Very Small Quantity Generator

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) of hazardous material is any company that generates less than 220 pounds (approximately 27 gallons, or half of a 55-gallon drum) of hazardous material on a monthly basis and does not exceed this quantity in any given month. VSQGs should also never accumulate more than 2,205 pounds of hazardous material on site at any time (approximately 265 gallons, or not quite 5 full 55-gallon barrels). In order to maintain compliance, and to avoid fines, it is important that companies remain within the VSQG guidelines.

If you would like more information about VSQG guidelines, or if you would like to be included on our VSQG mailing list to receive reminders and guideline updates, email the Recycling Program or call at 920-849-1493, ext. 2404).

VSQG Companies

Any business, farm, organization, church, school, etc. is considered to be a VSQG if they fall within the guidelines. Any company that generates more hazardous materials than the guidelines are subject to being bumped into a higher, and more stringent regulation category. More information about the different categories and regulations can be found on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA's) Category of Hazardous Waste Generators page.

New Provisions for VSQGs

Effective May 30, 2017: In the case of an unusual event (clean-out or an act of nature) where larger quantities of hazardous materials are generated during a given month than normal, the company is not bumped up to a higher category as long as their hazardous material generation returns to their previous normal monthly generation following the event. A VSQG is allowed to transfer its material to a large quantity generator as long as they are owned by the same person. More information about these rule changes, and VSQG guidelines can be found on the EPA's website.

Disposal of Hazardous Materials

Calumet County does not currently offer services for the disposal of materials from VSQGs, but there are some options listed that are located in Northeast Wisconsin. Businesses are responsible for all costs associated with the disposal and transportation of hazardous materials. Disposal Locations:

Brown County Port and Resource Recovery
Drop off Location:
2561 S Broadway
Green Bay, WI 54304
Brown County Port and Resource Recovery Website

Veolia
Drop off and Mobilization Location:
W 124 N 9451 Boundary Road
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

Veolia

Veolia provides service to businesses for the transportation and disposal of hazardous materials. For information about their services and pricing, you can contact Dave Lambrecht from Veolia at 262-255-6655, or toll free at 800-255-5092. More information about the industrial services Veolia offers can be found at their website.

Storage Information

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides a lot of information about the storage and disposal of hazardous materials for VSQGs. View some of the information they provide on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website:

  • Attempt to reduce your waste generation whenever possible.
  • Before reaching the accumulation limit, hazardous waste must be transported to a licensed hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility; or a very small quantity generator hazardous waste collection facility.
  • By law, VSQGs are required to keep the lid on drums or other containers when they are not removing or adding waste.
  • Containers must also be labeled with the words, “Hazardous Waste”
  • Do not mix different types of waste (such as waste oil, paint, and antifreeze) in the same container. If you mix the incorrect chemicals together it could result in the production of toxic gas or result in a deadly explosion.
  • Goods must be transferred to another container if it is not in good condition, or it begins to leak.
  • Keep storage areas dry and secure, this can help prevent vandalism, spills, and unwanted entry. These areas should be inspected frequently to make sure they are safe and secure.
  • Keep track of how much waste you produce. As stated before, VSQGs should not accumulate more than 2,205 pounds of hazardous waste on-site at any time. If a VSQG exceeds either the monthly 220 pound generation limit, or the on-site accumulation limit of 2,205 pounds, they become subject to more stringent regulations.
  • Separate incompatible wastes by storing them away from each other or constructing berms or dikes.
  • Use containers that are compatible with the waste you are accumulating.