The MPCA has rolled out its new online service for solid waste permits and approvals. Content on this page is tied to that service.
A permit by rule (PBR) means a facility or activity meets the requirements outlined in Minnesota rules and is deemed to have obtained a solid waste management facility permit without making application for it. Specific types of demolition debris disposal, energy recovery facilities, recycling facilities, transfer stations, and yard waste compost sites are covered by permit-by-rule provisions, as outlined below.
You must notify the MPCA before conducting activities covered by a PBR. The forms used to notify the MPCA are provided in the sections below, along with general information and guidance associated with each activity.
Demolition debris disposal
Demolition debris land disposal facilities designed for less than 15,000 cubic yards total capacity and operating less than a total of 12 consecutive months, not located adjacent to another demolition debris permit by rule facility, and in compliance with all applicable Minnesota Rules.
A site closure form must be completed and submitted to the MPCA within 30 days of closure, and it must include a copy of the deed notation by the County Recorder.
Energy recovery facilities
Energy recovery facilities capture the heat value of solid waste for conversion to steam, electricity, or immediate heat by direct combustion or by first converting it into an intermediate fuel product. Energy recovery facilities must be governed by an air permit (Minn. R. 7007, 7009, and 7011) in order to qualify for a permit-by-rule status.
Facilities that are not covered by the permit-by-rule status:
- municipal solid waste combustors
- facilities processing refuse-derived fuel on-site prior to incineration and energy recovery at the site
Recycling facilities
Recycling facilities are facilities where only recyclable materials are received and prepared for reuse in their original form or for use in manufacturing processes that do not cause the destruction of the materials in a manner that precludes further use.
Transfer stations
A transfer station is a facility in which solid waste from collection vehicles is compacted or rearranged for subsequent transport. Transfer stations operating under a permit-by-rule must manage and store waste in containers or roll-off boxes constructed of impervious material or in a fully enclosed building, not to exceed 120 cubic yards of waste per day or onsite at any given time. Source-separated recyclable materials received at the facility and stored on site do not count towards this volume limitation.
Yard waste facilities
Compost sites that accept yard waste must follow Minnesota rules regarding site location, design, and management. Yard waste, which includes garden waste, leaves, lawn clippings, weeds, shrub and tree waste, cannot be disposed of in Minnesota landfills.
Yard waste compost facility PBR notification is now available online. Complete the local acknowledgment form before using e-Services.
Yard waste composting guidance: