Solid Waste is any garbage, refuse, refuse-derived fuel, waste wood from demolition or construction, sludge from treatment plants, or other discarded material. It can include wastes resulting from industrial, commercial, mining and agricultural operations, and from community activities.

The Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances issues permits to transport solid waste through the Compliance and Permitting Section (CAPS). It permits and inspects landfills and transfer stations.

Trash Collection

DNREC does not provide trash collection services nor does it run landfills. Trash collection is either provided by local government or individuals can hire a private waste hauler.

In Kent County, residents should contact the county government to find out if their property is in a trash district.

Finally, Delawareans continue to have the option to self-haul by taking their household trash to a landfill, transfer station or collection station.

It is illegal to burn solid waste in Delaware. The Division of Air Quality provides information on what can be burned.

Most of the solid waste disposed of in Delaware goes to one of three landfills run by the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA).

Recycling

Delaware also has several programs to reuse or recycle solid wastes that have traditionally gone into the landfill, such as yard waste, tires, e-waste, and traditional recyclables such as paper, junk mail, glass bottles, cans, plastics, cardboard and paperboard.

Find more information about recycling in Delaware on the Delaware Recycles program web pages.

Related Topics:  Health and Safety, permitting and regulation, solid waste, waste, waste and hazardous substances, waste management