Air & Waste Management

Solid waste in Delaware is regulated by the Division of Air & Waste Management's Solid Waste Management Branch. This Branch is not only concerned with safe waste transport and disposal, but also with reducing, reusing, and recycling Delaware's solid waste. The Branch regulates landfill design, operations, and closures. There are currently 3 sanitary landfills and 7 industrial landfills in Delaware. It also regulates infectious waste generators and disposal facilities and resource recovery plants (facilities that recover either materials or energy from waste). Standards for the cleanup of some abandoned landfills (abandoned landfills containing hazardous wastes are managed by the Site Investigation and Restoration Branch) and debris pits containing construction/demolition wastes are set by the Branch.

In terms of reducing, reusing, and recycling Delaware's solid waste, the Division is working with a variety of partners. In conjunction with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA), the Division has produced a “Glossary of Commonly Used Solid Waste Management Terms”, a brochure designed to help elected officials and civic associations understand solid waste terminology. This brochure can be obtained by calling the Branch at (302) 739-3820. The Branch also worked with DSWA on the document “Implementing A Community Curbside Collection Program”, a guide to help communities evaluate the feasibility of implementing curbside recycling. The Division and the DSWA have also developed a program to recycle waste tires that are delivered to DSWA landfills. And as a part of a State Waste Team, the Branch is working with the Division of Purchasing and the State's Recycling Economic Development Advocate to implement recycling programs and increase the use of recycled materials in State Government offices.

The Back Yard Composting Project is a joint activity run by the Solid Waste Management Branch and the Division of Soil & Water Conservation. The booklet, “Start Composting Today!!!” has been produced and includes information on why to compost, how to build a compost pile, and how to use compost. The brochure, along with a composting information wheel, is being distributed at public events throughout the State. The brochure can be found on this Web Site under “Why Should I Compost”.

The Branch is also working with the Composting Association of Delaware to develop standards for commercially produced compost and to expand compost markets. Concurrently with this endeavor, the Branch is partnering with the Division of Water Resources and the Department of Agriculture in an effort to develop a more cohesive program for the regulation of compost operations and compost products.