Protect Our Waters by Properly Disposing of Hazardous Materials

You might be aware of recent media reports about Minneapolis residents finding hidden caches of incendiary and flammable materials, such as gasoline stored in plastic water bottles, in their communities. Conflicting information has circulated in the news and on social media about what to do with these materials, including how to notify the authorities and how to properly dispose of flammable liquids.

Please, DO NOT pour gasoline or other potentially flammable liquids down any drain — either inside or outside of your house — as doing so will create unnecessary health and/or environmental hazards. (Storm drains lead directly to waterbodies like the Mississippi River.)

Per guidance from state and local authorities, here’s what to do if you discover gasoline or other potentially flammable materials:

1) Notify the Authorities

• Call 911 to report any situation that is immediately hazardous or requires an immediate response to the scene.
• In Minneapolis, call 612-692-TIPS (8477) to report suspicious behavior or events that do not rise to the level of calling 911.
• Call the BCA HOTLINE at 651-793-7000 to report planned attacks or criminal activities; plans occurring on social media to target a specific area or building; amassing of fireworks, liquor bottles or other tools to start fires.

2) Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly

• Ask for guidance from authorities first on whether and how to handle any found liquids/flammable materials in your area.
• Never dump gasoline or other flammable or hazardous materials down a drain — either inside or outside of your house.
• Dispose of gasoline, oil and other potentially hazardous substances via your county’s hazardous waste program. (See below.)

County Hazardous Waste Program Info:

• Hennepin County
• Ramsey County
• Anoka County