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Hennepin County > Recycling and hazardous waste > Hazardous waste regulations and inspections

Hazardous waste regulations and inspections

All hazardous waste generators must comply with basic management requirements that provide for the safe handling and proper disposal of all hazardous waste.

Additional requirements apply to certain generator size categories, which are determined by the quantity of waste generated. The larger the generator, the more extensive the requirements.

To ensure compliance, hazardous waste generators are subject to unannounced inspections. Generators may face fines or court appearances if they are not in compliance with the hazardous waste rules.

Environmental protection specialist

hwgsupport@hennepin.us

Phone: 612-348-3777

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Hazardous waste regulations

The full hazardous waste rules are outlined in Minn. Rules Chapter 7045. The Minnesota Hazardous Waste Rules (Chapter 7045) are based on federal hazardous waste rules. As the federal government adopts new rules or amends existing rules, the state of Minnesota revises its rules. The state can choose to be more stringent than the federal government in its regulation of hazardous waste generators.

In turn, Hennepin County adopts the state rules in Ordinance 07, Hazardous Waste Management for Hennepin County.

Generator size

Your generator size is determined by the amount of hazardous waste you generate per month. Certain wastes do not count toward generator size (examples include used oil, lead acid batteries, and fluorescent lamps).

Large Quantity Generator (LQG)

  • Generates 2,200 pounds or more of hazardous waste per month (about 4 drums liquid) or,
  • Generates 2.2 pounds or more hazardous waste that is considered acute toxic waste per month
  • See Large Quantity Generator management requirements (PDF) for more information.

Small Quantity Generator (SQG)

  • Generates greater than 220 pounds but less than 2200 pounds of hazardous waste per month (about ½ to 4 drums liquid)
  • See Small Quantity Generator management requirements (PDF) for more information.

Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)

  • See Very Small Quantity Generator management requirements (PDF) for more information.
  • Generates 220 pounds or less of hazardous waste per month (about ½ drum liquid or less)

Minimal Generator (MIG)

  • A class of VSQGs established by Hennepin County Ordinance 07 that only generate certain types of waste
  • See Minimal Generator management requirements (PDF) for more information.
Compliance inspections

All hazardous waste generators in Hennepin County are inspected. Inspections are conducted to help ensure that your business is properly managing its hazardous waste and provide an opportunity for you to learn more about managing hazardous waste.

The following are answers to some frequently asked questions that will help you know what to expect the next time an inspector visits your facility.

Why am I being inspected?

  • Inspections can be conducted for several reasons. The inspection could be routine, could be the result of a recent complaint filed with the county, or could be a follow up from a prior inspection. Inspections are conducted to evaluate your business’ compliance with the Hazardous Waste Rules.
  • Inspectors have the legal authority to enter your facility and conduct an inspection under the Hennepin County Hazardous Waste Ordinance.

Tip: Although inspections are regulatory in nature, inspectors can help you better understand the hazardous waste rules and how to manage your waste properly. Be sure to ask them any questions you have about hazardous waste management and rules.

When can I expect to be inspected?

  • All inspections are done unannounced, but they will occur during regular business hours.
  • Upon arrival, the inspector will introduce him/herself and provide proper identification. The inspector will ask for the site contact. If the site contact is unavailable, they will ask for someone who is familiar with your facility, wastes and processes.
  • Because inspections are unannounced, the inspector understands that you may need to juggle schedules or make other arrangements to accommodate the inspection that day. Be aware that the inspector will not come back at a more convenient time just because you are unavailable.
  • The frequency that your operation is inspected depends on your generator size and assigned risk. Your risk may be adjusted based on your business’s compliance with hazardous waste rules. If serious or repeat violations are observed, you may be inspected more frequently. If your business demonstrates that you are in full compliance, you will have less frequent inspections.

Tip: It’s a good idea to have several people on site that are knowledgeable with hazardous waste rules just in case you have a change in staff or you are unavailable when the inspector shows up at your facility.

How will the inspection begin?

  • The inspector will ask you to describe what your company does and the types of operations and processes that you have at your site. The inspector will also review the wastes generated and amounts reported on your annual relicensing application.

Tip: Knowing how wastes are generated at your site will help the inspector understand your facility operation better, ensuring a smoother inspection.

What areas of my facility will the inspector want to see?

  • The inspector will want to visit all areas where waste is generated, handled, processed, treated and stored, as well as your emergency equipment storage areas.
  • During the walk-through, the inspector may ask other personnel questions about the processes or wastes generated in their work areas.
  • The inspector will take notes and will sometimes take pictures and samples.

Tip: Inform the inspector of your site safety procedures and ask questions at any time during the inspection for clarification.

What types of records will the inspector ask to review?

The inspector will want to review:

  • Receipts, shipping papers/logs, and waste manifests for hazardous and non-hazardous wastes that have been shipped in past three years.
  • Industrial discharge permits and analytical reports (if applicable).
  • The past three years of weekly container inspection logs (if applicable).
  • Self-monitoring records and operation records (if applicable).

The inspector may review and photocopy material safety data sheets of chemicals used and any laboratory analyses done on wastes to determine which wastes are hazardous or non-hazardous and how to properly manage them.

Large quantity generators will need to provide additional records, such as yearly personnel training documentation and a contingency plan.

Tip: Keeping records well-organized and accessible will help keep the inspection time to a minimum and enhance your ability to comply with record-keeping requirements.

What happens after the inspection?

  • The inspector will review observations made, go over any violations noted, request clarification if necessary, and inform you if more information is needed. The inspector will provide you with any information that is needed for your company to manage your waste properly.
  • Corrective actions that need to be completed will either be left with the contact at the inspection or a letter will be sent to the company at a later date with a deadline for corrective actions to be completed.
  • The generator usually needs to submit a written response that describes how each violation observed during the inspection was corrected.
  • Unresolved issues can lead to a re-inspection of the facility or enforcement, including citations with a payable fine or citations requiring a mandatory court appearance.

Tip: Consider setting up a self-assessment program at your facility that could be conducted on a regular basis. This would help you stay in compliance with hazardous waste rules by regularly walking through your facility and noting any issues that may need further attention.

Remember that although inspections are regulatory in nature, they are also designed to be educational. Cooperating with the inspector and correcting any concerns is the key to a successful inspection.

Recognizing generators with no violations

This listing recognizes generators and facilities for having a hazardous waste program that is in full compliance with hazardous waste rules and regulations. This list shows that not only is it possible for generators or facilities of any size to be in full compliance during inspections, but that it also happens with some frequency.

Hazardous waste generators with no violations

  • July 2024 (PDF, 140 KB)
  • July 2022 to June of 2023 (PDF)
  • June 2022 to November 2022 (PDF)
  • August 2021 - June 2022 (PDF)
  • May 2021 - October 2021 (PDF)
Consequences of non-compliance - fines and citations

Hazardous waste inspectors are authorized to issue citations for violations of Hennepin County Ordinance 07 and Minnesota Hazardous Waste Rules, Chapter 7045, as incorporated by reference in the ordinance.

The citation fine schedule includes specific penalties for many hazardous waste violations. Citations can be resolved without a court appearance by paying the scheduled penalty. The fine schedule does not address all hazardous waste violations - some violations are subject to a mandatory court appearance.

Whether offering an explanation to a hearing officer, resolving the citation in court, or paying the fine, regulated businesses must take action to ensure that they correct violations and stay in compliance.

Payable fines

If you receive a citation, the information you receive with the citation will clearly state that you can pay the fine in the amount as described in the fine schedule. Please note that in addition to the fine, court surcharges apply. By paying the fine, you are pleading guilty. For more information on how to respond see payable fine citation instruction sheet (PDF).

Mandatory court appearance

Some citations require a court appearance. If your citation requires a court appearance, it will be clearly indicated in the information you get from Hennepin County with the citation. For more information on how to respond, see mandatory court appearance citation fact sheet (PDF).

Avoiding citations

You can avoid citations by properly managing your hazardous waste and understanding the Hazardous Waste Rules. Hennepin County offers free online hazardous waste generator training modules to help businesses understand the hazardous waste regulations.

Enforcement outcomes

The following is a listing of enforcement outcomes from hazardous waste violations. The list includes recently resolved civil and criminal cases, including fines and penalties assessed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or Hennepin County. All of the cases originated from violations found during inspections of hazardous waste generators, hazardous waste facilities or tanks at businesses in Hennepin County.

This listing is intended to reinforce the importance of compliance with hazardous waste and tank regulations.

Hazardous waste enforcement and restitution outcomes

  • July 2024 (PDF)
  • November 2022 to June 2023 (PDF)
  • June 2022 - November 2022 (PDF)
  • August 2021 - June 2022 (PDF)
  • May 2021 - October 2021 (PDF)

If you have any questions regarding compliance with environmental regulations or wish to report a violation, call 612-348-3777 and ask for the inspector on call or email environment@hennepin.us.

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Related pages

  • Hazardous waste licensing
  • Hazardous waste training, resources
  • Managing hazardous waste
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