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Hazardous Waste Facility

Holiday closing

Saturday May 24 - Facility closed in observance of Memorial Day


Address: 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906
Phone: 507-328-7070
Phone (on Saturdays): 507-328-7078
Facility hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Department office hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Email: pwservice@olmstedcounty.gov

Fees/Charges
2025 holiday closings
Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility

Residents

Residents can bring unwanted or unusable household hazardous waste (HHW) to the Hazardous Waste Facility. Items commonly accepted (not an inclusive list) at the facility include:

  • Aerosols
  • Automotive, rechargeable, and button batteries
  • Household cleaners
  • Mercury products such as thermostats and thermometers 
  • Pesticides
  • Paints
  • Sharps (disposal procedure)
  • Solvents
  • Special waste
  • Stains
  • Varnishes
  • Used antifreeze
Environmental Resources Slogan and Waste Wizard Logo

Identifying hazardous materials

Look for the following words on the item's label:

  • Danger
  • Poison
  • Flammable
  • Corrosive
  • Warning
  • Toxic
  • Combustible
  • Contains acid
  • Contains lye
  • Contains petroleum distillates
  • Causes burns to skin

Improper use or disposal can be harmful to human health and the environment.

Disposal process

  • All waste items must be secured in non-leaking containers. Keep containers upright in the back of your vehicle (trunk, cargo bed, rear of SUV). Waste items must be accessible. 
     
  • Drive into the unloading area, stop, and turn off your engine. A staff member will assist you. 
     
  • "Very Small Quantity Generators" (VSQG) business waste needs pre-approval by application. 

Hazardous Waste Reuse Center

Some of the materials brought to the Hazardous Waste Facility are still perfectly usable. These items are given a second life in the facility's Reuse Center.

Any products you find in the Reuse Center are free for the taking. Products are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are asked to limit the number of items they take to ten per day. Common items include:

  • Automotive products (waxes, cleaners, fuel additives, etc.)
  • Aerosols
  • Cleaning products
  • Paints
  • Paint solvents
  • Pesticides
  • Varnishes
  • Wood stains
  • There is no guarantee these products will be available

Reuse Center rules:

  • The Reuse Center will have a maximum occupancy of 3 customers.
  • Customers are limited to five minutes per visit.
  • Customers are limited to ten items per visit.

Businesses

Businesses and nonprofit organizations located in Southeast Minnesota generating less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month may participate in the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) program. VSQG business waste needs pre-approval by application.

The VSQG program was developed to help dispose of small amounts of hazardous waste cost effectively and in compliance with state and federal regulations.

  • 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collections

    2025 Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collections

    2025 Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collections

    Please note: Items accepted at mobile collection events can also be brought to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility for free. The Hazardous Waste Facility is open Tuesday - Saturday, from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (except for holidays).

    • Read more about 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collections
  • Special Hazardous Waste

    Special Hazardous Waste

    Special Hazardous Waste

    Disposal of special wastes is also available for free or on a fee-for-service basis for businesses and residents. Some of the items accepted under this program include:

    • Read more about Special Hazardous Waste
  • Pharmaceutical Waste

    Pharmaceutical Waste

    Pharmaceutical Waste

    Most drug or pharmaceutical waste can be disposed of in your curbside garbage.

    Step 1 - Keep the medication in its original container.

    The labels may contain safety information and the caps are typically childproof. Leaving the content information clearly visible, scratch the patient's name out or cover it with a permanent marker.

    Step 2 - Modify the medications to discourage consumption.

    For solid medications, such as pills or capsules: add a small amount of water to at least partially dissolve them.

    • Read more about Pharmaceutical Waste
  • Disposing of Sharps

    Disposing of Sharps

    Disposing of Sharps

    Household generated "SHARPS" are accepted at the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility (HWF) FREE of charge from residents who treat themselves for medical conditions such as diabetes.

    Business generated "SHARPS" are NOT accepted.

    Only the following are accepted:

    • Read more about Disposing of Sharps
  • Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)

    Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)

    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.

    • Read more about Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)
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