• Recycling washing machines requires licensing regulations.Carlos Sanchez Pereyra/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Recycling centers require significant licensing because of the environmental risk such processing plants pose. Recycling appliances is an involved process requiring certified employees as well as adherence to procedures regulating pick-up and storage, as well as the actual recycling of the appliances. Getting licensed as a recycler in Minnesota requires following all of these regulations strictly.
  
  

Permits

• The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requires a Permit-by-Rule for people who want to start recycling appliances in Minnesota. This permitting process includes information about plans for removal of waste products from appliances and covers storage and pick-up. In addition, recyclers must notify the county in which the business will be located and apply for any business or operations permits required.
  
  

Certified Technicians

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that many people who work on recycling appliances have certification. The basic certification teaches people how to remove refrigeration units, which may contain mercury or other toxic chemicals, carefully to help avoid any dangerous spills. While people can work at an appliance recycling center without certification, anyone directly involved with the appliances needs to be certified.
  
  

Toxic Materials

• The MPCA is in charge of monitoring the elimination of toxic chemicals. All potential appliance recyclers must show that they are able to follow protocol. Refrigerants, for example, require removal into an approved container before being sold to an EPA-approved reclaimer for disposal. Anyone wishing to recycle appliances in Minnesota will need to demonstrate an ability to follow these guidelines.