SOLID WASTE OPERATOR LICENSING

General Information

The Solid Waste Licensing Program began in 1985 as a voluntary program for the licensing of sanitary landfill operators. In 1991, the Program became mandatory, and in 1995, the program was broadened to include operators of other types of solid waste management facilities.

The Solid Waste Licensing Program is administered by the Department under the authority of Regulation 27 and § 8-6-901 et seq., and with the advise and assistance of a ten-member Solid Waste Licensing Committee.

There are currently three licensing classifications with levels created within each classification which are aimed at providing a professional career ladder. The classification of license an operator holds must correspond to the type of facility where they work.

• Class 1 License: Required of operators at un segregated material recovery facilities, composting facilities, transfer stations, municipal solid waste incinerators, or municipal solid waste disposal facilities.
• Class 2 License: Required of operators at solid waste disposal facilities or landfills not subject to Subtitle D (Class III and IV permittees). Monofills are included.
• Class 3 License: Required of operators at waste tire processing facilities.

The above classifications are broken down into Levels A, B and C for apprentice, journeyman, and masters.

At all facilities, anyone meeting the definition of operator must either have an operator license, have a provisional certificate (see Regulation 27, Section 27.608), or be an operator-in-training (see Regulation 27, Section 27.606).

Each site must have at least one operator present during periods of operation that has a Level C license unless the facility qualifies for Regulation 27, Section 27.302, Special Provisions for Transfer Stations.

Additionally, all operators-in-training and Level A operators must be supervised by a Level C operator unless the facility qualifies for Regulation 27, Section 27.302, Special Provisions for Transfer Stations.

For more information, contact the Solid Waste Management Division at (501) 682-0583.

(Rev. 4/2001)