Dakota County has three main roles in solid waste management:
1. We work with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to regulate solid waste facilities—license, inspect and enforce ordinances—including landfills, processing facilities, transfer stations, yard waste compost sites and recycling facilities that accept, manage and dispose of solid wastes.
2. We license waste and recycling haulers.
3. We work with cities to provide residents and businesses information on proper disposal, waste reduction, reuse and recycling.
In addition, six metro counties—Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Carver and Dakota—comprise the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB). The SWMCB, with the assistance of the MPCA, plans for integrated regional solid waste management to conserve resources and protect the environment.