ECAR Fact Sheet for Minnesota
Hazardous Wastes

Wastes are classified as "hazardous" if they have certain dangerous properties (for instance, if they are flammable, corrosive, or toxic).  Wastes can also be automatically classified as hazardous if they are produced in certain manufacturing processes.

Hazardous waste generated by auto recycling/salvage yards may include (but are not limited to):

• Spent solvents
• Solvent contaminated wipers/shop towels
• Waste paints
• Spent fluorescent bulbs (containing mercury)
• Mercury switches
• Used antifreeze contaminated with metals, solvents or fuels
• Used oil contaminated with metals, solvent or fuels
• Contaminated gasoline
• Lead-acid batteries.

If you are managing the waste as hazardous, here are some of the main rules:

• You are responsible for the waste from the "cradle" - the time the waste is first generated to the "grave" - the time the waste reaches final disposal - and sometimes beyond.
• You can only store the waste for a limited time on your site before sending it to an approved hazardous waste facility.  (The time limit will depend on how much hazardous waste you generate.)
• You have to use a licensed waste hauler to transport the waste off your site.
• You have to keep a record (called a "shipping manifest") of the shipment for a specified period of time.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Fact Sheet - Transport and Dispose of Hazardous Waste Correctly

Auto Recycling Plain Language Guide to Regulations for Solid/Hazardous Waste

Links to Regulations.

Hazardous Waste Listings

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