Operational resources

An overview of requirements for HHW programs that want to collect from small quantity generators.

Overview of requirements to accept business hazardous waste from Very Small Quantity Generators and One-time Generators.

Steps to help a business obtain a hazardous waste ID number.

A resource for employees transporting hazardous materials, including labeling and packaging requirements.

An overview of RCRA regulations. RCRA governs hazardous waste while at a household hazardous waste facility. The seven counties in the metro area are RCRA approved to inspect and issue licenses. All other Minnesota counties are regulated by the MPCA.

Requirements for facilities on packaging hazardous waste in preparation for transport and disposal. The three methods of packaging include bulking, lab packing, and loose packing.

Guidance on proper bulking methods. A method that consolidates several containers of similar material into a single container, usually a 55-gallon drum. Waste materials such as flammable liquids, paint, used oil, and waste antifreeze are typically bulked.

Procedures and requirements for storing hazardous waste.

An emergency contingency plan is necessary in case of a fire, explosion, or unplanned chemical release. The SOP includes an example of an emergency responder form, emergency contingency plan, and evacuation map.

Procedures for properly receiving household hazardous waste including what materials are acceptable. Defines what qualifies as business waste from multi-housing units, farms, home-based businesses, or public sites.

Procedures for sorting incoming waste includes determining the waste hazard classification, ensuring incompatible materials are safely segregated, and provide guidance for transportation of the waste.

Requirements for facilities on packaging hazardous waste in preparation for transport and disposal. The three methods of packaging include bulking, lab packing, and loose packing.

Guidance on proper bulking methods. A method that consolidates several containers of similar material into a single container, usually a 55-gallon drum. Waste materials such as flammable liquids, paint, used oil, and waste antifreeze are typically bulked.

Requirements, tasks, and preparations to ensure hazardous materials are safe and ready for transport.

A product exchange or reuse area is a place for citizens to pickup free usable products. Requirements for screening and safety operations ensure employees and visitors are safe. Includes a liability release/receipt template. (June 2017)

Requirements and procedures for treating or processing hazardous materials. Includes the application form for on-site treatment.

Provides guidance for safe and efficient acceptance of hazardous materials at an off-site mobile event. Covers areas of safety, traffic management, volunteers, and event preparations. Includes the following forms: Emergency responder notification form; Emergency Contacts; List of equipment needed; Agreement and certificate of attendance; Collection event survey.

Includes training resources, checklists, and procedures for staff operating powered industrial trucks, which include fork, platform, motorized hand trucks, or other specialized units.

Programs are responsible for establishing procedures for equipment use and maintenance.

Impermeable flooring is required at a facility or mobile collection event.

Continuous air quality monitoring and ventilation equipment are important for safety. Covers air quality sampling and equipment maintenance.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) refers to a set of requirements in case of an unexpected energization or startup of equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. This SOP includes:

• Implementing a LOTO program
• Annual inspection form
• Compliance checklist

Covers OSHA requirements, common violations, and resources. (Last update June 2017)

Facilities are responsible for developing and implementing a formal health and safety program. The SOP includes a weekly safety inspection checklist and  incident report template are included.

Right-to-Know (RTK) pertains to chemicals used (not collected) within a facility. Includes guidance on how to implement a RTK program, information notice, hazards list, and information on CO2, corrosives, gases, heat stress, particulates, and solvents.

Personal protective equipment is used to protect staff form exposure or injuries.  Covers requirements for PPE.

Covers requirements for use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

An exposure control plan will help to eliminate or minimize exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Addresses health and safety requirements related to potential ergonomic-related hazards.

Addresses noise monitoring and testing, and use of hearing protection. Includes a compliance checklist and hearing protection notice.

Covers OSHA requirements and protocols. Includes release forms and scenarios to help determine medical monitoring needs.

Facilities must provide a safe work environment and have clear instructions on how to report an injury or illness. Covers OSHA's poster and recordkeeping requirements.

An emergency contingency plan is necessary in case of a fire, explosion, or unplanned chemical release. The SOP includes an example of an emergency responder form, emergency contingency plan, and evacuation map.

Certain changes to a HHW facility must be reported to the state.

Facilities must get approval to accept waste from another HHW facility or to store HHW for more than 90 days. Includes the application to accept or store HHW waste.

Facilities are responsible to track and report participation data. Includes a participation certification form.

Facility staff must be certified to sign manifests. The SOP covers requirements and includes sample exams.

A manifest is a multi-copy shipping document (EPA Form 8700-22) that tracks hazardous waste from generation to disposal. LDRs indicate whether waste does or does not meet land disposal standards and must accompany each manifest.

In some circumstances, shipping papers or waste tracking invoices may be used in lieu of a manifest form. Addresses tracking requirements and includes an example shipping paper.

A resource for employees transporting hazardous materials, including labeling and packaging requirements.

Minnesota law requires employers to display some state-mandated posters in a physical location where employees can easily see them. (Minn. Dept. of Labor and Industry)

Abandoned waste is described as any unwanted hazardous material that is abandoned on property without the owner’s permission. Unknown wastes include any material whose chemical makeup or characteristic is unidentifiable.  Covers screening and identifying procedures and includes a report form.

Overview of facilities that partner with MDA to accept pesticides from farms or licensed applicators. Pesticides are classified as universal wastes.

Guidance for evaluating and accepting asbestos. A list of common asbestos materials that display hazardous characteristics is included.

If a situation arises, facilities must immediately implement a chain of command protocol for managing explosive or reactive waste. Includes an unstable and reactive chemical list.

Criteria for accepting and managing waste from a methamphetamine laboratory. It is illegal to accept finished controlled substances. DEA regulations apply if controlled substances are discovered.

Guidelines for evaluating and managing mercury at a facility along with spill response and cleanup guidelines.

Requirements for accepting pharmaceuticals at a facility or at a law enforcement collection event.

Protocol for managing radioactive waste. Includes a list of common radioactive materials and labels.

Procedures for widely generated wastes with reduced requirements, such as batteries, pesticides, lamps (bulbs), and mercury-containing equipment.

The Department of Transportation outlines specific actions to ensure facility operations (including shipping) are conducted in a safe and secure manner.

The DOT is responsible for developing, issuing, and enforcing hazardous materials regulations. The SOP includes DOT requirements, materials of trade,shipping and transporter checklist, and CFR reference.

Requirements, tasks, and preparations to ensure hazardous materials are safe and ready for transport.

Overview of DOT, categorization, health and safety, and general training requirements. Includes an individual training checklist.