Minnesota Agencies

As a part of the Waste Management Act of 1980, the board was created as a planning, policy-making, and implementing agency to affect the management of solid and hazardous wastes.

The board was created to have the powers and duties prescribed by Minnesota Statutes sections 115A.01 to 115A.72 and all powers necessary or convenient to discharge its duties. Unless otherwise provided, it was intended that the board shall promulgate rules in accordance with chapter 15 to govern its activities and implement sections 115A.01 to 115A.72.

Governor Al Quie called for legislation relating to waste management in his State of the State message in January, 1980.

The Minnesota Waste Management Board was authorized under Minn. Stat. §115A.54, subd. 2 to provide technical and financial assistance for the acquisition and betterment of solid waste processing facilities.

According to the 1987-1988 Biennial Report for the board, On October 7, 1988, Governor Rudy Perpich signed an executive order transferring the Minnesota Waste Management Board's (WMB) programs to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). 

The Office of Waste Management (OWM) replaced the Waste Management Board in 1989 (1989 Minn. Laws Chap. 335 Sec. 269) and was tasked with managing the solid waste activities of the state, including the Minnesota Solid Waste Processing Facility Capital Assistance Program.

The law allows for 9 permanent members and the appointment of temporary members for project review. As of 1984, nine members were appointed by governor.

Chairman: Senator Robert G. Dunn appointed June 16, 1980 (1980-1985); Rep. Bill Walker (1985-1988?) - According to the Biennial Report to the Legislature, 1985-1986.

Responsibilities transferred to Pollution Control Agency and Environmental Quality Board October 1988 by news release (Perpich).