Hennepin County, MN Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

No person shall operate an open dump.

Waste placed in open dumps or illegally disposed of shall be collected and transported to a licensed solid waste facility for proper disposal by the property owner or other person(s) determined by the Department to be responsible for the illegal activity. The responsible person shall notify the Department at least 48 hours prior to commencement of excavation/removal activity at the subject site. A receipt or other documentation approved by the Department, which indicates satisfactory and legal disposal of the subject solid waste shall be submitted to the Department no later than 14 days after disposal. Open dumps may submit a closure plan to the Department for approval. Closure plans shall be in compliance with MPCA rules and any other requirement deemed necessary by the Department. Effective means must be taken, if necessary, to control flies, rodents, and other insects, or vermin. Implementation of a water-monitoring program may be required by the Department based on the open dump’s potential to adversely affect the public’s health and the environment. Any required water-monitoring program shall be in accordance with MPCA rules, guidelines, procedures and policies. Plans to protect the ground and surface water shall be approved by the Department prior to implementation. Surface water must be diverted around and away from the open dump.