The Solid Waste Branch is responsible for the review and issuance or denial of permits for solid waste and special waste landfills, landfarming and composting facilities and registrations for permit-by-rule facilities.

Our mission is to assure proper solid and special waste management practices through the implementation of comprehensive permitting, monitoring and training.

To accomplish these tasks, the Solid Waste Branch reviews permit applications, provides technical assistance to the general public and field staff, conducts technical inspections during landfill construction and closure activities, conducts public meetings on solid and special waste facilities and evaluates specific waste streams for acceptance into solid waste landfills.

Prior to applying for a landfill permit, the Solid Waste Branch encourages an individual to become familiar with all applicable statutes and regulations. Solid and special waste statutes are located primarily in KRS Chapter 224 and solid and special waste regulations can be found in 401 KAR Chapters 45 through 49. A brief summary of the major steps in the solid waste permitting process can be found in the landfill permitting overview.

A solid waste law, commonly referred to as House Bill 174, was passed by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2002. The new law established priorities for proper solid waste management in Kentucky through waste reduction, recycling, proper closure of abandoned landfills, education, proper collection and disposal of solid waste, elimination of illegal open dumps and abatement of litter. Click on the links to view regulations for HB 174 or to print a copy of the Environmental Remediation Fee Reporting and Submittal Form. If you have questions about the law, contact Manager Ron Gruzesky, 502-564-6716.
 
The Division of Waste Management maintains a list of all permitted operating landfills including permitted construction/demolition debris landfills located in Kentucky. The map above shows contained landfills -- landfills that accept municipal solid waste (MSW).  

Goals:

     1. Issue permits in a timely manner with enforceable conditions to protect human health and the environment and be equitable to all citizens.
     2. Encourage the reduction, reuse and recycling of solid waste and special wastes through permitting, reporting and public education.
     3. Promote protective waste management practices through seminars, certification schools, notices and public meetings.
     4. Complete and maintain a comprehensive, useable solid and special waste information system.