https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/Recent content in Chapter 115A — Waste Management Act on MinnesotaLawyer.comHugoen-ushttps://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.01/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.01/This section gives Chapter 115A its official name: the ‘Waste Management Act.’ This is how the law is referred to in other laws and court cases.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.02/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.02/This section explains the goals and priorities of Minnesota’s waste management law. The state wants to protect land, air, and water by managing waste better. The law ranks waste practices from best to worst: reducing waste is best, then recycling, then composting, then burning for energy, and landfill disposal is last. It also sets a similar ranking for handling surplus food and food waste.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.03/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.03/This section defines the key terms used throughout the Waste Management Act. It covers definitions for types of waste (solid waste, hazardous waste, mixed municipal solid waste, yard waste), waste facilities (disposal facilities, recycling facilities, transfer stations), waste management activities (collection, processing, disposal, recycling), and the government bodies involved (agency, commissioner, political subdivisions). It also defines environmental justice areas and problem materials.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.034/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.034/This section says that the Waste Management Act can be enforced using the enforcement tools found in sections 115.071 and 116.072. These include penalties, orders, and other actions the state can take against violators.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.04/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.04/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by a 1989 law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.05/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.05/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by a 1989 law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.055/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.055/This section has been repealed. Both subdivisions were removed by later laws - subdivision 1 in 2005 and subdivision 2 in 2007. The section is no longer in effect.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.06/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.06/This section lists the powers of the Pollution Control Agency under the Waste Management Act. The agency can make rules, enter private property to investigate, accept grants and gifts, hold property exempt from taxes, enter contracts, work jointly with other government units, conduct research, hire employees, buy insurance, protect private business data, and provide technical help for managing industrial waste.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.07/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.07/This section describes the general duties of the Pollution Control Agency under the Waste Management Act. The agency must coordinate with the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The commissioner may also adopt rules for uniform methods of collecting and reporting waste statistics across the state.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.071/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.071/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by a 1984 law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.0715/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.0715/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by a 1996 law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.0716/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.0716/This section creates a grant and loan program for environmental projects. The commissioner can give grants for recycling, waste reduction, pollution prevention, composting, and environmental education. The commissioner can also make loans for capital costs related to these activities. Loan repayments go back into an environmental fund to support future loans.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.072/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.072/This section requires the commissioner to develop environmental education programs and a statewide waste management public education campaign. The commissioner must also create school curricula for grades K-12 covering waste reduction, recycling, litter, and proper disposal of problem materials. The education program must include information about waste reduction, reuse, and the hazards of open burning.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.073/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.073/This section sets the goals for Minnesota’s environmental education program. The goals include helping students and citizens understand ecological systems, the relationship between human behavior and the environment, and how to evaluate different responses to environmental issues. Citizens should have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about the environment.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.074/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.074/This section allows the commissioner to set up environmental education resource centers throughout the state. These centers serve as sources of information and programs for the public. They also collect feedback on regional environmental education priorities and distribute educational materials.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.075/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.075/This section declares Minnesota’s policy against land disposal of hazardous waste. The state says that reducing hazardous waste, processing it, and recovering resources from it are preferred over dumping it in the ground. Disposal in a landfill should only be used as a last resort when no other method works.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.08/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.08/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by a 1996 law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.09/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.09/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by a 1996 law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.10/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.10/This section requires the Pollution Control Agency to encourage private companies to develop and run hazardous waste facilities. When creating its waste management plan and making facility decisions, the agency must actively involve private waste management companies and encourage them to apply for permits.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.11/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.11/This section requires the Pollution Control Agency to create and maintain a hazardous waste management plan. The plan must estimate how much hazardous waste will be generated, set goals for reducing the need for land disposal, describe what facilities are needed, and explain how to implement the plan. The highest priority must be given to alternatives to land disposal, such as reducing waste, recycling, and treatment technologies.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.12/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.12/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by a 2005 law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.121/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.121/This section requires the commissioner to prepare a report on pollution prevention activities every four years, starting in 2013. The report covers activities required under chapters 115A, 115D, and 325E, including electronic waste recycling. It must be submitted to the relevant legislative committees.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.13/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.13/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by a 1987 law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1310/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1310/This section defines key terms for Minnesota’s electronics recycling program. It covers definitions for items like computers, televisions, video display devices, and covered electronic devices. It also defines the roles of manufacturers, retailers, collectors, and recyclers in the e-waste recycling system, along with terms like program year, recycling credits, and household.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1312/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1312/This section sets up a registration program for electronics recycling. Manufacturers cannot sell video display devices unless they are labeled with their brand and registered with the agency. Retailers cannot sell unregistered devices. Collectors and recyclers of electronic devices from households must also register with the agency each year.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1314/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1314/This section sets the annual registration fee that manufacturers of video display devices must pay. Manufacturers selling 100 or more devices pay a $2,500 base fee plus a variable recycling fee. The variable fee depends on how much of their recycling obligation they meet. Manufacturers who recycle 100% or more of their obligation pay no variable fee. The fees go to the environmental fund and can be used for grants to counties outside the 11-county metro area.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1316/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1316/This section requires manufacturers, recyclers, and collectors of electronic devices to submit annual reports to the agency. Manufacturers must report how many video display devices they sold and how many they recycled. Recyclers must report the total weight of devices recycled. Collectors must report what they collected and which recyclers received the devices.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1318/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1318/This section spells out the responsibilities of manufacturers, collectors, recyclers, and retailers in the electronics recycling program. Manufacturers must pay for transporting and recycling devices and conduct due diligence on their contractors. Collectors must have staffed sites open to the public. Recyclers must comply with health and environmental regulations, carry liability insurance, and not use prison labor. Retailers must inform customers about recycling options.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1320/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1320/This section describes the duties of the Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Revenue in managing the electronics recycling program. The agency sets statewide recycling goals, calculates each manufacturer’s market share and recycling obligation, enforces the law, and reports to the governor and legislature. The Department of Revenue reviews registration fees and enforces fee collection.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1322/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1322/This section says that cities and counties cannot force households to use only public facilities for recycling their electronics. Other lawful recycling programs are allowed to operate alongside manufacturer programs. Public agencies are encouraged to work with manufacturers to help them meet their recycling obligations.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1323/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1323/This section allows manufacturers to cooperate with each other on electronics collection and recycling without being liable for antitrust or unfair trade practices. Manufacturers and their organizations are immune from state antitrust laws when planning and implementing collection or recycling systems, as long as any political subdivision involvement includes active supervision.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1324/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1324/This section requires the Department of Administration to make sure that state agency purchases of video display devices comply with the electronics recycling registration requirements. Vendors must cooperate in providing records showing compliance. Vendors who violate these rules may have their contracts voided, be suspended from future contracts, and be required to give back unlawfully obtained benefits.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1326/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1326/This section says that if the federal EPA adopts rules about handling, storing, or treating video display devices being recycled, those federal rules automatically take effect in Minnesota and override any earlier state rules on the same topic.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1328/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1328/This section allows the Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Revenue to join with other states to create a regional organization or compact for carrying out electronics recycling requirements.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1330/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1330/This section says that Minnesota’s electronics recycling law will expire automatically if the federal government passes a law that creates a nationwide program for collecting and recycling video display devices from households.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.14/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.14/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by a 1996 law.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1415/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1415/This section creates a product stewardship program for architectural paint (indoor and outdoor paint sold in containers of 5 gallons or less). Paint producers must fund a statewide collection and recycling program through a stewardship assessment added to the price of paint. The program requires an approved stewardship plan, annual reporting, and collection sites that serve both urban and rural areas without charging end-of-life fees to consumers.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1416/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1416/This section creates a product stewardship program for boat wrap, the plastic used to protect boats during storage. Starting September 1, 2025, boat wrap cannot be sold in Minnesota unless the producer is part of an approved stewardship plan. Producers must fund statewide collection and recycling through a single stewardship organization. The law sets goals of 50% recycling by 2030 and 80% by 2035, with no fees charged to the public.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.142/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.142/This section requires the commissioner to include a report on the architectural paint stewardship program as part of the consolidated pollution prevention report submitted to the governor and legislature.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.144/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.144/This section gives the official name to sections 115A.144 through 115A.1463: the ‘Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act.’ This 2024 law creates a comprehensive producer responsibility program for packaging and paper products in Minnesota.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1441/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1441/This section defines the key terms used in the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act. It covers definitions for producers (who are responsible for packaging waste), covered materials (packaging and paper products), covered entities (residences, schools, nonprofits, and government), and service providers. It also defines recycling rates, reuse, composting, responsible markets, toxic substances, and other terms needed to understand the producer responsibility program.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1442/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1442/This section requires producers to create and pay for a statewide program to manage packaging and paper product waste. The program must encourage redesigning packaging to reduce environmental and health impacts and must reduce waste through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1443/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1443/This law requires companies that make packaging and paper products to join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) and register with the state. PROs must submit contact info, member lists, and financial documents each year. Service providers like recyclers must also register if they want to be paid under a stewardship plan.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1444/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1444/This law creates a Producer Responsibility Advisory Board to oversee packaging recycling programs in Minnesota. The board has 17 members who represent manufacturers, recyclers, haulers, retailers, environmental groups, and local governments. The board meets at least twice a year and advises the state on how recycling programs should work.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1445/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1445/This law lists what the commissioner must do to run Minnesota’s producer responsibility program. The commissioner must set up the advisory board, complete needs assessments, approve stewardship plans, and post key documents on the agency website. The commissioner also provides information about toxic substances in packaging to producer organizations.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1446/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1446/This law describes the duties of the Producer Responsibility Advisory Board. The board must hold its first meeting by March 1, 2025, and then advise the commissioner on needs assessments, stewardship plans, and rulemaking. The board can also submit comments on any matter related to the producer responsibility program.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1447/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1447/This law lists what a producer responsibility organization (PRO) must do in Minnesota. A PRO must register with the state, submit and carry out stewardship plans, collect fees from producers, file reports, and reimburse service providers. If a member producer does not follow the rules, the PRO must expel that producer and notify the commissioner.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1448/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1448/This law sets out what producers of packaging and paper products must do in Minnesota. After July 2025, producers must belong to a registered producer responsibility organization. By January 2029, they cannot sell covered materials unless they have a written agreement with a PRO. By 2032, all covered materials must be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1449/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1449/This law explains the duties of service providers like recyclers, haulers, and composters who participate in a stewardship plan. They must register with the state, collect covered materials, send them to responsible markets, and meet performance standards. When billing customers, they must show the reimbursement amount they receive from the PRO.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1450/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1450/This law requires the commissioner to study Minnesota’s recycling and waste management needs. A preliminary assessment was due by December 2025, and a full needs assessment by December 2026, with updates every five years. The assessments look at what materials are being recycled, what infrastructure exists, and what improvements are needed.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1451/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1451/This law requires producer responsibility organizations to submit a stewardship plan every five years describing how they will manage packaging and paper recycling programs. The plan must include recycling targets, collection methods, budgets, reimbursement rates for service providers, and education strategies. The commissioner reviews and approves each plan after a public comment period.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1453/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1453/This law requires the commissioner to create lists of packaging materials that can be recycled or composted in Minnesota. One list covers materials collected through regular curbside recycling, and another covers materials that need special collection methods. Producers can apply for exemptions if health or safety rules prevent their packaging from being recyclable.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1454/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1454/This law explains how producer responsibility organizations charge fees to the companies that make packaging and paper products. Fees must be based on how much material each producer puts on the market and must encourage better packaging design. The fees pay for recycling programs, service provider reimbursements, and the PRO’s operating costs.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1455/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1455/This law sets rules for how recycling and composting service providers get paid under the producer responsibility program. Reimbursement rates must cover at least 50% of net costs by 2029, 75% by 2030, and 90% by 2031. Local governments keep their existing authority over waste collection and are not required to join a stewardship plan.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1456/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1456/This law requires producer responsibility organizations to file detailed annual reports with the commissioner starting April 1, 2029. Reports must include recycling progress, program costs, financial audits, and lists of non-compliant producers. The commissioner must also report to the governor and legislature every two years starting in 2031.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1457/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1457/This law requires each producer responsibility organization to maintain an accessible public website. The website must include a directory of service providers, the stewardship plan, needs assessments, annual reports, and education materials. It must also list producers and brands that are not following the rules.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1458/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1458/This law gives producer responsibility organizations limited protection from antitrust lawsuits. PROs are allowed to coordinate recycling and composting services among competing companies to the extent needed to carry out their stewardship plans. This immunity only applies to activities required under the producer responsibility program.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1459/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1459/This law gives the commissioner the power to adopt rules to carry out the producer responsibility program. The normal 18-month deadline for completing rulemaking does not apply, giving the commissioner more time to develop these rules.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1460/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1460/This law requires any person to provide information to the commissioner when asked, if the information is needed to check compliance with or carry out the producer responsibility program. This applies to information the person already has or could reasonably get.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1461/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1461/This law states the legislature’s intent that any future bottle deposit return system should work together with the producer responsibility program. If a deposit system is created, materials covered by that system should be exempt from the producer responsibility program to avoid overlap. A two-year transition period would be required.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1462/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1462/This law gives the commissioner power to enforce the producer responsibility program. Violators face civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day for a first offense. Repeat violations within five years can result in fines of up to $50,000 per day for a second offense and $100,000 per day for a third or later offense.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1463/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.1463/This law creates a special account in the state treasury called the packaging product stewardship account. All registration fees from producer responsibility organizations go into this account. The money is used to pay for the state’s costs in running the producer responsibility program.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.15/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.15/This law sets up a recycling program for state government. State agencies must separate recyclable materials, buy products made from recycled materials when possible, and meet a 60% recycling goal. The commissioner of administration runs the program and can require agencies to follow recycling rules.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.151/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.151/This law requires government buildings, large commercial buildings in the metro area, and sports facilities to collect at least three types of recyclable materials like paper, glass, plastic, or metal. All collected recyclables must be sent to a recycler.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.152/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.152/This law creates a program to help businesses that produce hazardous and industrial waste. The commissioner provides technical advice, on-site help, training, and research to help businesses reduce the amount of dangerous waste they create. The program focuses on helping smaller businesses that lack the resources to figure this out on their own.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.154/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.154/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.156/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.156/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.158/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.158/This law allows the commissioner to ask for proposals from companies that want to build and run hazardous waste processing and collection facilities in Minnesota. Proposals must include technical details, cost projections, site requirements, and a schedule. The commissioner evaluates the proposals and reports to the legislature on what is needed.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.159/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.159/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1999.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.162/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.162/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1989.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.165/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.165/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1995.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.17/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.17/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1986.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.175/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.175/This law limits what types of hazardous waste facilities can be built in Minnesota and sets rules for choosing where they go. Only stabilization and containment facilities may be sited, and they must be built above ground unless an underground design is proven safer. The facility can accept waste that has been made non-hazardous, industrial waste, or certain other waste if no better option exists.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.18/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.18/This law explains why Minnesota needs rules for managing hazardous waste. The legislature found that hazardous waste must be properly handled to protect natural resources and public health. Because private companies and local governments cannot do this alone, the state created a process for deciding whether and where to build commercial waste containment facilities.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.19/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.19/This law clarifies that the state’s hazardous waste facility siting process is not the only way to get a permit. The agency can still issue permits for stabilization and containment facilities at sites that were not reviewed through the formal siting process described in other sections.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.191/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.191/This law lets the state and counties make voluntary agreements about where to build hazardous waste stabilization and containment facilities. Counties that are interested pass a resolution, and then the state negotiates a contract that can include payments, tax relief, and other benefits for the host county. If a contract is reached, county voters must approve it in a referendum.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.192/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.192/This law requires the commissioner to seek proposals from companies that want to build and run a hazardous waste stabilization and containment facility. Proposals must include qualifications, cost estimates, technical details, site needs, and a timeline. After reviewing proposals, the agency decides whether to pick a developer and then moves to select a site.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.193/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.193/This law requires the commissioner to prepare a detailed report about building a hazardous waste stabilization and containment facility. The report must cover the facility design, operating standards, cost analysis, technology options, and whether an interstate approach to waste management makes sense. The draft report must be submitted to the agency before any county contracts are signed.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.194/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.194/This law sets the process for evaluating and selecting sites for hazardous waste containment facilities. An environmental impact statement must be completed before any site is chosen. The agency has 90 days after determining the EIS is adequate to pick a site or decide that no site is suitable.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.195/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.195/This law allows the state to fully own or jointly own a hazardous waste stabilization and containment facility with a private developer. The commissioner can negotiate the terms for building and running the facility, but any spending of state money requires a legislative appropriation.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.20/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.20/This law lists the factors the agency must consider when picking sites for hazardous waste containment facilities. These include economic feasibility, the site’s natural suitability, pollution control rules, risks to local residents, effects on land use, and impacts on agriculture and natural resources. No land can be excluded unless the agency finds it naturally unsuitable.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.201/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.201/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.21/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.21/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.22/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.22/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.23/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.23/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1983.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.24/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.24/This law requires the agency to estimate how many hazardous waste stabilization and containment facilities Minnesota needs. The estimate must consider what waste is generated, what capacity exists outside the state, and whether alternatives like waste reduction or recycling could work instead. The agency must also do an economic feasibility analysis for any proposed facility.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.241/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.241/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.25/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.25/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.26/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.26/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.27/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.27/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.28/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.28/This law makes the agency’s decision about where to place a hazardous waste facility final and binding. The decision overrides local ordinances, zoning rules, and other state agency requirements. However, the facility must still comply with state and federal permits, and local governments can impose reasonable construction and operating requirements subject to agency review.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.29/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.29/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.291/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.291/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.30/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.30/This law sets the rules for challenging agency decisions about hazardous waste facilities in court. Appeals must be filed within 30 days after all final permit decisions and are heard in the county where the Pollution Control Agency is located. The court can award attorney fees and costs if it finds a lawsuit was filed in bad faith or was frivolous.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.301/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.301/This law requires the operator of a state-sited hazardous waste facility to agree to cover liability costs if hazardous waste is released. The operator must have at least $40 million in financial responsibility. A state trust fund, paid for by a surcharge on each ton of waste accepted, provides backup coverage for claims not covered by the operator.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.31/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.31/This law sets deadlines for local governments to approve or deny a county’s request to build a solid waste facility. The local government has 120 days to decide after receiving a complete application. If an environmental impact statement or assessment is required, the deadline is 90 days after that review is finished.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.32/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.32/This law requires the Environmental Quality Board to adopt rules for its supplementary review of waste facility decisions. The board must consult with the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency in all its activities under this section. These rules govern how the board reviews local government denials of permitted waste facilities.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.33/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.33/This law says who can ask the Environmental Quality Board to review a local government’s refusal to allow a waste facility. Eligible applicants include sewage sludge generators, political subdivisions with solid waste facility permits for sites under 250 acres outside the metro, hazardous waste generators with on-site facilities, and operators of commercial hazardous waste processing facilities.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.34/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.34/When the Environmental Quality Board reviews a waste facility dispute, six temporary local members are added to the board. Three are chosen by the city or town where the facility would be located, and three by the county. At least one member from each group must live near the proposed facility. If local officials do not make appointments in time, the governor appoints them.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.35/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.35/This law sets the procedure for the Environmental Quality Board’s review of waste facility disputes. The board must begin its review within 90 days and make a final decision within 90 days after that. At least one public hearing must be held in the county where the facility would be located, and notice must be published in local newspapers.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.36/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.36/This law lists what the Environmental Quality Board must consider when reviewing a proposed waste facility. The board looks at health and safety risks, effects on local land use and development, impacts on agriculture and natural resources, the need for the facility, and whether alternatives exist. For resource recovery facilities, the board also checks if the applicant considered other waste processing options.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.37/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.37/This law gives the Environmental Quality Board the final word on whether a waste facility can be built. If the board approves a facility, its decision overrides local ordinances and zoning rules. The board can add stricter permit conditions than what state agencies required, and when agency requirements conflict, the stricter standard applies.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.38/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.38/This law creates a process for resolving disputes about hazardous waste facility siting that go beyond normal agency authority. The board chair can ask a legislative commission to intervene, which can pause the review for up to 150 days. An independent mediator tries to help the parties reach agreement, and any deal requiring new laws or public funding goes to the legislature.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.39/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.39/This law says that court review of decisions made during the Environmental Quality Board’s supplementary review of hazardous waste and on-site hazardous waste facility disputes follows the same rules as section 115A.30. This means the same 30-day appeal deadline and administrative record review apply.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.41/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.41/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1988.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.411/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.411/This law requires the commissioner to prepare a report on solid waste management policy every four years and submit it to the legislature. The report covers how much waste is generated and recycled, progress toward state waste reduction goals, and recommendations for policy changes. It also combines several other required reports into one document.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.412/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.412/This law requires waste facilities to conduct waste composition studies every three years starting in 2029. The commissioner selects 20% of landfills, transfer stations, and other facilities each cycle and tells them how to sample their waste. Results must be submitted within six months of completing the study and are compiled for public access.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.415/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.415/Since July 1, 1995, no one may deliver or accept unprocessed mixed household trash at a substandard disposal facility. A substandard facility is one that does not meet the design and construction standards for new landfills that were in effect as of January 1, 1993. Waste must go through at least one processing step before it can be placed in such a facility.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.42/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.42/This law creates a program to help counties and regions plan how to manage solid waste. The commissioner runs the program outside the metro area, while the metro area follows a separate process. The program must meet federal requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.43/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.43/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1987.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.44/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.44/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1987.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.45/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.45/This law requires the commissioner to provide technical help to local governments for solid waste planning. The commissioner must supply model plans, publish an inventory of available technical resources, and can hire consultants or other experts to deliver assistance.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.46/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.46/This law sets out what must be in a county solid waste management plan. Plans must describe existing waste systems, estimate future disposal needs, set recycling and waste reduction goals, and include a 10-year plan for new facilities. Plans must be submitted to the commissioner for approval and updated at least every ten years.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.47/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.47/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1995.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.471/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.471/Before a government entity signs a contract to manage waste using a method that ranks lower on the state’s preferred waste hierarchy than what its county plan calls for, it must assess the potential liability. The entity must develop a plan to manage that liability and submit the information to the agency.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.48/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.48/This law directs the commissioner to help develop markets for recyclable materials and compost in Minnesota. The commissioner provides technical advice to local governments on buying recycled products and on using yard waste and plant materials in agricultural soil. Public agencies must actively seek to buy recycled products whenever practical.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.49/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.49/This law creates a capital assistance program to help cities, counties, and sanitary districts develop solid waste projects like recycling, composting, and waste reduction facilities. The commissioner gives priority to projects that follow the state’s waste management hierarchy, which ranks reduction and recycling above disposal. Special consideration goes to areas with poor soil for landfills or limited remaining disposal capacity.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.50/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.50/Only cities, counties, solid waste management districts, and sanitary districts can receive capital assistance under this program. These eligible entities can also apply on behalf of other persons, such as private companies that may operate the actual waste management projects.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.51/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.51/This law lists what must be included in an application for waste management capital assistance. Applicants must show the project is technically feasible, financially viable, consistent with the county waste plan, and that they have evaluated alternatives including existing facilities. Applications must also assess environmental impacts including climate change and environmental justice effects.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.52/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.52/This law requires the commissioner to provide technical help for waste management projects that qualify for the capital assistance program. The commissioner can hire consultants, make grants, and publish directories of available expertise. Knowledge gained from funded projects must be shared statewide through training and exchange programs.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.53/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.53/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.54/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.54/This law provides state grants and loans to local governments for building waste reduction, recycling, composting, and resource recovery facilities. Waste reduction and reuse projects can receive up to 75% of capital costs, recycling projects up to 50%, and other projects up to 25%, with a cap of $5 million per county. Landfills and incinerators without resource recovery are not eligible.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.541/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.541/The commissioner can only approve a solid waste plan or make a recycling grant if the applicant shows a real commitment to recycling materials that people have already separated. The recycling program must be cost-effective in meeting recycling goals.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.542/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.542/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1994.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.545/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.545/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 2007.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.55/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.55/This law establishes reducing solid waste generation as a state goal and directs the commissioner to coordinate waste reduction programs. The commissioner provides public education, promotes waste reduction, and gives technical and financial help to waste generators. A waste reduction strategy must be included in the periodic report to the legislature.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.5501/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.5501/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 2024.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.5502/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.5502/This law ranks packaging types from most to least preferred for use in Minnesota. The best packaging is minimal, non-toxic, and reusable at least five times. Next best is packaging with recycled content, then recyclable packaging. The state’s goal is to distribute products with no packaging when possible, and the least amount needed when packaging is required.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.551/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.551/This law sets recycling goals for Minnesota counties. By December 31, 2030, metro counties must recycle 75% of their total solid waste by weight, and non-metro counties must recycle 35%. Each county must include a recycling strategy in its solid waste plan and report progress to the commissioner.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.552/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.552/This law requires every Minnesota county to make sure all residents have a chance to recycle. Each county must have at least one recycling center. Cities with 5,000 or more people must offer curbside pickup or drop-off for at least four types of recyclable materials. Counties must also publish recycling information at least every three months.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.553/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.553/This law requires counties to make sure recyclable materials collected from residents get to markets or processing centers. Counties can require licenses for recyclable material collection. However, a county cannot prevent a person from taking their recyclables to whichever recycling facility they choose.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.554/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.554/This law gives sanitary districts the same powers and duties as counties for solid waste management within the district’s boundaries. This includes authority over recycling programs, waste collection, household hazardous waste, and environmental enforcement.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.555/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.555/This law sets the minimum requirements for a recycling facility to be officially designated as a recycling center by the agency. The facility must be open at least 12 hours per week, 12 months per year, and must accept at least four types of recyclable materials like paper, glass, plastic, and metal.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.556/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.556/This law requires that materials used in recycling programs, like containers, bins, and receptacles with short life cycles, must themselves be recyclable and made at least partly from recycled materials from Minnesota, if available.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.557/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.557/This law distributes state funding to counties for waste reduction and recycling programs, known as SCORE (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment) grants. Money is distributed based on population, with a minimum of $55,000 per county. Counties must use the funds for recycling, waste reduction, composting, market development, and public education.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.558/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.558/This law requires the Pollution Control Agency to create and share a safety guide for operating recycling and yard waste composting facilities. The guide is meant to help protect the environment and public health.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.559/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.559/This law creates a competitive grant program to help local governments increase composting and reduce organic waste going to landfills. Projects must include an educational component about composting. Eligible projects include developing erosion control using compost, encouraging home composting, and promoting composting at schools and public institutions.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.56/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.56/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1996.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.565/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.565/This law creates a competitive grant program for waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting projects outside the seven-county metro area. Eligible applicants include small cities (under 45,000 population), counties, and federally recognized Tribes. Grants are capped at $250,000 and require local matching support of at least 25%.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.57/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.57/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed by the legislature in 1989.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.58/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.58/This law authorizes the state to sell bonds to fund waste management programs. The bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of Minnesota. Proceeds go into a waste management account, and a debt service account pays principal and interest. If needed, property taxes can be levied statewide to cover bond payments.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.59/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.59/This law authorizes the state to sell up to $8.8 million in bonds to fund the waste processing facility capital assistance program. The bonds can only be sold when the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency requests them. The total bonds outstanding cannot exceed the amount needed for approved and upcoming loans and grants.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.62/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.62/This law explains why Minnesota created solid waste management districts. The legislature found that individual cities and counties cannot always manage waste effectively on their own, so the state created a process for forming multi-county districts with special powers to handle solid waste.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.63/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.63/This law gives the commissioner power to create solid waste management districts as public corporations and political subdivisions. The commissioner sets the district boundaries, defines its powers, and can alter or terminate districts. Rules must be adopted under chapter 14 to govern the process.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.64/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.64/This law sets the process for creating or changing a solid waste management district. At least half the counties in the proposed district must petition the commissioner. The petition must include the district name, boundaries, proposed powers, and a plan for managing solid waste.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.65/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.65/This law gives solid waste management districts perpetual existence, meaning they continue to operate indefinitely once created. A district can only be ended through the formal termination process described in section 115A.66.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.66/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.66/This law sets the process for shutting down a solid waste management district. At least half the counties in the district must petition the commissioner, stating the district is no longer in the public interest. The petitioners must post a bond to cover costs if the petition fails.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.67/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.67/This law describes how a solid waste management district is organized. The board of directors elects a chair from outside the board. Board members must be residents of the district. The board adopts bylaws, elects officers, and meets at least once a year.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.68/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.68/Every solid waste management district must maintain a registered office in Minnesota. To change the office location, the district files a certificate with the secretary of state and the commissioner stating the new location and effective date.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.69/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.69/This law lists the powers of solid waste management districts. Districts can sue and be sued, acquire and sell property, hire employees, make contracts, accept grants, charge fees, and adopt ordinances. They can also acquire property through eminent domain for waste management purposes.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.70/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.70/This law covers waste district authority to designate resource recovery facilities and direct solid waste to them. Most of the original subdivisions have been repealed. The remaining provisions address the relationship between districts and existing waste management contracts.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.71/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.71/This law gives solid waste management districts the power to issue bonds to fund waste management projects. The bonds are sold as revenue bonds under chapter 475. No voter election is required. Districts can also issue general obligation bonds if member counties have delegated that authority.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.715/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.715/This law gives solid waste management districts the same authority as counties for waste management purposes. However, districts cannot issue general obligation bonds or levy property taxes unless every member county agrees to delegate that power. Once delegated, the authority cannot be taken back unless all member counties agree.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.72/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.72/This law requires solid waste management districts to have an annual financial audit performed by a certified public accountant or the state auditor. Copies of the audit report must be kept at the district office and filed with the secretary of state and the commissioner.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.80/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.80/This law declares that the legislature may authorize counties and waste management districts to designate specific solid waste processing or disposal facilities. This means requiring that waste generated in their area be delivered to a particular facility.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.81/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.81/This law defines key terms used in the solid waste facility designation program. ‘Designation’ means a county or district requirement that waste be delivered to a specific processing or disposal facility. Other terms include affected persons and qualifying entities.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.82/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.82/This law says who can designate solid waste facilities. Only solid waste management districts with designation authority in their articles of incorporation and counties can designate facilities. Counties can only designate for waste generated outside of qualifying districts.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.83/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.83/This law defines which types of waste can be subject to designation. Designation applies to mixed municipal solid waste and other solid waste that is not already being managed as a separate stream at a higher level on the waste hierarchy. Certain materials are exempt, including recyclables separated by generators.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.84/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.84/This law requires counties and districts to adopt a designation plan before they can require waste to go to a specific facility. The plan must evaluate the benefits and costs of designation, its effects on existing waste businesses, and the financial viability of the designated facility.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.85/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.85/This law sets the procedure for designating a solid waste facility. The county or district must hold a public hearing with at least 15 days notice, send copies of the designation plan to affected parties, and give the commissioner at least 30 days to review and approve the designation.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.86/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.86/This law describes how a designation is put into effect through a local ordinance. The ordinance must define the geographic area, waste types, delivery points, and fees. The designated facility must accept all designated waste and cannot charge more than undesignated waste for the same service.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.87/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.87/This law sets a 60-day deadline for legal challenges to a waste facility designation. Anyone challenging a designation must notify the attorney general, who can intervene in the case. The attorney general can also provide free legal representation to counties whose designations are challenged.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.88/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.88/This section protects people who are required by contract or designation ordinance to use specific waste disposal facilities. A waste district or county cannot cut off, suspend, or stop services to those people without their agreement or good cause.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.882/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.882/This section requires waste collectors and solid waste facility operators to keep detailed records about the type, origin, and weight of waste they handle when a county designation ordinance is in effect. Counties can inspect these records without a search warrant, and violators can face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day plus attorney fees. The records are classified as nonpublic data and can only be used for enforcing designation ordinances.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.89/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.89/This section requires the state commissioner to oversee how waste designation programs are working across Minnesota. The commissioner must collect regular reports, evaluate whether each designation is meeting its goals and serving the public interest, and report findings and recommendations to the legislature.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.893/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.893/This section allows someone who wants to operate a waste processing facility to petition a waste district or county to have certain materials removed from a designation ordinance. The district or county must hold a hearing and grant the petition if the materials will be processed at the facility and the exclusion will not hurt the finances or contracts of the existing designated facility. Decisions can be appealed to the state commissioner.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.90/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.90/This section provides definitions for the waste tire provisions in sections 115A.90 through 115A.914. It defines key terms including tire, waste tire, tire collector, tire processor, tire dump, collection site, processing, and shredder residue. These definitions establish who is covered by the waste tire program and what activities are regulated.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.902/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.902/This section requires tire collectors and processors with more than 500 waste tires to get a permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Several types of businesses are exempt, including retail tire sellers, retreaders, and auto repair shops that keep fewer than the specified number of tires on site. Permit fees go to the state general fund.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.904/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.904/This section bans the disposal of waste tires in the ground in Minnesota, a prohibition that took effect July 1, 1985. The only exceptions are for beneficial uses of tire-derived products approved by the commissioner. Storing unprocessed tires at a permitted collection or processing facility is still allowed.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.906/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.906/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to waste tire management under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.908/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.908/This section imposes a $10 fee on the initial registration and each transfer of title of motor vehicles weighing more than 1,000 pounds in Minnesota. The fee is collected by the commissioner of public safety, and you cannot get license plates or a title without paying it. Revenue goes into the state environmental fund.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.909/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.909/This section directs the state commissioner to study and encourage better management of shredder residue — the material left over after shredding cars, appliances, and other metal items for recycling. The commissioner must work with the shredding industry to reduce residue, find beneficial uses, and keep disposal costs low.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.912/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.912/This section directs how money appropriated to the agency for waste tire management can be spent, allowing funding for regulation of permitted facilities, research into tire-derived products, and public education. It also prohibits using tire materials as lightweight fill in public road construction unless a licensed Minnesota geotechnical engineer prepares the plan and it meets state transportation department standards.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.913/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.913/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to waste tire management under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.914/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.914/This section gives the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency authority to regulate and enforce the waste tire program using its powers under chapters 115 and 116. The agency must adopt rules for tire collector and processor permits. Counties must include waste tire collection in their solid waste management plans and adopt local ordinances at least as strict as agency rules.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.915/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.915/This section makes it illegal to put lead acid batteries — the kind used in cars and trucks — in regular trash or to dispose of them in any non-approved way. The ban has been in effect since January 1, 1988. Violations are a misdemeanor, and the Pollution Control Agency can enforce this section.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9152/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9152/This section requires anyone who transports used lead acid batteries from a retailer to deliver those batteries to a recycling facility. Failing to do so is a misdemeanor, and each battery not delivered to a recycler counts as a separate violation.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9155/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9155/This section bans throwing certain types of rechargeable and specialty batteries — including nickel-cadmium, sealed lead-acid, mercuric oxide, and silver oxide batteries — into regular trash if they were used by government agencies, businesses, medical facilities, or communications companies. Manufacturers of these batteries must set up a collection and recycling system for buyers in Minnesota and provide a phone number for battery return information.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9157/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9157/This section bans placing rechargeable batteries or products containing them in regular trash, a prohibition that took effect August 1, 1991. Manufacturers of rechargeable batteries must pay for collection and recycling programs that aim to capture at least 90 percent of waste batteries in the state. Manufacturers who work together on collection programs are protected from antitrust claims for that cooperation.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.916/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.916/This section makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly dispose of motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, oil filters, or antifreeze in regular trash, on land, or in water bodies, stormwater systems, or septic systems. Small-volume generators of waste antifreeze (less than 50 gallons per month on average) may discharge to a permitted wastewater system if they keep records. Oil filters can be burned in permitted waste-to-energy facilities under specific conditions.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9162/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9162/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to rechargeable battery management under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.917/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.917/This section requires that new landfill capacity outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area cannot be permitted unless the commissioner issues a certificate of need. The commissioner can only certify need if there are no feasible and practical alternatives — like recycling, composting, or waste reduction — that could meet the need instead. A county must also have an approved solid waste management plan before a certificate can be issued.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.918/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.918/This section defines key terms used in the landfill closure and postclosure laws in sections 115A.918 through 115A.929. It defines ‘closure’ as actions to prevent or minimize health and environmental threats from a closed landfill, ‘postclosure care’ as ongoing monitoring and maintenance after closure, and sets the measurement standard for equivalent cubic yards of municipal solid waste at 3.33 cubic yards per ton.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.919/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.919/This section allows counties to impose per-cubic-yard fees on operators of solid waste disposal facilities and construction debris facilities within the county. Fees must be used for landfill cleanup, closure costs, postclosure care, and mitigating local impacts. Construction debris facilities face a 50-cent-per-cubic-yard cap, and the total revenue that can be collected from those facilities is limited. Certain waste residue from recycling and energy recovery facilities is exempt if there is at least an 85 percent weight reduction.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.921/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.921/This section gives cities and towns the authority to impose fees on solid waste and construction debris disposal facilities within their borders. For mixed municipal solid waste facilities, the fee cap is $1 per cubic yard, with at least 25 cents directed to landfill abatement. Construction debris facilities can be charged up to 50 cents per cubic yard, with two-thirds of the revenue reserved for landfill abatement or mitigation. Facilities that implement recycling programs or install liners can earn partial fee exemptions.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.922/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.922/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste disposal fees under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.923/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.923/This section requires operators of mixed municipal solid waste disposal facilities outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area to charge and collect a $2 per cubic yard fee on all waste accepted at the facility. The fee is remitted to the county, city, sanitary district, or joint powers board where the facility is located and must be used only for the purposes specified in section 115A.919. Waste residue from recycling or energy recovery that achieves 85 percent weight reduction is exempt.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.924/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.924/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste management fees under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.925/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.925/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste management fees under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.927/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.927/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste management under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.928/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.928/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste management under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.929/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.929/This section requires local governments that manage solid waste to keep separate financial records of all waste management fees, tipping fees, collection charges, and any other waste-related revenue. These must be reported separately in financial reports and audits, apart from other government revenue.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.93/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.93/This section requires waste haulers to get a local license before collecting mixed municipal solid waste for hire and to register with the MPCA if collecting recyclables for hire. Licensing authorities must require variable pricing that charges more for larger amounts of waste collected, and cannot allow haulers to charge recycling customers more than non-recycling customers. Haulers must annually report collection amounts by waste type, customer type, county, and destination.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9301/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9301/This section requires local governments that charge residents or businesses directly for solid waste collection to use variable pricing that charges more as the amount of waste increases. The idea is to give people a financial reason to reduce waste and recycle more. Local governments can qualify for an alternative pricing structure or an exemption if they have strong recycling programs and meet certain recycling goals.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9302/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9302/This section requires waste haulers to tell their customers each year which facilities their waste goes to, including the facility name, location, type, and permit number. The disclosure must include a warning that customers may have liability if a disposal facility becomes contaminated. If waste goes to an out-of-state landfill, haulers must specifically disclose that fact in writing.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.931/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.931/This section bans putting yard waste — like grass clippings and leaves — in regular trash or sending it to landfills or waste-to-energy facilities. Yard waste may only be composted, reused, or co-composted. In the Twin Cities metro area, the ban has been in place since 1990, and since 1992 statewide. Plastic bags used for yard waste delivered to compost facilities in metro counties must meet certified compostable plastics standards.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.932/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.932/This section bans placing mercury or mercury-containing products in regular trash, landfills, or wastewater systems. Fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps must be taken to a lamp recycling facility or a facility that collects lamps for recycling — they cannot go in the trash. Violations can be enforced under state environmental law, though household-level penalties are capped at $700.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.935/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.935/This section prohibits bringing solid waste generated in other states into Minnesota for processing or disposal unless that waste meets the regulations of the state where it was created and does not contain any items banned from Minnesota’s waste stream. Items specifically banned in Minnesota include waste tires, vehicle fluids and filters, lead acid batteries, yard waste, and major appliances.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.936/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.936/This section prohibits using construction debris containing gypsum as cover material at disposal facilities unless strict conditions are met, including use of a lined facility with leachate collection, limits on gypsum removal efforts, and required mixing ratios with soil. The restriction is designed to prevent hydrogen sulfide gas generation that occurs when gypsum contacts organic waste in landfills.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.94/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.94/This section allows cities, towns, and counties to set up organized collection systems where specific haulers serve defined areas, rather than allowing open competition for customers. Before implementing organized collection, cities must go through a detailed process that includes forming a committee, evaluating options, negotiating with existing licensed haulers, holding public hearings, and giving notice. Collectors and local governments participating in organized collection are protected from antitrust claims.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.941/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.941/This section requires cities and towns with populations of 1,000 or more (and qualifying towns with 5,000 or more) to ensure that every home and business has solid waste collection service. A local government can meet this requirement by organizing its own collection, providing the service directly, or requiring residents and businesses to get their own contracts. Households that use an environmentally sound alternative to collection can be exempted.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.945/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.945/This section requires any local government that pays for or provides solid waste collection or disposal to make each generator’s share of those costs visible and clear to the generator, through billing statements or another method. The goal is for people to see what waste management actually costs them.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.95/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.95/This section requires recyclable materials that have been separated from regular trash to be delivered to appropriate recycling facilities. Landfills, waste-to-energy facilities, and composting facilities cannot accept source-separated recyclables — they can only receive them for recycling or transfer to a recycler, unless no recycler is willing to accept the materials.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.951/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.951/This section bans throwing telephone directories in the trash or sending them to landfills. Directories must be printed on recyclable paper with non-toxic inks and recyclable binding. Publishers and distributors must provide a collection and recycling system for old directories and report annually to the state on how many were collected and recycled.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.952/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.952/This section authorizes state agencies to identify household products that are hazardous or problematic when disposed of and to require retailers to label them and post consumer information about proper disposal. The MPCA handles most products, while the Department of Agriculture handles pesticides, fertilizers, and wood preservatives. Labels and informational materials are provided to retailers free of charge by the state.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9523/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9523/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste management or problem materials under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.953/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.953/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste management under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.956/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.956/This section requires the MPCA to develop a plan identifying problem materials — hazardous or difficult-to-manage items that should not go in regular trash — and to plan for their separate collection and proper disposal. Once sufficient processing and disposal capacity is confirmed, the agency can make rules that ban specific problem materials from mixed municipal solid waste.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9561/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9561/This section bans putting large household appliances — like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and stoves — in regular trash or disposing of them in landfills or waste facilities. Major appliances must be recycled or reused, and counties must ensure residents have access to appliance recycling. Recycling must include proper removal of refrigerants, PCB-containing capacitors and ballasts, and mercury before the metal is recycled.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9565/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9565/This section bans putting televisions, monitors, or any other electronic product containing a cathode-ray tube (CRT) — the type of screen used in older TVs and computer monitors — in regular household trash. The ban took effect July 1, 2006. CRTs contain lead and other hazardous materials that can leach from landfills.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.96/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.96/This section requires the MPCA to run a statewide household hazardous waste program that includes collection sites where residents can drop off dangerous household products and an education program about proper disposal. Every county must have a household hazardous waste management plan as part of its solid waste plan. Municipalities that operate collection programs under state contracts are treated as state employees for liability purposes during certain phases of waste handling.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.961/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.961/This section authorizes the state commissioner to develop programs for collecting, processing, and properly disposing of household batteries — including common types like alkaline, nickel-cadmium, and lithium batteries, but not car batteries. Counties and other local governments can voluntarily set up their own household battery collection programs and offer financial incentives to groups that collect batteries.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.965/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.965/This section bans manufacturers and distributors from selling packaging in Minnesota that intentionally contains lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium. It also sets a phased-down maximum total concentration for all four metals combined: 600 parts per million by 1993, 250 by 1994, and 100 by 1995. Exemptions exist for packaging required by law to contain these metals or where no feasible alternative exists.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9651/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.9651/This section prohibits the distribution or sale of certain inks, dyes, pigments, paints, and fungicides that contain lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium if those metals were intentionally added. Manufacturers must either certify their products have been reformulated or submit detailed product review reports explaining their timeline for eliminating these metals. Essential uses for aviation, military, or railroad safety are exempt.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.97/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.97/This section establishes state policy to reduce the toxicity and amount of ash produced by burning municipal solid waste in incinerators. The MPCA must adopt rules for testing and managing incinerator ash. County solid waste plans and permit applications for incinerators must explain how ash toxicity and quantity will be reduced. The legislature wants incinerator operators to minimize the amount of residual ash that ends up in disposal facilities.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.98/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.98/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste management under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.981/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.981/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste management under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.99/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.99/This section allows state agencies and local governments to sue people who illegally dump solid waste on public or private land, roadways, or in water. The civil penalty is two to five times the cost of cleaning up the illegally dumped waste, plus legal costs and damages for harm to the land or water. Private landowners whose property is dumped on can join the government’s lawsuit to recover their own damages.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.991/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.991/This section has been repealed. It previously contained provisions related to solid waste management under the Waste Management Act.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.993/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-115a/115a.993/This section prohibits the improper disposal of treated seed — seeds that have been coated with pesticides or fungicides. Treated seed cannot be buried near drinking water sources or surface water, composted, or burned indoors. Disposal must follow any applicable product label requirements.