Illicit discharge, outdoor storage, transporting haz waste

Summer 2024

How to transport hazardous waste (VSQGs only)

Very small quantity generators (VSQGs) may transport their hazardous waste to Ramsey County’s VSQG Collection Program given they follow transportation guidelines.

Here's a quick guide.

How to identify and report illicit discharge Illicit discharge is when pollutants and non-storm water materials enter a storm sewer system via surface flow, direct dumping or illegal connections to the system. Help spot illicit discharge by looking for the following: Individuals dumping liquids, animal waste, leaves, grass clippings or anything unidentifiable into a storm drain. Unusual colors or odors in surface water. Stains, unusual odors or structural damage to street surfaces. Dead or distressed fish, plants or other wildlife near surface water. Abnormal vegetative growth or sediment accumulation in water bodies. Pipes with flowing water during a dry period. Contact Ramsey County immediately if you see a potential illicit discharge. Other ways to help: Never dump anything into a storm sewer or storm drain. Make sure your business properly disposes of all wastes (hazardous, universal, regular trash and wastewater). Follow all hazardous waste regulations, including outdoor storage requirements (see below). Learn more and teach others about illicit discharge.

Closing or moving? Don’t leave hazardous waste onsite. If your business closes or moves, make sure all hazardous materials and/or wastes are removed and properly disposed of. This is required by Ramsey County’s hazardous waste management ordinance (RCHWMO, section 5.01) and is an important reason why we conduct closure inspections. Follow this requirement by contacting your inspector prior to your business closing, moving or even changing ownership. If you’re looking to purchase or rent a property, there should not be any hazardous waste left onsite. Look for clues during walkthroughs, such as containers or drums (labelled or unlabeled) of solvents, used oil and cleaning chemicals before purchasing or renting the property. Property owners have an important role, too. Hazardous waste abandoned by a previous tenant must then be managed by the property owner (RCHWMO, section 5.02). Avoid this tricky (and sometimes expensive) situation by ensuring tenants properly remove and dispose of all hazardous waste before moving out.

Outdoor storage requirements If you choose to store hazardous waste outdoors, keep in mind these additional requirements: Store liquids on a curbed impermeable surface, like a plastic spill tray. This means that if the container leaked, the surface below could contain the liquid. Make sure ignitable and moisture-sensitive wastes are protected from the sun and precipitation. Store them under overhead roofing, like a shed or awning. Tarps on top of containers do not meet this standard. Secure containers from unauthorized access. Some examples might include locked gates or sheds. Learn more about storing hazardous waste

Did you know?

In 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency estimated 600 million tons of construction and demolition waste were generated in the United States. That’s more than twice the amount of regular trash generated in the country!

One way to address this huge amount of waste is through deconstruction, which salvages items, preserves history, conserves resources and supports the local economy. Ramsey County can even help cover some of the cost of deconstruction.

News Flash

• Welcome Elizabeth Walsh and Bee Moua Yang, the newest members of the Solid & Hazardous Waste Compliance Team.
  
  
• We hope to host an in-person general hazardous waste training in the fall. Meanwhile, our online training is available anytime.
  
  
• 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.

Fall 2024
In-person hazardous waste training.

Winter 2025
Virtual hazardous waste training.

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.

Self-assessments
Use these optional forms to help your organization follow hazardous waste requirements.

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, 55119* and Facilities.
Molly Flynn: 55109, 55117.
Kaylee Long: 55112, 55113, 55432.
Ahmet Baysal: 55101*, 55102*, 55105*, 55107*, 55114*, 55116*, 55118*.
Bee M. Yang: 55103, 55104, 55106, 55130, 55155, 55414, 55421.

*Temporary territory assignment

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

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