Ordinance 13
Recycling for Hennepin County
Adopted by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners October 30, 1986 (Solid waste source separation)
Amended on November 27, 2018
Download the full ordinance (PDF)
To report a violation, fill out the Ordinance 13 anonymous complaint form.
Index
Section II: General provisions for cities
Section III: General provisions for multifamily housing
Section IV: General provisions for commercial generators
Section V: Shared provisions for multifamily housing and commercial generators
Section VIII: Provisions are accumulative
This Ordinance regulates the separation of Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material from Waste by Generators. This Ordinance is consistent with County adopted goals established by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in its Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Policy Plan and mandated by Minnesota Statute, section 115A.551, subdivision 2a, requiring a 75 percent Recycling rate by 2030. This Ordinance satisfies statutory obligations and is authorized pursuant to authority in Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.551 – 115A.553, and 473.811. The County Board of Hennepin County, Minnesota, does therefore ordain this Ordinance Thirteen.
The County Board of Hennepin County, Minnesota, does ordain:
Section I: Definitions
The following words and phrases, when used in this ordinance, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section.
Anaerobic digestion
Means the process during which microorganisms break down Organic Material in the absence of oxygen in an enclosed vessel to produce energy and beneficial soil or agricultural supplements
Back-of-house
Means the kitchen, food preparation, dishwashing, and storage areas of a commercial establishment that are not accessed by customers or the public
Beneficial use
Means an activity that serves to reuse nutrients through processing of Organic Material, such as consumption by humans or animals, Composting, Anaerobic Digestion, and additional methods as designated by the Department in collaboration with local facilities that manage Organic Material and further defined in Section IV
Bin
Means any receptacle including but not limited to a barrel or cart that is used for the Collection, storage, or transport of Waste to a Collection Container serviced by a Hauler for transport to a Disposal Facility, Organic Material Management Facility, or Materials Recovery Facility
Bulky items
Means those items that are not included in regular Collection Service by a Hauler and include large items like mattresses and furniture that cannot fit into Collection Containers
Bureau
Means the County Violations Bureau
Cities
Mean statutory and home rule charter cities authorized to plan under Minnesota Statutes, sections 462.351 to 462.364
Collection
Means the aggregation of Waste from the place where it is generated and includes all activities up to the time when the Waste is delivered to a Materials Recovery Facility, Organic Material Management Facility, or a Disposal Facility
Collection container
Means the receptacle that is provided, designated, and serviced by the Hauler for the Collection of any Waste, including but not limited to barrels, carts, dumpsters, roll-off containers, or compactors
Collection service
Means a service providing scheduled collection of any waste
Commercial composting facility
Means a site used to compost Organic Material, including Food Scraps, which have been Source Separated as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 7035.0300, Subpart 105b, and which meets applicable State and local requirements for composting Organic Material
Commercial generator
Means an entity that is neither housing with Curbside Collection nor Multifamily Housing
Compost
Means the product resulting from the controlled biological decomposition of Organic Material that has been sanitized through the generation of heat during the composting process and stabilized to the point that it is beneficial to plant growth and can be used as a soil amendment without further processing
Compostable
Means that a material or product will biodegrade without leaving a residue or any toxicity in the soil. Any compostable plastics or lined papers must meet ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868, respectively, as certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute or other similar independent certification bodies
Composting
Means the controlled biological decomposition of Organic Material through an aerobic method of accelerating natural decomposition
County Board
Means the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and authorized representatives
Covered generators
Are any Commercial Generators of Organic Material that must comply with this Ordinance as stated in Section IV
Curbside collection
Means the pickup of Waste from residential households that are single family through fourplex and other residential households where each household has its own Collection Container, such as a townhouse
Department
Means the Hennepin County Environment and Energy Department
Disposal facility
Means a Waste facility permitted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) that is designed or operated for the purpose of disposing of Waste on or in the land together with any appurtenant facilities needed to process Waste for disposal or transfer to another Waste facility
Food scraps
Means all material resulting from the production, storage, preparation, processing, cooking, handling, selling, or serving of food for human or animal consumption, including but not limited to, meats, grains, dairy, fish, fruits, and vegetables
Food-to-animal programs
Means all Food-to-Animal-Feed Processing and Food-to-Livestock programs
Food-to-animal feed processing
Means the process of using grains, cereals, vegetable and animal by-products to create a feed for animals
Food-to-livestock
Means the process of re-using and recycling food and Food Scraps as feed for livestock, subject to regulation in Minnesota Statutes, sections 35.751 and 35.76
Generation
Means the act or process of producing Waste
Hauler
Means any Person who owns, operates or leases vehicles for the primary purpose of Collection and transportation of any type of Waste
Household hazardous waste
Means materials generated in a residential household, which includes any dwelling from a single unit to Multifamily Housing properties, that are in solid, semi-solid, liquid, or contained gaseous form that, because of quantity, concentration, or chemical, physical, or infectious characteristics, may (a) cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness; or (b) pose substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. Categories of hazardous waste materials include, but are not limited to, explosives, flammables, oxidizers, poisons, irritants, and corrosives. Household Hazardous Waste does not include source, special nuclear, or M by-product materials as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
Materials recovery facility
Means a permitted facility where Mixed Recyclables are received to be prepared for reuse in their original form or for use in manufacturing processes that do not cause the destruction of the materials in a manner that precludes further use. It does not include a manufacturer using recyclable materials as feedstock. This includes a transfer station where Mixed Recyclables are delivered, temporarily stored and sent to a facility where it is processed for Recycling.
Metropolitan Council
Means the council established in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.123
Mixed recyclables
Means materials that are separated from Waste for the purpose of Recycling, whether or not these materials are commingled for Collection
Multifamily housing
Means an apartment building, a condominium, a townhouse, a cooperative housing unit, or any other property where a property manager or association coordinates Collection Service for residents of the housing
Organic material
Means the portion of Waste that is Source Separated for the purpose of Beneficial Use, and may include food, Food Scraps and other materials as designated by the Department in collaboration with local Organic Material Management Facilities. For the purpose of this Ordinance, Organic Material excludes Yard Waste regulated in Minnesota Statute, section 115A.931
Organic material drop-off site
Is a site that accepts Organic Material self-hauled by residents for the purpose of collection and transport to an approved facility for Beneficial Use. The site may be a stand-alone site or be co-located at an existing Disposal Facility, Materials Recovery Facility, or transfer station.
Organic material management facility
Means a facility where Organic Material is received and processed for Beneficial Use. This includes a transfer station where Organic Material is delivered, temporarily stored and sent to a facility where it is processed for Beneficial Use
Person
Means any human being, any city or other public agency, any public or private corporation, any partnership, any firm, association, or other organization, any receiver, trustee, assignee, agent or other legal representative of any of the foregoing or any other legal entity
Recycling
Means the process of collecting and preparing Mixed Recyclables and reusing the materials in their original form or using them in manufacturing processes that does not cause the destruction of those materials precluding further use
Responsible party
Means the owner or their designee of a commercial property or business including any Multifamily Housing building or complex covered under this Ordinance
Source separation
Means the separation of Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material from Trash at the source of Generation
Trash
Means non-recyclable material that is designated for landfill or incinerator disposal by the Hauler. The term “Trash” does not include hazardous waste as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 116.06, subdivision 11, or construction debris as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.03, subdivision 7.
Waste
Means all Trash, Mixed Recyclables, and Organic Material from residential, commercial, industrial, and community activities
Waste reduction / source reduction
Means an activity that prevents Generation of Waste or the inclusion of toxic materials in Waste, including reusing a product in its original form; increasing the life span of a product; reducing amount of material or the toxicity of material used in production or packaging; or changing procurement, consumption, or Waste Generation habits to result in smaller quantities or lower toxicity of Waste generated as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.03, subsection 36b
Yard waste
Means plant materials including grass clippings, leaves, weeds, garden plants, and brush and branches under four inches in diameter and four feet in length
Section II: General provisions for cities
Subsection 1: Mixed recyclables collection requirements
A. Curbside collection of mixed recyclables
Cities shall have an ordinance to ensure the provision of Curbside Collection of Mixed Recyclables to residential households that are single family through fourplex and other residential households where each household has its own Collection Container for Trash. It is the responsibility of each City to enforce its ordinance relating to the Curbside Collection of Mixed Recyclables within the boundaries of the City.
B. Materials accepted for recycling
A City’s Curbside Collection program must accept a list of Mixed Recyclables as selected by the County in consultation with haulers, local Material Recovery Facilities, and end markets. The County will update the list of materials as needed, distribute the list to City recycling coordinators, and post the list on the County’s website.
Subsection 2: Organic material collection requirements
A. Curbside collection of organic material
By January 1, 2022, Cities shall provide the opportunity to participate in Curbside Collection of Organic Material to residential households that are single family through fourplex and other residential households where each household has its own Collection Container for Mixed Recyclables. Curbside Collection of Organic Material must be provided year round on a weekly basis. A City may adjust Collection Service frequency with prior approval by the Department.
Cities shall make Curbside Collection of Organic Material available by contracting for citywide service or by requiring Haulers to provide the service. If a City does not provide Curbside Collection of Organic Material by contracting for citywide service, the City shall require Haulers to provide it. Haulers shall provide Curbside Collection of Organic Material upon request to households that have Curbside Collection for Mixed Recyclables.
Cities shall require Haulers to provide the following information annually, to the City:
- A description of how Organic Material will be collected.
- A communications plan that includes the method(s) and frequency of communications that notify residents of the availability of Curbside Collection of Organic Material.
- Instructions on how residents sign up for the Curbside Collection of Organic Material.
- A Curbside Collection schedule or calendar.
- Instructions on how residents should prepare Organic Material for Curbside Collection.
- The number of participants and tonnage collected.
- The Organic Material Management Facility where Organic Material is delivered.
- The contact information of a representative who works for the Hauler who can respond to inquiries related to the requirements of this Ordinance.
Cities shall share this information with the County as required by the reporting requirements in Section II, Subsection 4 of this Ordinance.
B. Curbside collection exemption for cities of the fourth class
If a City of the fourth class, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 410.01, chooses not to meet Section II, Subsection 2A of this Ordinance, it must provide at least one Organic Material Drop-off Site within its geographic boundaries by January 1, 2022. A City of the fourth class may partner with nearby Cities to meet this requirement with prior approval by the Department.
Subsection 3: Education requirements
Cities shall:
- Use County terminology on promotional materials when describing Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material guidelines, including the description of materials accepted and not accepted, as well as preparation guidelines.
- Use images approved by the County if using images of Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material.
- Provide information on the City’s website, including materials accepted and not accepted, a Curbside Collection calendar, and links to County resources on waste management.
- Provide a guide on Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material to residents each year. The guide shall contain information on Curbside Collection, materials accepted and not accepted, and a Curbside Collection calendar.
- Complete two educational activities each year to promote Curbside Collection. The County will provide a list of activities to city recycling coordinators.
Subsection 4: City reporting requirements to the department
Each City shall report all information relating to Waste Generation, Collection, and disposal within its boundaries to the Department. Such information shall include data on tonnage of Waste generated in the City, licensing and contract information, a description of Waste management programs, financial information, and any additional information as requested by the Department. Such information shall be provided on an annual basis by or on February 15th of each year or as otherwise directed by the Department.
Subsection 5: Failure to meet requirements
A. Compliance
It is the responsibility of each City to meet the requirements of this Ordinance. The implementation of the County requirements for Cities shall be the responsibility of each respective City. Nothing in this Ordinance shall preclude the Collection of Yard Waste, although Yard Waste Collection alone is not sufficient for a City to be compliant with the Ordinance. If a City should fail to implement the requirements by January 1, 2022, the enforcement provisions in this Ordinance, Section II, Subsection 5.B, shall come into effect.
B. County enforcement
If any City fails to establish or implement any or all of the requirements in Section II of this Ordinance, the County Board may implement any of the requirements of this Ordinance within the boundaries of the City. The County Board, to the extent that it has assumed the responsibilities that the City has failed to assume, may seek reimbursement from a City for all costs, expenses, and expenditures that the County has incurred incident to the adoption, implementation, administration, and enforcement of this Ordinance within the boundaries of a City through any means available under Minnesota law.
Section III: General provisions for multifamily housing
Subsection 1: Mixed recyclables collection requirement
Upon execution, Cities shall have an ordinance that requires property owners of Multifamily Housing to provide Collection Service for lessees. Mixed Recyclables Collection Service must be available at all Multifamily Housing buildings within Hennepin County. It is the responsibility of each City to enforce its ordinance(s) relating to the Collection of Mixed Recyclables from Multifamily Housing within the boundaries of the City.
Responsible Parties must enter into an agreement with a Hauler or arrange service through a City contract to provide Collection Service to collect Mixed Recyclables from each building.
The agreement between the Responsible Party and Hauler must also provide for the Collection and delivery of these materials to a Materials Recovery Facility. Mixed Recyclables must go to a Materials Recovery Facility, and if Organic Material Collection Service is provided, Organic Material must be delivered to an Organic Material Management Facility.
Subsection 2: Education requirements
The Responsible Party must distribute written information about the Collection Service to each occupied building unit at the time of leasing and at least annually thereafter. If Collection Service for Organic Material is available, this information must include details pertaining to that program.
Educational material and instructions may be provided in print or electronic form and shall include, but not be limited to:
- Reasons to properly manage Mixed Recyclables, Organic Materials, and adopt practices that result in Waste Reduction.
- Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material guidelines, including the description of materials accepted and not accepted, as well as preparation guidelines.
- Disposal options for Household Hazardous Waste and Bulky Items.
- Location of Collection Containers for lessees to use.
- Contact information for the City or County for additional information.
Educational materials are available from the County. The County has the authority to request verification of annual education practices. A record must be kept to meet the self-inspection requirement in Section V, Subsection 3.A of this Ordinance.
Subsection 3: Bin and labeling requirements
Responsible Parties must make Collection for Mixed Recyclables convenient for lessees. Responsible Parties:
- Provide separate Bins for the disposal of Mixed Recyclables where Trash is also being collected in common areas, including, but not limited to laundry rooms, mail pickup area, and community rooms.
- Conveniently locate sufficiently sized Bins for the amount or volume of Waste generated.
- Affix a label on each Bin to indicate which Waste type should be placed inside the Bin. Replace label if it becomes damaged, faded, illegible, or when images or text conflict with the acceptable materials.
Labels on Bins must:
- Clearly and legibly state a Waste type and show images of acceptable materials for Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material.
- Be color-coded to differentiate the material being collected. The color blue must be used for Mixed Recyclables; green for Organic Material for Composting or Anaerobic Digestion; and red, gray or black for Trash.
- Include standardized and relevant terminology.
- Include preparation instructions where applicable.
Labels and signs that meet these requirements are available from the County.
Section IV: General provisions for commercial generators
Subsection 1: Mixed recyclables collection requirement
This Ordinance incorporates by reference the obligations placed on public entities, commercial buildings and sports facilities in Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.151, and all subsequent codifications.
Subsection 2: Organic material collection requirement
In addition to the obligations in Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.151, Covered Generators must implement a Collection program to divert food and Food Scraps from Back-of-House for Beneficial Use by January 1, 2020.
A. Covered generators
Commercial Generators covered under this Ordinance include the following business classifications: restaurants; grocery stores; food wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers; hotels; hospitals; sports venues; event centers; caterers; nursing and residential care facilities; office buildings with dining services; farmers markets; food shelves and food banks; colleges and universities with dining services; shopping centers; airports; golf clubs and country clubs; and rental kitchens or shared use commercial kitchens. The County Board may annually designate by resolution additional business classifications. Obligations under Section IV, Subsection 2 of this Ordinance will become effective for all added businesses one year after the County Board’s resolution. The County will maintain a list of Covered Generators on its website.
Covered Generators are those aforementioned public, nonprofit, and for profit businesses that generate one ton of Trash per week or contract for eight cubic yards or more per week of Collection Service for Trash as of January 1, 2020.
B. Beneficial use
For the purpose of this Ordinance, Beneficial Use of Organic Material includes the following:
- Donation of edible food for human consumption (must be done in combination with other management methods)
- Collection of food and Food Scraps for Food-to-Animal Programs (this may include either Food-to-Livestock or Food-to-Animal-Feed Processing).
- Collection of food, Food Scraps and other Compostable materials for Composting at a Commercial Composting Facility.
- Collection of food, Food Scraps, and other Compostable materials accepted for Anaerobic Digestion at an Anaerobic Digestion facility.
- Additional methods may be included but must be reviewed and approved by the Department.
In accordance with the 2013 Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Waste Discharge Rules, Prohibited Waste Discharges, section 406.21, directly disposing of any more than incidental amounts of food and Food Scraps through the public sewer system to avoid off-site disposal is prohibited and is not compliant with this Ordinance.
Nothing in this Ordinance shall preclude a Covered Generator or other licensed food establishment from donating leftover or unsold food that is fit for human consumption to a food shelf, food bank, shelter, or other food reuse program, or from implementing Source Reduction strategies to reduce their Generation of excess food and Food Scraps. In fact, the Department considers these management options of food to be of highest priority. However, unless the Covered Generator requests and receives a Variance in writing and signed by the Department, these actions alone shall not be considered sufficient compliance with this Ordinance.
C. Collection requirements
Food and Food Scraps must be Source Separated from other Waste in all Back-of-House areas where Organic Material is Generated and Collected. The Covered Generator shall abide by the following requirements:
- Provide sufficiently sized Bins for the amount or volume of Organic Material generated in any Back of House area.
- Conveniently locate each Bin in a manner to promote its use. Bins must be readily accessible to employees any time there is access to Bins for Trash.
- Affix a label on each Bin to indicate only Organic Material may be placed in the Bin. Replace label if it becomes damaged, faded, illegible or when images or text conflict with the acceptable materials.
Covered Generators must either obtain the proper license to self-haul or contract with a Hauler or service provider to collect and deliver all of a Covered Generator’s food and Food Scraps to one or more Organic Material Management Facilities.
Where a building owner rents, leases, or lets space to a business that is a Covered Generator, the building owner is responsible to either provide a Collection system on behalf of the tenant or to facilitate and allow the tenant to set up their own Collection Service for Organic Material.
The building owner and Covered Generator shall not contaminate or commingle Organic Material that has been Source Separated in a manner that would make it unfit for an Organic Material Management Facility.
A Covered Generator may collect other Compostable material in addition to food and Food Scraps provided that the collected materials are appropriate for the intended Organic Material Management Facility.
D. Education requirements
Covered Generators shall post instructions on the separation requirements for Organic Materials in an area where such instructions will be visible to employees who are disposing of Organic Materials. The instructions shall state that Organic Material is required to be Source Separated and shall explain which materials must be Source Separated according to the intended Beneficial Use. The Department will post guidelines on accepted materials on the County website and regularly update such information.
Covered Generators shall provide training opportunities to all new employees and subcontractors performing work regulated by this Ordinance and review Collection procedures of Organic Materials with all employees and such subcontractors at least once per year. A record of trainings must be kept to meet the self-inspection requirement in Section V, Subsection 3.A of this Ordinance.
Subsection 3: Bin and labeling requirements
Responsible parties shall:
- Provide sufficiently sized Bins for the amount or volume of Mixed Recyclables generated if Bins for Trash are also provided.
- Conveniently locate sufficiently sized Bins for the amount or volume of Waste generated.
- Affix a label on each Bin to indicate which Waste type should be placed inside the Bin. Replace label if it becomes damaged, faded, illegible, or when images or text conflict with the acceptable materials.
Labels on Bins must:
- Clearly and legibly state a Waste type and show images of acceptable materials for Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material.
- Be color-coded to differentiate the material being collected. The color blue must be used for Mixed Recyclables; green for Organic Material for Composting or Anaerobic Digestion; and red, gray or black for Trash.
- Include standardized and relevant terminology.
- Include preparation instructions where applicable.
Labels and signs that meet these requirements are available from the County.
E. Variances
A Covered Generator or Responsible Party may seek a waiver from the Department of all or portions of Section IV, Subsection 2 of the Ordinance if one or all of the following special circumstances apply:
- Lack of adequate storage space for Bins and Collection Containers.
- Generation of Organic Material has been eliminated or substantially eliminated.
- Determination by a local health authority that Collection of Organic Material would conflict with MN Rules 4626 (Food Code) or other applicable state or federal food regulations.
The applicant must submit a form specified by the Department and include a signed affidavit. This form and guidelines will be supplied by the Department upon request.
When a Covered Generator requests a variance for Section IV, Subsection 2 of this Ordinance the Department will issue a written determination regarding that variance request within 30 working days.
To be effective, the variance must be in writing and signed by the Department or its designee. A variance may be revoked if one or more of the factors justifying the exemption no longer exist, or other changes in circumstances warrant revocation. Unless earlier revoked, a variance shall be effective for a period of three years from the date it was granted.
Section V: Shared provisions for multifamily housing and commercial generators
Subsection 1: Collection requirements
A. Collection container and collection service requirements:
- The Responsible Party shall ensure that Collection Containers for Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material are as conveniently located for tenants and lessees to access as are Collection Containers for Trash. Collection Containers must be located in an accessible room or area, having appropriate aisle space that allows unobstructed access for the user. Access to Collection Containers for Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material must be allowed any time there is access to a Collection Container for Trash.
- The Responsible Party shall ensure Collection Service is adequate for the Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material generated onsite. In the event that Mixed Recyclables or Organic Material are overflowing Collection Containers and subsequently being discarded as Trash, hauling frequency or Collection Container size must be adjusted within 30 days to accommodate the material being generated.
- Collection Containers provided by contracted Haulers shall be maintained in clean and sanitary condition in accordance with all pertinent health statutes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. Collection Containers must be located in such a manner to prevent them from being overturned or from obstructing pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic or be in violation of any statute, ordinance, rule, or regulation.
B. Labeling requirements
Collection Containers must be labeled by Haulers to designate the type of material to be placed therein and must meet the following requirements. Labels must:
- Be visible from all points of access for the user.
- Clearly and legibly state a Waste type and show images of acceptable materials for Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material.
- Be color-coded to differentiate the material collected. The color blue must be used for Mixed Recyclables; green for Organic Material for Composting or Anaerobic Digestion; and red, gray or black for Trash.
- Include standardized and relevant terminology.
- Include preparation instructions where applicable.
- Be sized a minimum of 8 ½ inches by 11 inches and include Waste type in letters at least one inch high for Collection Containers that are barrels or carts.
- Be sized a minimum of 11 inches by 17 inches and include Waste type in letters at least one inch high for Collection Containers other than barrels or carts that are up to four yards in volume.
- Be sized a minimum of 18 inches by 24 inches and include Waste type in letters at least two inches high for Collection Containers larger than four yards in volume.
- Be replaced if damaged, faded, illegible or when images or text on the label conflict with materials accepted in Collection of Mixed Recyclables and Organic Material.
Labels and signs that meet these requirements are available from the County. Further specifications relating to Collection Containers may be designated by the Department and will be posted on the County’s website.
Subsection 2: Enforcement
Enforcement provisions shall be applicable to any Responsible Party that fails to implement the requirements of this section by January 1, 2020. The implementation and enforcement shall be coordinated through the Department, which may cooperate with other governmental agencies in the furtherance of Section III, Section IV, and Section V of this Ordinance.
A. Warnings
The Department or any of its authorized representatives may issue a warning notice to any Person observed to be not in compliance with any provision of this Ordinance. The warning notice shall be on a form provided by the Department.
B. Misdemeanor
Any Person who fails to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance may be charged with a misdemeanor. It is a separate offense for each day that the violation occurs or continues.
C. Remedies cumulative
No remedy established by this Ordinance is intended to be exclusive of any other available remedy or remedies, but each and every such remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given under this Ordinance in equity or by statute.
D. Injunctive relief
In the event of a violation or a threat of violation of this Ordinance, the County may institute appropriate actions or proceedings, including application for injunctive relief, action to compel performance, or other appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate such violations or threatened violations.
E. Costs and special assessments
If any Person within the County collects or disposes of Mixed Recyclables or Organic Material in violation of this Ordinance, the County may take the necessary steps to correct such violations, and the resulting costs may be recovered in a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction or, at the discretion of the County Board, the costs may be certified to the County Auditor as a special tax against the real property owned by such Person.
F. Citations
The Department or any of its authorized representatives shall have the power to issue citations for violations of this Ordinance.
a) Form of Citations: Citations shall contain at least the following:
- The name and address of the Person charged with the violation or the owner or Person in charge of the premises at which the violation occurs.
- The date and place of the violation.
- A short description of the violation followed by the section of this Ordinance violated.
- The date and place at which the Person receiving the citation shall appear and a notice that if such Person does not respond, a warrant may be issued for such Person's arrest.
- The name of the representative issuing the citation.
- Such other information as the Court may specify.
b) Issuance of Citations: Whenever any representative of the Department discovers any violation of this Ordinance, that representative may issue a citation to the Person alleged to have committed the violation and such citation shall be in the form specified in paragraph a) of this subsection. Such citation shall be made out in quadruplicate (4). One copy thereof shall be issued to the Person alleged to have committed the violation; one copy shall be filed with the Department; two copies thereof shall be filled with the Bureau.
G. Other options allowed under Minnesota Law.
In addition to the above enforcement options, the Department reserves the right to exercise any other option available under Minnesota law existing at the time of an Ordinance 13 violation.
Subsection 3: Implementation
A. Self-inspection program
Every Responsible Party shall arrange for and maintain a program for self-inspection. The self-inspection program shall include confirmation acceptable to the Department that requirements listed under Section III; Section IV; and Section V, Subsection 1 are met. The Department may establish a self-reporting form to be completed within a regular interval no more frequent than annually, which may include, but is not limited to, program description, proof of hauling or other Waste management contract information, Waste Collection Service volumes and frequency, training plan, and financial information related to all Waste.
B. Department inspection
Inspection and evaluation listed in Section V, Subsection 2 and Section V, Subsection 3 shall be completed in such a frequency to ensure consistent compliance by Responsible Parties and Haulers with Section III, Section IV, and Section V of this Ordinance. The Department shall provide the Responsible Party with written notice of any deficiencies, corrections, and the date by which the corrections shall be accomplished. At the Department’s election, the Responsible Party shall allow the authorized representative of the Department to collect samples of Waste to evaluate contamination levels. The Responsible Party shall allow free access at all reasonable times to inspect and copy all business records related to Waste collection. The Responsible Party shall report to the County upon request information such as the business name, address, and telephone number of each contracted Hauler, as well as the day(s) of pickup and days which Disposal Facility, Materials Recovery Facility or Organic Material Management Facility is receiving the material. The Responsible Party shall allow the authorized representative from the Department to record and document their findings in any reasonable and appropriate manner including, but not limited to, notes, photographs, photocopies, video recordings, audio recordings, and computer storage systems or other electronic media. When requested by an authorized representative of the Department, the Responsible Party shall provide photocopies or electronic copies of records including scans, electronic image files, or other electronic files of records.
C. Right of entry
Whenever necessary to perform an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this Ordinance or whenever the Department has reasonable cause to believe that a Responsible Party is not compliant, the authorized representative of the Department may enter such building or premises during business hours to inspect to ensure compliance with this Ordinance. If such building or premises is occupied, the authorized representative shall first present proper credentials and demand entry. Advanced notice is not required. If such entry is refused or cannot be obtained, the Department shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry including administrative search warrants. If the Responsible Party or other Person having control of the premises has previously stated that they will refuse to allow the authorized representative of the Department entry for inspections, then the Department shall have the authority to obtain an administrative search warrant in advance of an inspection at that premises, without first being denied entry.
Section VI: Violations
It shall be unlawful for any Person other than Haulers to distribute, collect, remove or dispose of Mixed Recyclables after said materials have been placed or deposited for Collection Service.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 115A.95 and 115A.553, it shall be unlawful for a Hauler to dispose of any Source Separated Mixed Recyclables or Source Separated Organic Material at a waste-to-energy facility or landfill.
Nothing in this Ordinance shall abridge the right of any Person to give or sell their Mixed Recyclables or Organic Material to any Recycling program lawfully operated for profit, non-profit or charitable purposes.
Nothing in this Ordinance shall abridge the right of any authorized Recycling program to lawfully operate within the County, subject to such other licenses or other regulations as may be required by law.
Section VII: Separability
The provisions of this Ordinance are separable. If any court of competent jurisdiction adjudges any provision of this Ordinance to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect any other provision of this Ordinance not specifically included in the judgment.
Section VIII: Provisions are accumulative
The provisions of this Ordinance are accumulative to all other current or future laws, ordinances, and regulations, covering any subject matter in this Ordinance.