Solid Waste

Solid waste is regulated under a number of different programs at DEQ. These programs are designed to encourage the reuse and recycling of solid waste and to regulate the disposal and treatment of solid waste including regulated medical waste. Standards are designed to protect human health and the environment.

Solid waste program information

Avian influenza

• Avian Flu Information    

Lead Acid Batteries

• A written notice for persons selling lead acid batteries to post is available here

Household Hazardous Waste

For information about household hazardous waste - what it is, how to avoid creating it, how to recycle or properly manage it, how to safely store it, and more click here

Other links

• Distressed sites - formerly utilized solid waste management facilities which may represent unique opportunities for potential re-use
• Landfills Permitted to Dispose Friable Asbestos 
• Local and regional solid waste planning
• Managing solid waste in Virginia (solid waste reports)
• Recycling
• Regulated medical waste
• Solid waste active permit applications
• VDH issues GMP for Spent Peat Moss Media Disposal
• Vegetative and yard waste composting  
• Waste tire management

Solid waste regulations

The Virginia solid waste management regulations set standards for the siting, design, construction, operation, closure and post-closure care of solid waste management facilities.

Final solid waste fee regulations

The regulations cover facilities such as:

• Landfills, including sanitary landfills, industrial waste landfills, and landfills for construction and demolition debris. The standards for sanitary landfills comply with RCRA Subtitle D.
• Transfer stations
• Composting facilities for other than yard waste
• Mass burn incinerators
• Materials recovery facilities
• Solid waste experimental facilities
• Waste storage piles, and other facilities of a similar nature.

Solid Waste Alternate Concentration Limits (ACL)

  ACL-Table-Technical Memorandum: The draft technical memorandum details the development and use of Alternate Concentration Limits (ACL) for establishing Groundwater Protection Standards (GPS). Please refer to this document prior to using the ACL table. Please contact Pat McMurray at (804) 698-4286 or Sonal Iyer at (804) 698-4259 for more details.

   The ACL-Table December 2011: Attached is the current ACL table, revised in December 2011, effective February 1, 2012. Please refer to the draft technical memorandum prior to using the ACL table. Please note that the ACL table is revised once a year; each new version of the ACL table supersedes all previous versions. Please contact Pat McMurray at (804) 698-4286 or Sonal Iyer at (804) 698-4259 for more details.

Questions & Answers Regarding Changes to ACL-based Groundwater Protection Standards for Solid Waste Facilities. These documents summarize answers to commonly asked questions pertaining to aspects of groundwater monitoring required under the VSWMR.  Answers are derived from the language of the VSWMR or other Guidance documents produced by EPA or its partners.  These documents may be revised at any time to reflect new question topics presented before the Department.  If you know of a topic or Regulatory requirement which deserves such a treatment, please contact Geoff Christe at (804) 698-4283.

 Supplemental Information on ACL

Solid Waste permits

Solid waste permitting manual (PDF) Note: This document does not contain all associated attachments. If you require these attachments, please contact  Kathryn J. Perszyk at the Office of Waste Programs, (703) 583-3856, to arrange to receive these materials.

A permit is required by all public and private facilities that operate a waste management facility. These permits follow federal and state standards to protect the land, water and air from pollutants. Virginia also has regulations for the development and implementation of local and regional solid waste management plans.

The applicant should forward the permit application fee directly to the fiscal office of DEQ, Accounts Receivable, PO Box 1104, Richmond, VA 23218. When the permit application is submitted the applicant should submit a copy of the check and transmittal letter to the appropriate Regional Waste Program Manager.

Solid Waste Information and Assessment Program

Reporting Form, Instructions, and Frequently Asked Questions on the Solid Waste Information and Assessment Program.

Waste Management Facility Operators

Each permitted solid waste management facility in Virginia is required to have a licensed operator onsite to oversee the activities at the facility. Although DEQ has oversight over waste management activities in Virginia, the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) oversees programs for the licensing of Waste Management Facility Operators.

For information on operator licensing, please contact the Board of Waste Management Facility Operators.

The Board of Waste Management Facility Operators approves training courses for licensing. They maintain a list of approved training providers (PDF).

For details on the requirements for licensing and the required training please refer to 18 VAC 155-20 (PDF).