Obtaining a hazardous waste license

Businesses located in Hennepin County are required to obtain a license if they produce hazardous wastes.

Before applying for a license:

Generator size Amount of hazardous waste generated
Large Quantity Generator (LQG) 2,200 pounds or more per month (about 4 drums of liquid)
Small Quantity Generators (SQG) Greater than 220 pounds but less than 2,200 pounds per month (about 1/2 to 4 drums of liquid)
Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) 220 pounds or less per month (1/2 drum of liquid or less)
Minimal Generator (MIG) Class of VSQGs established by Hennepin County Ordinance 07 that only generates certain types of wastes.

 

To obtain a Small or Large Quantity Generator license:

  1. Complete and submit a Hennepin County license application, including a  Waste Inventory (Form 1) and Management Plan (Form 2). Also see the instructions for filling out the Management Plan.
  2. Apply for a Hazardous Waste Identification (Waste ID) number. Also see the instructions for filling out the Waste ID form.
  3. Hennepin County will visit your facility for an initial hazardous waste inspection.
  4. Pay your license fee.

See the Obtaining a Hazardous Waste License factsheet for more information.

To obtain a Very Small Quantity Generator License:

Fill out a Hazardous Waste Self-Audit. Go to www.hennepin.us/selfaudit and determine which self-audit fits your business. Complete the self-audit and any necessary additional forms. Send the completed self-audit and additional forms to the office listed on the self-audit form. An inspector will review your self-audit and contact you with any additional questions.

To obtain a Minimal Generator License:

  • Fill out form 1A and 1B for Minimal Generators and return them to Hennepin County. See the Minimal Generator Licensing factsheet for more information about requirements for Minimal Generators.
  • The county will mail you a hazardous license that must be displayed in a public location at your site. 
  • Minimal generator licenses are valid for five years. Minimal generators are exempt from licensing fees.

Renewing your hazardous waste license

Fully licensed hazardous waste generators (LQGs, SQGs, and VSQGs) must renew their hazardous waste license each year. The license year runs from May 1 of through April 30th of the following year. 

Minimal generator licenses are issued for five-year periods and are renewed automatically without an application process. 

The annual renewal process is split into two parts:

  1. Management Plan Summaries are mailed to all fully licensed generators in November. Review and update your Management Plan Summary to reflect waste activities for the year. When your updates are complete, sign the form, keep a copy to keep for your records and return the original to Hennepin County, postmarked by Dec. 15. See the Sample Management Plan Summary to know what to look for.
  2. Bill Summary - If you owe license fees for the next licensing period, a bill summary will be mailed to your business at the end of February. The fee is based on your business' generator size and how much waste was produced the previous year. 

After the Management Plan Summary has been approved and your fee payment is received, your license will be renewed and a license will be mailed to your business. 

Licenses must be displayed at a public place in your business. See the Sample License to know what to look for.

Important dates

  • Dec. 15 - Management Plan Summaries are due each year
  • March 31 - License fees are due each year

Obtaining a license outside of Hennepin County

If your business is located outside of Hennepin County but within the seven county metropolitan area, contact your county for specific licensing requirements. If your business is located in greater Minnesota, contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for information on licensing requirements.