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The Hazardous Waste Collection Facility provides safe and affordable disposal options for businesses that are Very Small Quantity Generators and for our neighbors who do not live in Mesa County.

What is a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG)?

VSQGs are defined by federal and state waste disposal regulations. VSQG businesses generate:

  • Less than 100 kilograms of hazardous waste in a month (100 kg = 220 pounds or 27 gallons)
  • No more than 1 kilogram of an acute hazardous waste in a month (1 kg = 2.2 pounds)

What types of businesses are typically considered VSQG?

The Mesa County Hazardous Waste Collection Facility considers any person who is deriving revenue through its operation or activities and is generating hazardous waste a business.

Examples of VSQG business include, but are not limited to:

  • Property management to include rental properties
  • Hobbyists, crafters, and artists who sell their artisanal items
  • Auto shops
  • Tradesmen such as painters, plumbers, and electricians
  • Nurseries, landscapers, and farmers
  • Veterinarians and ranchers
  • Dentists, medical clinics, and tattoo parlors
  • Other service providers like dry cleaners and salons

Disposal fees for VSQG Businesses and out-of-county generators*

*All out-of-county waste will be charged an out-of-county fee plus waste disposal fees. There is a one-pound minimum charge on all waste streams.

Service fees

  • Broken/leaking container processing fee - $50 each
  • Drum handling fee - $18.50 each
  • Non-hazardous appliance - $15 each
  • Unknown material HazCat testing - $25 each
  • Chlor-D-Tect test (performed on all motor oil disposals >30 gallons) - $25 each
  • Out-of-county waste - $25 per visit

Itemized disposal fees

  • Aerosol/inhaler - $2.60 each
  • Lead acid battery - $2.50 each
  • Linear bulb - $.40 per foot
  • Non-linear bulb - $1.70 per foot
  • CNC fluid - $150 each
  • Compressed gas cylinder <5 pounds - $2.50 each
  • Compressed gas cylinder >5 pounds - $10 each
  • Fire extinguisher - $5 each
  • Oil filter - $2.50 each

Bulk waste disposal fees

  • E-waste - $0.65 per pound
  • Ammunition (>.50 caliber) - $3 per pound
  • Ballast - $2 per pound
  • Batteries (alkaline, lithium, NiCad) - $2 per pound
  • Class C fireworks/road flares - $3 per pound
  • Cooking oil - $0.20 per pound
  • Corrosive (liquid, solid) - $2.50 per pound
  • Cyanide - $10 per pound
  • Flammable (liquid) - $1 per pound
  • Mercury containing articles - $55 per pound
  • Motor oil/antifreeze - $0.45 per pound
  • Oily rags - $1.35 per pound
  • Oxidizers (liquid, solid, oxidizing nitrates) - $3.50 per pound
  • Paint related materials - $2.10 per pound
  • Pesticides, toxins - $3.50 per pound
  • P-listed, 4.1, 4.3, and D-list toxins - $20 per pound
  • Sharps - $4.25 per pound
  • Other - TBD

How can my business utilize this program?

  1. Review Colorado's state guidelines to confirm that you qualify as a VSQG business.
  2. Print the VSQG Registration Packet 

    Business VSQG Registration Packet

  3. Contact the HWCF by calling 970-256-9543 and schedule an appointment
  4. Bring your completed VSQG Registration Packet and waste to your scheduled appointment at the HWCF, 3071 US Highway 50, Grand Junction, CO, 81503. The facility is the first building on the left as you enter the landfill gates.
  5. Our preferred method of payment is cash, check, or credit card at the time of service. However, an account can be created for businesses that've been operating in the valley for over a year. A business W9 is required to set up an account.

Tips for transporting hazardous waste

For your protection and the safety of others, it is important that all hazardous materials are safely transported to the facility from your home or business. Before bringing hazardous materials to the facility you should take the following actions:

  • Read all labels, paying careful attention to product dangers.
  • Never mix products unless instructed by label directions. Mixing products can cause dangerous chemical reactions.
  • Leave all hazardous materials in the original container.
  • Label all unlabeled or illegible containers.
  • Make certain lids and caps are tightly sealed.
  • Transport materials in newspaper or plastic-lined boxes. This will ensure that if a product leaks, it won't stain your upholstery.
  • Make sure there is adequate ventilation in your automobile.

Upon arrival at the facility, please notify the receiving technician if you:

  • Do not know what the material is
  • Have used syringes or needles

Right to refuse

Mesa County reserves the right to refuse any VSQG waste, including waste that is not properly segregated, packaged, labeled, or represented by your company.