Very Small Quantity Generator Program

​The Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) program helps businesses and schools that produce smaller amounts of hazardous waste such as solvents, paints, used oil and fuels.

You are able to participate if your organization:

  • Produces less than 220 pounds or about 22 gallons per month of hazardous wastes
  • Makes a one-time clean out of less than 2,200 pounds (about 220 gallons)
  • Needs to get rid of electronics, fluorescent lamps and batteries regardless of the above limitations.

Get started

Submit an application

  1. Review the disposal costs.
  2. Complete the VSQG Program Application.
  3. Submit a completed application to vsqg@co.dakota.mn.us.
  4. Notify the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency of your waste activity.

Dakota County staff will review your application and contact you to schedule an appointment to drop off your waste. Waste is not accepted without an appointment.

Payment

You must pay at the time of delivery with cash, check or a Visa/MasterCard. Make checks payable to Dakota County. You will get a payment receipt.

Transportation guidelines

  • Use containers that are closed, labeled and in good condition (not rusted or leaking) and can be left behind.
  • Transport lamps in original cartons or similar containers to prevent breakage. Do not tape lamps together.
  • Tape both ends of batteries or put each battery in an individual plastic bags to prevent short-circuiting.
  • Keep a completed shipping paper with any waste that is not being transported under a Materials of Trade (MOT) exemption. We can provide this for you.

Dakota County reserves the right to refuse waste that is not transported in accordance with state requirements.

Disposal costs (prices subject to change)

  • Acids – $2.10 per pound
  • Adhesives – $2.10 per pound
  • Aerosols – $1.15 per pound
  • Antifreeze – $0.95 per pound
  • Architectural paint (paid for by PaintCare) – $0.00 per pound
  • Bases – $2.10 per pound
  • Cleaning agents – $2.10 per pound
  • Compressed gas cylinders (propane, MAPP )(1-100 pounds) – $9.11 each; (disposable) - $1.78 each
  • Corrosives – $2.10 per pound
  • Degreasers – $2.10 per pound
  • Fuels* – $0.32 per pound
  • Gasoline* – $0.32 per pound
  • Industrial coatings (e.g. automotive paints, marine paints, floor coating) – $1.46 per pound
  • Oil – $0.05
  • Oil filters – $0.43 per pound
  • Paint stripper – $2.10 per pound
  • Poisons – $2.10 per pound
  • Solvents (clean, organic)* – $0.32 per pound
  • Thinner* – $0.32 per pound
  • Mercury and mercury devices (e.g. thermostats, switches, thermometers, relays, barometers) – $19.46 per pound
  • Most other miscellaneous chemicals – $2.10 per pound

* Special pricing may be available for drum quantities of materials on a case-by-case basis

Electronics – $0.37 per pound

Batteries
  • Untaped battery fee - $11.13 per pound
  • Alkaline batteries – $1.70 per pound
  • Button batteries – $8.10 per pound
  • Lead-acid batteries – Free
  • Lithium primary batteries – $8.10 per pound
  • Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries – $1.60 per pound
  • Lithium DDR (damaged, defective, recalled) – $50 per pound
  • Ni-Cad batteries – $1.60 per pound
  • Ni-MH batteries*– $1.6​0 per pound

Xcel Energy customers can bring an Xcel Energy utility statement and receive free disposal of up to 10 fluorescent lamps once per year.

  • Four foot and shorter straight fluorescent lamps – $0.36 each
  • Five foot and longer straight fluorescent lamps – $0.68 each
  • Compact fluorescent lamps – $0.68 each
  • Shatter-shielded fluorescent lamps – $1.90 each
  • U-shaped and circular fluorescent lamps – $0.68 each
  • HID and low-pressure sodium lamps – $1.50 each
  • Broken lamps (packaged in sealed containers) – $1.10 per pound
  • LED lamps – $1 each
  • Neon lamps – $9​ per pound
  • Capacitor or transformer – $2.35 per pound
  • Non-PCB ballasts – $0.28​ per pound
  • PCB ballasts – $1.92​​ per pound

These items are not accepted:

  • Appliances
  • Bulky plastic containers
  • Business sharps
  • Controlled substances
  • Empty containers that held hazardous waste
  • Free-standing copiers
  • Glassware, mirrors or ceramics​
  • Medical equipment
  • Microwaves
  • Microwavable food trays
  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Plastic bags
  • Plastic plant pots
  • Styrofoam products
  • Trash
  • Yard waste
For more information, contact:
Environmental Resources
952-891-7557
Last updated: 07/08/2026