Minnesota would fund a $75,000 study of illegal infectious waste shipments

Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency would study illegal waste shipments and recommend ways to reduce their frequency and costs. The study would cover illegal shipments of infectious waste and pathological waste, such as body tissue, to solid waste facilities. The study would assess shipment frequency and costs and survey a representative sample of known infectious waste producers about keeping waste separate. Recommendations would include estimated costs to state agencies. The agency would consider unannounced inspections and fines for producers who arrange shipments to facilities the agency has not approved to accept this waste. By January 15, 2027, the agency would submit the study to chairs and ranking minority members of legislative committees overseeing the environment and health and human services.

Minnesota would set aside $75,000 from the environmental fund for the Pollution Control Agency’s study. The money would pay for the required study. The funding would apply to fiscal year 2027.