& Recycling
Clean Shop is a program of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District designed to help small businesses and organizations find responsible and cost-effective ways to dispose of very small quantities of hazardous waste.
Small as the individual amounts are, collectively they constitute a big problem. The Clean Shop Program aims to eliminate this major source of hazardous materials from our region's waste stream.
Who can participate in the Clean Shop program?
Any business or organization in Northeastern Minnesota that can be licensed as a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) of hazardous waste can participate. Clean Shop participants can dispose of up to 660 pounds of hazardous waste annually through this program. Contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to learn about the requirements and process to obtain a VSQG license.
How do businesses get started?
Contact the Clean Shop at Clean.Shop@wlssd.duluth.mn.us or call (218) 726-1602 to request an application. After you have returned the completed application, you will be contacted by Clean Shop staff who will schedule a delivery time and assist you with any additional forms, if required. You will also receive an informational packet containing instructions on how to safely package and transport your waste to the Hazardous Waste Facility. Waste is accepted by prior application only. Approval is required before delivery.
Clean Shop Application Materials pdf
Clean Shop Costs:
- Administrative Fees of $30/hour will be charged ($15 minimum charge).
- Waste Disposal Fees vary depend upon type of material.
(example: solvents $1.75/ gallon. Pesticides/poisons $2.50/pound.)
Wastes Accepted Through the Clean Shop Program
- Acids and bases
- Amalgam waste
- Artist's paints and media
- Flourescent light bulbs
- Mercury-bearing wastes
- Paints and paint-related products
- Pesticides
- Photographic chemicals
- Pool chemicals
- Printers inks
- Resins and epoxies
- Solvents, thinners and strippers
- Wood fillers
- Wood preservatives
(Not an all-inclusive list of what Clean Shop can accept. Call Clean Shop at (218) 726-1602 with questions about your specific waste items.)
Not an all-inclusive list. Call the Clean Shop with questions about your waste.