Certification of Operators of Solid Waste Incinerators and Landfill Facilities

What is the purpose of this certification?
The owner or operator in charge must be certified in the operation and maintenance of solid waste incinerators (excluding hog fuel burners and crematoria facilities), municipal waste landfills, problem waste landfills, special incinerator ash landfills or monofills, inert waste and demolition waste landfills, and all limited purpose solid waste landfills such as wood waste landfills.

Incinerator operator certification is a home study program and a written exam. Landfill operator certification: Contact Ecology, Marni Solheim.
Who issues this certification?
Variable: See notes/comments for more information.
What activities require this certification?
Working as the operator in charge of a solid waste incinerator or landfill facility.
How much will this certification cost?
Landfill operator certifications: Contact Ecology, Marni Solheim. Incinerator operator certifications are provided by Ecology. Rates are as follows:
  • Application fee $50.00
  • Textbook cost $160.00*
  • Certification and Recertification fee $200.00
*Textbook fee is waived if applicant already has one.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Landfill Operator: Contact Ecology, Marni Solheim. Incinerator Operators:
  • For the Incinerator Operator/Inspector Application, include $210 or if applicant already has a manual include $50 (one-time fee per applicant).
  • For the Incinerator Certificate Application include $200 (one-time fee per applicant).
  • For Incinerator Recertification Application include $200 (every three years).
Is the decision on my certification dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Landfill Operator: Contact Ecology, Marni Solheim.

Incinerator Operator: Pass exam and pay $200 certification fee. No additional testing required for recertification, however a recertification application and $200 recertification fee is required (every three years).
How long will it take to review my application?
Landfill Operators: Contact Ecology, Marni Solheim.

Incinerator Operators: Ecology reviews applications upon receiving them and schedules exams as needed.
Where do I submit my application?
Landfill Operators: Contact Ecology.     Marni Solheim     Department of Ecology     Solid Waste Management     4601 N Monroe     Spokane WA 99205-1295     Phone: (509) 329-3400     E-mail: marni.solheim@ecy.wa.gov     Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Certification-for-incinerator-landfill-operator/ Incinerator Operators: Contact Ecology.     Anna Harris     Department of Ecology     Solid Waste Management     1250 W alder St     Union Gap, WA 98903-0009     Phone: (509) 522-6852     E-mail: anna.harris@ecy.wa.gov     Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Certification-for-incinerator-landfill-operator
How long is my certification valid?
Landfill Operators: Contact Ecology, Marni Solheim.
Incinerator Operators: Certification must be renewed every 3 years.
What is the appeal process for the certification?
Landfill Operators: Contact Ecology, Marni Solheim.

Incinerator Operators: Can re-take test at no additional charge.
Notes / Comments:
The Department of Ecology issues the Incinerator Operator Certification. For Landfill Operator Certification information contact Ecology, Marni Solheim. To obtain copies of the applications contact the following: Landfill Operators: Contact Ecology.     Marni Solheim     Department of Ecology     Solid Waste Management     4601 N Monroe     Spokane WA 99205-1295     Phone: (509) 329-3400     E-mail: marni.solheim@ecy.wa.gov     Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Certification-for-incinerator-landfill-operator Incinerator Operators: Contact Ecology. Incinerator Operator/Inspector Application Form Incinerator Certificate/Recertification Application Form     Anna Harris     Department of Ecology     Solid Waste Management     1250 W Alder St     Union Gap, WA 98903-0009     Phone: (509) 522-6852     E-mail: anna.harris@ecy.wa.gov     Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Certification-for-incinerator-landfill-operator
Legal Authority:
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Subject matter expert phone: See notes/comments for contacts
Contact:
Department of Ecology
Solid Waste Management
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Telephone: (360) 407-6900
Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Our-Programs/Solid-Waste-Management
Triggering Questions:
  • Will you be involved in the operation of a solid waste landfill or solid waste incinerator including veterinary clinics, humane societies, or wastewater treatment plants?
  • Does the project involve the operation of a solid waste landfill or solid waste incinerator including veterinary clinics, humane societies, or wastewater treatment plants?
* Permit information last updated 12/27/2023
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