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For Businesses

Hazardous waste, l​amps and electronics ​

​The Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) program helps businesses that produce smaller amounts of hazardous waste such as solvents, paints, used oil and fuels.

You are able to participate if your business:

  • Produces less than 220 pounds or about 22 gallons per month of hazardous wastes
  • Makes a one-time clean out of less than 2,200 pounds (about 220 gallons)
  • Needs to get rid of electronics, fluorescent lamps and batteries regardless of the above limitations.

Apply for the VSQG program

  1. Review the item and prices  listing below.
  2. Submit a completed VSQG Program Application.
    • Email: vsqg@co.dakota.mn.us
    • Mail: Dakota County Environmental Resources
      VSQG Program
      14955 Galaxie Ave.
      Apple Valley, MN 55124
    • Fax: 952-891-7588'>952-891-7588'>952-891-7588
  3. Notify the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency of your waste activity on the EPA ID # Application Form.

Make an appointment

After receiving and reviewing your application, Dakota County staff will contact you to schedule an appointment to drop off your waste. Waste is not accepted without an appointment.

Transportation guidelines

Dakota County reserves the right to refuse waste that is not transported in accordance with state requirements.

  • Use containers that are closed, labeled and in good condition (not rusted or leaking) and can be left at The Recycling Zone.
  • Transport lamps in original cartons or similar containers to prevent breakage. Don’t tape lamps together.
  • Tape both ends of batteries or put each battery in an individual plastic bags to prevent short-circuiting.
  • Keep a completed shipping paper with any waste that is not being transported under a Materials of Trade (MOT) exemption. We can provide this for you.

Payment

You must pay at the time of delivery with cash, check or a Visa/MasterCard. Make checks payable to Dakota County. You will get a payment receipt for payment.

Disposal costs (prices subject to change)

Hazardous waste
Acids – $2.10 per pound
Adhesives – $2.10 per pound
Aerosols – $1.15 per pound
Antifreeze – $0.95 per pound
Architectural paint (paid for by PaintCare) – $0.00 per pound
Bases – $2.10 per pound
Cleaning agents – $2.10 per pound
Compressed gas cylinders (propane, MAPP )(1-100 pounds) – $8.48 each; (disposable) - $1.66 each 
Corrosives – $2.10 per pound
Degreasers – $2.10 per pound
Fuels* – $0.32 per pound
Gasoline* – $0.32 per pound
Industrial coatings (e.g. automotive paints, marine paints, floor coating) – $1.32 per pound
Oil – $0.05
Oil filters – $0.43 per pound
Paint stripper – $2 per pound
Poisons – $2 per pound
Solvents (clean, organic)* – $0.30 per pound
Thinner* – $0.30 per pound
Mercury and mercury devices (e.g. thermostats, switches, thermometers, relays, barometers) – $18.80 per pound
Most other miscellaneous chemicals – $2.10 per pound
* Special pricing may be available for drum quantities of materials on a case-by-case basis.

Electronic
Electronics – $0.37 per pound

Batteries
Untaped battery fee - $10.55 per pound
Alkaline batteries – $1.70 per pound
Button batteries – $8.10 per pound
Lead-acid batteries – Free
Lithium primary batteries – $8.10 per pound
Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries – $1.60 per pound
Lithium DDR (damaged, defective, recalled) – $50 per pound
Ni-Cad batteries – $1.60 per pound
Ni-MH batteries*– $1.6​0 per pound

Lamps and ballasts
Xcel Energy customers can bring an Xcel Energy utility statement and receive free disposal of up to 10 fluorescent lamps once per year.

Four foot and shorter straight fluorescent lamps – $0.36 each
Five foot and longer straight fluorescent lamps – $0.68 each
Compact fluorescent lamps – $0.68 each
Shatter-shielded fluorescent lamps – $1.90 each
U-shaped and circular fluorescent lamps – $0.68 each
HID and low-pressure sodium lamps – $1.50 each
Broken lamps (packaged in sealed containers) – $1.10 per pound
LED lamps – $1 each
Neon lamps – $9​ per pound
Capacitor or transformer – $2.35 per pound
Non-PCB ballasts – $0.28​ per pound
PCB ballasts – $1.80​ per pound

Items not accepted

  • Appliances
  • Microwaves
  • Yard waste
  • Trash
  • Medical equipment
  • Free-standing copiers
  • Business sharps
  • Controlled substances

Recyclables accepted for free
Businesses are allowed to drop off household quantities of recyclables for free during all open hours. No appointment necessary. The Recycling Zone is set up to take household ​quantities of recyclables and cannot handle large quantities. 

  • Cardboard
  • Cartons (milk, juice boxes, soup, broth, wine)
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Metal – cans, scrap, aluminum foil (clean)
  • Paper - Newspapers, office papers, magazines, phone books
  • Plastic bottles and containers

Not accepted

  • Microwavable food trays
  • Plastic plant pots
  • Plastic bags
  • Bulky plastic containers
  • Empty containers that held hazardous waste
  • Styrofoam products
  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Glassware, mirrors or ceramics

Other disposal resources for businesses.

Last updated: 1/15/2025 8:14 AM