Haz Waste Quarterly - Fall 2024

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 11/18/2024 02:05 PM CST

e-Manifest, PFAS, license timeline

Fall 2024

Use EPA’s e-Manifest to track hazardous waste shipments

Bird's eye view of warehouse and employee with laptop

A manifest tracks a hazardous waste shipment from its initial shipping location to its final destination. Learn more about accessing official manifest records stored in the Environmental Protection Agency's e-Manifest system.

Hand placing wooden blocks on table with blocks spelling PFAS.

PFAS and hazardous waste

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are human-made, long-lasting chemicals used in many consumer, commercial and industrial products. While scientific studies have found some PFAS exposure is linked to harmful health effects, the potential toxicity and danger to human health and the environment of this diverse group of chemicals has yet to be thoroughly studied.

Many government agencies are working to address the growing problem of PFAS. For example, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s PFAS Blueprint identifies strategies for preventing, managing and cleaning up PFAS. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing PFAS-related changes to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs hazardous waste regulation. Ramsey County will make sure to inform generators on potential future changes in hazardous waste regulation that take affect at the local level.

Learn more about PFAS and PFAS use prohibitions in Minnesota.

What to expect throughout the license year

If you have a hazardous waste license with Ramsey County, here’s what to expect every year. Consider setting up reminders or calendar events to help you stay on top of things. As it relates to the current license year (May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025):

May 1, 2024: License year began. Print and post your new license.
Early Jan. 2025: Annual reports for 2024 are emailed. Report how much waste you generated in 2024.
Jan. 16, 2025: Annual report open house. Get in-person assistance from the inspection team. See News Flash below.
Jan. 31, 2025: Annual reports for 2024 are due. Submit them on time to avoid a late fee.
March/April, 2025: License fees are emailed. Pay your fee to get your renewed license.
April 30, 2025: License year ends and payments are due.
May 1, 2025: The 2025-2026 license year begins.
Anytime: Routine inspections and inspector available for questions.

Resource spotlight: Small business environmental improvement loans

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency offers no-interest loans up to $75,000 to small businesses to improve their practices to meet or exceed environmental regulations. Loans can be used for contaminated site cleanups or projects that reduce onsite air emissions or waste generation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more

Did you know?

Hazardous waste management in healthcare settings can be challenging with many competing priorities. Set your healthcare facility up for success by reading the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s factsheet on healthcare wastes.

News Flash

2024 hazardous waste annual reports will be sent out in early January 2025. You must fill out your 2024 report and pay your license fee to renew your license for the 2025-2026 season. If applicable, applications to renew feedstock/by-product exemptions will be sent as well.
Our annual report open house is Thursday, Jan. 16, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Drop in for in-person assistance from inspectors as you fill out your 2024 hazardous waste annual report.
Grants are available to identify and reduce sources of PFAS in Minnesota. Sponsored by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis or until April 2, 2025. Learn more
Nov. 19 webinar on deconstruction and salvage is open to all. Ramsey County inspector, Molly Flynn, and others will teach this one-hour webinar organized by RETHOS. They will introduce solutions to reduce construction and demolition waste and offer resources for connecting with local salvage organizations. Learn more
Rebates are available for lead-free fishing tackle. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency offers retail establishments up to $3,000 in rebates on purchases of lead-free tackle for sale to consumers. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more

Annual report open house
Jan. 16, 2025, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
More information

Virtual hazardous waste training
Winter 2025

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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651-266-1199
AskEH@co.ramsey.mn.us
www.RamseyRecycles.com

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