Topic: Waste and Hazardous Substances

The management of solid and hazardous wastes, and hazardous materials, has long been a core function of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

The Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances takes the lead on these issues, and works closely with other parts of the Department to make sure that hazardous materials and solid and hazardous wastes are properly handled, disposed of, or recycled. The division responds, at any time, to hazardous environmental spills and other emergencies, and oversees cleanup of polluted sites to protect human health, safety and the environment. It regulates and oversees cleanup of above ground and underground storage tank sites. And the division regulates boilers and other pressurized tanks to help keep the public safe.

To report incidents requiring a response by the DNREC Emergency Response Team, the State Emergency Response Team or the Environmental Crimes Unit, use the 24-hour, toll-free complaint line: 1-800-662-8802. Or 302-739-9401. Verizon Wireless users can use #367.

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Managing Solid and Hazardous Waste

Many businesses and industries create wastes that must be managed and disposed of to protect the environment and human health. The Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances oversees regulatory and permitting programs to control waste and works closely with community and industrial leaders to find ways to reduce the creation of waste and to re-use and recycle where possible.

Open burning in Delaware

Regulation of solid waste, hazardous waste and infectious waste in Delaware

Responding to old debris pits and the sinkholes that they can cause

The Delaware Scrap Tire Program

Assistance in closing underground storage tanks (USTs) that store heating fuel

Managing wastewater through the Division of Water

Delaware Recycles

Keeping us Safe

Our mission is to protect human health, safety and the environment in Delaware. We take steps to prevent emergencies and accidents. Should they occur, we plan for response and cleanup in ways that will help keep us safe and make cleanup and restoration more efficient.

Accidental Release Prevention

Emergency Response and Strategic Services

Delaware’s Emergency Response Team

Boilers and Pressure Vessels

The Community Right-to-know Act (EPCRA)

Regulating above ground and underground storage tanks

Cleaning Up and Reusing

Lands that have been impacted by solid or hazardous wastes aren’t completely lost to us. The Remediation Section identifies, evaluates and remediates sites for new uses.

Delaware Brownfields

The Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act (HSCA)

Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration

Long-term stewardship of cleaned-up sites

Corrective action regarding above ground and underground storage tanks

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Important Phone Numbers

To report releases of pollutants, spills, trash dumping or other issues, use the toll-free complaint line: 1-800-662-8802

For information about oversight of all waste and hazardous substances programs, contact the Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances: 302-739-9400

For information on community involvement in DNREC programs related to waste management, contact the Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances Outreach Ombudsman: 302-395-2500

For information about response to spills and other environmental emergencies, contact the Emergency Response and Strategic Services Section: 302-739-9404

For information about restoring polluted lands, contact the Remediation Section: 302-395-2600

For information about waste management, contact the Compliance and Permitting Section: 302-739-9403

For information about underground and above-ground storage tanks, contact Tanks Compliance: 302-395-2500

For information on the Environmental Crimes Unit, contact the Office of Community Services: 302-739-9959

Public Meetings

Meetings of the Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances

Meetings of the Office of Community Services

Regulations

Accidental Release Prevention Regulation (7 DE Admin. Code 1201)

Reporting of a Discharge of a Pollutant or Air Contaminant (7 DE Admin. Code 1203)

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) (16 Del.C. Chapter 63)

Regulations Governing Solid Waste (7 DE Admin. Code 1301)

Regulations Governing Hazardous Waste (7 DE Admin. Code 1302)

Universal Recycling Regulations (7 DE Admin. Code 1305)

Regulations Governing the Location of Hazardous Waste Storage, Treatment, and Disposal Facilities (7 DE Admin. Code 1370)

Regulations Governing Hazardous Substance Cleanup (7 DE Admin. Code 1375)

Underground Storage Tank Systems (7 DE Admin. Code 1351)

Aboveground Storage Tanks (7 DE Admin. Code 1352)

Boiler Safety (7 DE Admin. Code 1353)