Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)

What is the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program?

The VSQG program was developed to help businesses and nonprofit organizations dispose of small amounts of their hazardous waste in compliance with state and federal regulations. This program gives businesses easy access to a cost-effective means of disposal; thereby, avoiding the risks of potential environmental, financial, health, and safety problems.

Who can participate?

Businesses and organizations generating 220 pounds or less of hazardous waste per month and located within the eleven county SE Minnesota region may participate in this program. The region includes: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona Counties.

Complete VSQG Application

Send the completed form by mail, fax, or email to Dave Vail. Instructions below.

VSQG Program Application Instructions

  • Complete the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program Application. On the second page of the application please list the types of waste you have, the number of containers of each waste type and approximate weight or volume of each waste type.
     
  • The application will ask for a generator ID number. If you do not have one, leave this section blank. The county will assist you in obtaining a number if one is required. 
     
  • If you wish to utilize the ‘reuse option’ for some or all of your listed waste, sign the “VSQG Program Reuse Waiver Form." County staff will determine what materials are suitable for reuse. This is an advantage because wastes that are reusable are much less expensive to dispose. 
  • Keep a copy of the completed application and attachments for your records.
     
  • You may email, mail or fax these materials to:
    • Attn: Dave Vail
      Hazardous Waste Specialist
      Olmsted County Environmental Resources
      2122 Campus Drive SE Suite 200
      Rochester, MN 55904
      Phone: 507-328-7078
      Fax: 507-328-7090
      Email: vail.david@co.olmsted.mn.us

Upon receipt of your application and approval of the listed wastes, you will be contacted to arrange for disposal. The Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Program will help you meet Department of Transportation requirements to transport your waste.

The Next Step

When Olmsted County receives your application, it will be reviewed and approved for disposal at our facility. We will provide instructions on how to safely package, store, transport, and manage your hazardous wastes. A drop-off date and time will be scheduled.

The Final Step

Your waste will be transported to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility at the scheduled drop-off date and time. Olmsted County will accept the waste and a disposal bill will be determined. Along with the bill, you will receive supporting documentation of the transaction for your records.

The following is a partial list of acceptable waste:

  • Aerosols
  • Paints (oil & latex)
  • Acids and Bases
  • Pesticides
  • Adhesives
  • Photographic Wastes
  • Antifreeze
  • Plating Wastes
  • Batteries
  • Poisons
  • Cleaning Agents
  • Pool Chemicals
  • Degreasers
  • Resins and Epoxies
  • Gasoline/Fuel
  • Solvents/Thinners
  • Glues
  • Strippers
  • Laboratory Wastes
  • Waste Inks
  • Mercuric Wastes
  • Wood Preservatives

Wastes not accepted:

  • Explosives
  • Infectious waste
  • Radioactive waste
  • Gas cylinders

Costs

The VSQG program is designed to be more cost-effective than traditional methods of disposing of hazardous wastes. A hazardous waste management fee and disposal costs, based on the county's low contract costs, will be charged to VSQG's. Costs are calculated based on type and amount of waste to be disposed of according to the Olmsted County.

VSQG Program Participation Flowchart

  • Business requests information packet from their county or Olmsted County
  • Business sends completed VSQG program application to Olmsted County
  • Olmsted County approves VSQG program application and develops information required for proper transportation
  • Olmsted County schedules transportation date and time with business
  • Transportation of hazardous waste to Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility
  • Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility accepts waste and disposal-bill is determined