Oftentimes, hazardous building materials are discovered during construction and demolition projects. Managing hazardous building materials properly is important in protecting public health and the environment and is required by law.
Hazardous building materials such as paint, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermostats, and lawn, garden and automotive materials should be removed prior to demolition or construction work and properly disposed of.
Once hazardous building materials are removed from a property, they need to be properly managed through reuse, recycling, or disposal at a permitted facility. Refer to the list of Hazardous and Universal Waste Disposal Companies for C&D Sites (PDF).
Architectural paint, primer, sealer and clear-coat waste from households can be taken to a Paint Care site free of charge, with some restrictions. For eligibility and restrictions, and participating collection sites, visit Paint Care.
Hazardous materials from residential households
Some hazardous building materials from residential households may be accepted at Hennepin County drop-off facilities for disposal.
Before you visit, check the Green Disposal Guide to verify that your items are accepted and see if there are limits or fees. Please note Hennepin County does not accept waste from businesses, with the exceptions of cardboard, scrap metal, recycling, and organics recycling from small businesses.
Hennepin County drop-off facility locations
Map: Bloomington facility
1400 West 96th Street, Bloomington, MN 55431
Map: Brooklyn Park facility
8100 Jefferson Highway, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Learn more about visiting the drop-off facilities.
Additional resources
Non-household waste at residential properties
If you come across non-household quantities or types of hazardous waste at residential demolition sites, contact a hazardous waste disposal vendor to help identify proper management methods and permitted disposal companies and the EPA ID number necessary to dispose of hazardous waste. Learn more about applying for an EPA ID Number from the MPCA's Obtain a Hazardous Waste Identification Number factsheet (PDF). If you need further assistance, contact Hennepin County at 612-348-3777.
VSQG collection program and one-time generators
In some cases, demolition or renovation properties may be required to obtain a hazardous waste ID number to dispose of hazardous waste as a VSQG (Very Small Quantity Generator) or one-time generator. Contact Hennepin County for assistance in obtaining a hazardous waste ID number, identifying proper management methods, and finding licensed or permitted disposal companies. Learn more about managing and disposing of hazardous waste.
Asbestos in demolitions or renovations
Asbestos-containing materials are required to be removed prior to demolition or renovation per Hennepin County Ordinance 7 Paragraph 2.07 B and State of Minnesota Rule 7035.0805. Learn more about requirements for proper identification, management, and disposal of asbestos in demolition and renovations: