Investigation Launched into Infectious Waste Found at Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Center

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is currently conducting an investigation into the presence of infectious human and animal waste at the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Center in Newport. The employees at the waste-to-energy facility first noticed these loads, which included blood and organs, in May. Concerned about the illegal materials, the employees promptly reported the issue to their supervisors, who in turn informed the MPCA officials. Michael Reed, the division manager for public health and environment in Ramsey County, expressed his deep concern about the situation, emphasizing the high priority placed on employee safety and the unacceptable risk posed by such waste. He described the ongoing occurrence of multiple loads containing hazardous materials as “disgusting” and “unacceptable.”

Among the items discovered in the loads were human tissue, IV tubing that potentially contained blood, suction devices and canisters used in surgery centers that were tainted with blood, and bandages excessively soaked in blood. Reed highlighted a particularly disturbing find, mentioning that one load contained intestines, which indicated a probable connection to a surgery center. While they occasionally receive waste from veterinary clinics, this specific case was undoubtedly related to human tissue. Additionally, blood samples from pets were found, labeled with names, suggesting that they originated from a veterinary clinic.

Reed stressed that infectious waste must be handled appropriately and taken to one of the seven certified infectious waste storage and decontamination facilities in Minnesota. The closest facility to Newport is Stericycle in Eagan. He expressed his hope that all healthcare and veterinary clinics would comply with the proper waste disposal regulations, aiming for a 100 percent compliance rate.

The MPCA is currently pursuing enforcement actions against the companies responsible for the infectious waste found at the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Center. However, due to the ongoing investigation, MPCA officials refrained from providing specific details. Multiple complaints have been received by the state agency regarding this issue, according to Michael Rafferty, the MPCA Communications Manager.

Infectious waste disposal is strictly regulated by the MPCA, as it poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. Proper handling and disposal are crucial to mitigate these biological risks. The MPCA investigates incidents of improper disposal and offers guidance on infectious waste management for waste generators, including a list of approved disposal vendors.

The news of the MPCA investigation was initially reported by Corin Hoggard, a FOX-9 journalist. The officials at the Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Center welcomed the attention brought to this matter, as they believe it will help raise awareness. Facility manager Michael Reed explained that healthcare and veterinary clinics are legally mandated to have an infectious waste management plan in place, detailing the types of waste generated, where it is generated, and how it is managed. Employees must also receive training on these protocols. Despite the existence of these rules and requirements, there seems to be a breakdown somewhere in the system, which Reed finds perplexing. He emphasized the need to stop such improper waste disposal and mentioned that the center’s employees and garbage haulers have been actively reaching out to customers and associations to spread the word. Their goal is to ensure that all facilities, including their own, adhere to the correct waste management procedures.

The Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy Center receives approximately 450,000 tons of trash per year, equivalent to over 1,200 tons each day. Upon arrival, the loads are dumped and pushed onto conveyor belts for sorting. More than 85 percent of the trash is recycled, composted, or transported to Red Wing and Mankato for incineration and use as fuel.

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