent recyclers allow solvents to be reused several times before disposal. This results in decreased solvent use, hazardous waste generation and associated costs. Early pollution reduction results are positive, with Escape Climbing on track to recover 65 gallons of isopropyl alcohol every year. This will reduce their hazardous waste volume by one-third and save nearly $900 annually. Your business can explore pollution prevention opportunities, like solvent recyclers, dust collectors, chemical swaps, and much more with the Business Pollution Prevention Program.

What a 'closed container' means Failure to properly close hazardous waste containers is a common violation with a simple solution. Closed means the lid is secured so no waste is released if the container fell or tipped over. Physical fastening is required. Lids that shut by gravity alone are insufficient. Examples of properly closed containers: A 55-gallon drum with the lid snapped on and/or bung cap tightly screwed into place. A funnel has a lid that is properly latched when the funnel is secured onto a drum or tank. A 5-gallon container with used oil has a lid that is snapped closed. When can containers be open? When adding or removing hazardous waste.

Did you know?

• Very small quantity generators can use Ramsey County’s VSQG Collection Program to dispose of hazardous waste.
  
  
• Ramsey County has a vendor list to help generators research disposal options for hazardous and universal waste.
  
  
• Xcel Energy offer rebates to businesses who switch to energy-efficient lighting.

News Flash

• Save the date for a hazardous waste annual report workshop on Jan. 18, 2024 at Ramsey County Environmental Health in Maplewood. This open house-style event will provide hands-on technical assistance from inspectors as you fill out your 2023 annual report. More information to come.
  
  
• The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program is recruiting host sites for their 2024 summer intern program. MnTAP interns offer tailored suggestions to improve efficiency, save money, reduce waste or decrease regulatory obligations. Learn more
  
  
• Previous editions of the Haz Waste Quarterly can be found on our website. You can also email us with article suggestions.
  
  
• 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.

Virtual hazardous waste training
Dec. 13, 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Register

Annual report workshop (open house)
Jan. 18, 2024
Ramsey County Environmental Health (Maplewood, MN)
More information to come.

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.

VSQG collection program
Very small quantity generators can bring hazardous waste to Ramsey County's hazardous waste collection site (fees apply).

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
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

Do you have feedback or ideas for the Haz Waste Quarterly? Let us know.

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