Here are two options for recycling for your business:

Hazardous Waste
A product is considered hazardous if it is toxic, corrosive, or flammable. The product’s hazard level can be easily determined by the cautionary words on its label. Common business hazardous waste include: batteries, fluorescent lights, petroleum products, automotive fluids, tires, pesticides, herbicides, latex and oil paint, electronics, appliances, and medical waste. 

It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the trash. Commercial hazardous waste generators are regulated under the MN Hazardous Waste Rules.  To obtain a license, businesses must contact Dakota County Environmental Management at 952-891-7020.

Business Electronics Recycling Electronics from any size business in Dakota County are regulated as hazardous waste under Dakota County Ordinance No. 111.  Click here, to read the ordinance about Hazardous Waste Regulation.

Very Small Quantity Generator VSQG Program Dakota County offers a hazardous waste collection service for businesses that generate very-small quantities. For nominal fees per pound, getting rid of hazardous materials like paint, batteries, and fluorescent lights is easy and convenient, as well as cost-effective and environmentally safe.

Fluorescent Lamp Collection Fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a highly toxic chemical that is illegal to dispose of in the trash. Dakota Electric Association, Northern States Power Co., and Dakota County offers business fluorescent bulb collection on the second Tuesday of each month. Click here for more information.

Waste Management Guide The guide every business must have and it's online! Minnesota's Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board promises their tips will lower waste disposal bills, reduce regulatory and compliance activities, and lower production costs among other benefits.

Environmental Guide for Small Businesses The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency developed an easy-to-use environmental regulations guide for small businesses. Their goal is to give you enough information to quickly determine if your business is subject to a regulation and who to contact for further assistance.

 

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Waste Reduction

Minnesota Waste Wise Waste Wise is a non-profit corporation that helps member businesses and organizations reduce waste by providing technical and informational services.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency The Minnesota Pollution Control Agencey (MPCA) has many resources and ideas for preventing waste and pollution.  From waste reduction to product stewardship and green building to technical assistance, they have a wealth of information for businesses.

MnTAP The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program is housed at the University of Minnesota. Upon request, staff will evaluate your facility's operation and offer customized suggestions for waste reduction and management.

Minnesota Materials Exchange The Minnesota Materials Exchange program is a free business reuse network, that links organizations that have reusable goods to those who can use them.

ARROW (Awards for Recycling and Reduction of Waste) This program recognizes Apple Valley, Burnsville and Eagan businesses that have a recycling program, buy recycled-content materials or reduce waste.  For more information about this free, local program, send an email message to Anne Olson.

 

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Energy Efficiency

 

Dakota Electric Association Dakota Electric will work with your company to determine which of its various programs will provide the greatest value for your energy dollar. This consulting service is free of charge to all Dakota Electric business customers.

 

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Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines EPP as "products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose..." (Executive Order 13101).  State law requires public entities to purchase recycled, repairable and durable goods, but it also makes sense for private companies to follow EPP guides. Along with economic savings, private companies can worry less about waste disposal and environmental regulations. Reducing the quantity and toxicity of waste is better for the environment and the bottom line.

Want to know more?
Check out the online resources below or click here for Dakota County's Green Purchasing website

Rethink Recycling EPPG Resources Online Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide Resources developed by the Twin Cities metro -wide Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, known as Rethink Recycling.

Minnesota Recycled Products Directory "The benefits are many: strengthening Minnesota's recycled manufacturing economy, supporting local collection programs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources, and helping move the state toward a more sustainable future — all while purchasing quality, locally-produced products."

Green Seal A non-profit organization that encourages products and services that cause less pollution (non-toxic) and less waste. They work with manufacturers, industry sectors, purchasing groups, and governments at all levels to 'green' production and purchasing.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Check out EPA's guidelines for recycled-content products. For ideas of what your business can do, read about a few case studies involving model organizations.

King County, Washington Read King County's review of recycled product experience detailing performance, cost savings or increase, and installation.

 

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