A new year has begun and you may decide it is time to clean up and get rid of things you are not using. You know, all those old computer components, half empty bottles that are collecting dust, etc. Before you throw things away you must determine first if it is really waste and second if the items are regular waste, solid industrial waste, regulated waste and hazardous waste.
Waste isn’t waste if it can still be used. Can the computer components be donated? Can your vendor take back the half-empty containers. Vendors will often take back partially used aerosol cans or those with broken nozzles. For other things that could still be used, consider posting it on the Materials Exchange list.
If you aren’t sure who will take your waste, there are two good resources:
Rethink Recycling has a “Resourceful Waste Management Guide” that provides lots of useful information on “how to recycle or dispose of items from electronics to paper to food waste.”
Ramsey County recently updated their hazardous waste vendor list. This lists vendors who service the Twin Cities metro area.
For more information on classifying and handling waste, see the MPCA website or contact CHESS at 651-481-9787.