Schools must dispose of hazardous waste according to federal, state and local laws. Waste disposal is determined by the amount of hazardous waste generated each month.
All schools (primary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions) follow rules for business hazardous waste.
1. Determine your generator size
Talk to purchasing, production and maintenance personnel and inspect storage areas and dumpsters.
2. Evaluate the wastes
The evaluation process includes seeing if any of the wastes are exempt from the hazardous waste rules, determining if any of the wastes are listed in the hazardous waste rules, and determining if any of the wastes display any of the characteristics of hazardous waste. You may need to have the waste tested. 
Learn about hazardous waste commonly found in schools.
3. Dispose of the waste properly
Dakota County requires proper management and disposal of hazardous waste.
Medication collection in schools
Discarded pharmaceuticals from schools present risks to human health and the environment if improperly managed. Learn requirements.
Vaping device disposal for schools
Vape devices are a regulated hazardous waste and cannot go in the trash or recycling. Federal, state and county level regulations require electronic smoking devices to be handled properly to prevent fires and exposure to toxic substances. Improper disposal can pose a threat to human health and the environment. Vaping devices cause fires at recycling and trash facilities. When the heating element is left on, devices can reach temperatures of more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Safe storage, handling and disposal
All schools in Dakota County can request a free vape disposal kit (box, gloves, baggies) for safe device collection and storage and to help prevent the risk of exposure and fires in schools. Contact recyclingzone@co.dakota.mn.us to request a disposal kit for your school or for questions on proper disposal.
When the box is full and at the end of the school year:
- Schedule an appointment for disposal with the Very Small Quantity Generator program at 952-891-7800 or vsqg@co.dakota.mn.us
- Bring the collection box to your appointment at The Recycling Zone in Eagan. The collection box will be emptied and returned. All disposal fees are waived for school-collected vaping devices.
Vape disposal resources
Vape prevention student education