Begin Main Content Area

Residual Waste Permitting

Operators of residual waste processing and disposal facilities in Pennsylvania must have permits from the Department of Environmental Protectionto build, operate, expand, and close facilities. Permitted operators must conduct periodic tests (such as waste and water analyses), maintain records and transmit data to DEP (such as types of waste and tonnage received), and operate in compliance with DEP regulations. Permitting enables DEP and the operator to work together to promote waste management goals and protect human health and the environment.

Permitting

The Department has a dynamic permitting program toensure the sound environmental managementof residual wastes.The methods used to process, beneficially use,or dispose of them, and the impact these materials and handling methods could have on the environment and human health.

Types of Permits

  • Individual Permits- A residual waste processing or disposal facility must have an individual permit unless it is eligible for a general permit, permit-by-rule, or exempt.
  • Permit-by-Rule - Permit-by-rule is limited to processing facilities that present relatively little environmental risk. Facilities eligible for permit-by-rule include: captive incineration and processing facilities; wastewater treatment facilities; mechanical processing facilities; container processing facilities; and empty drum reconditioning. A facility that is subject to permit-by-rule does not require an individual permit unless it is creating environmental problems or in violation ofthe regulations.
  • Exempt -The beneficial use of industry-wide coproducts, coal ash, food waste, mushroom waste, scrap metal and slag does not require a permitif performed and beneficially used in accordance with applicable regulations.

Bonding Worksheets

Notification Requirements

Disposal Approval Forms

Inspection Forms

Residual Waste Annual Operation Report Forms