Help/Assistance

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Subject matter expert contact information:

See notes/comments for contacts

Solid Waste Landfill Operators and Inspectors Certification

Description/Purpose

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.

Triggers and activities which would require this certification

Working as the operator in charge of a solid waste incinerator or landfill facility.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

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.

Application Information

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).

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).

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

Landfill Operators: Contact Ecology, Marni Solheim.
Incinerator Operators: Certification must be renewed every 3 years.

Landfill Operators: Contact Ecology, Marni Solheim.
Incinerator Operators: Can re-take test at no additional charge.

Legal authority
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

Contacts
Department of Ecology
Solid Waste Management
Headquarters
300 Desmond Drive
PO Box 47600
Olympia WA 98504-7600
Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/Our-Programs/Solid-Waste-Management
Telephone: (360) 407-6900
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?
* Credential details last updated 5/6/2025
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