BRAINERD, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has penalized the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system for hazardous waste violations at two schools.

The violations occurred at St. Cloud Technical and Community College and at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.

In St. Cloud, contaminated waste and chemicals from surgical, dental, chemistry and microbiology labs were disposed of in the trash or down drains.

In Brainerd, the marine and small engine repair departments failed to evaluate waste rags to see if they needed to be handled as hazardous waste.

MnSCU paid a $25,700 penalty and corrected violations. MnSCU also is assessing all of its campuses statewide to make sure staff is properly trained in hazardous waste management.

A MnSCU spokeswoman says the system takes its responsibility seriously to properly handle hazardous waste.

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