Landfills & Dumps in Kentucky

Kentucky's solid waste management is overseen by the Division of Waste Management within the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. The Solid Waste Branch processes permit applications and monitors compliance for landfills, transfer stations, and other disposal facilities across the Commonwealth. All municipal solid waste landfills must meet federal RCRA Subtitle D requirements as codified in Kentucky Administrative Regulations Title 401, ensuring proper liner systems, groundwater monitoring, leachate collection, and gas management to protect public health and the environment.

The state's 120 counties work with 15 Area Development Districts that coordinate regional waste management services. These districts operate landfills, transfer stations, recycling centers, and convenience sites that serve both urban populations in Louisville and Lexington and rural Appalachian communities. Disposal fees typically range from $30 to $45 per ton at regional landfills, while residential self-haul rates vary from $20 to $40 per pickup load depending on the facility and district.

Kentucky's Pride in Your Community program has become a cornerstone of the state's waste management efforts, coordinating volunteer cleanups, illegal dump remediation, and litter prevention education across all counties. The program partners with schools, civic groups, and local governments to address illegal dumping on roadsides and private property. Many counties hold annual cleanup events where residents can dispose of bulky items, tires, and appliances at reduced or no cost.

Special waste streams require particular attention in Kentucky. Coal combustion residuals and mining waste from the eastern coalfields cannot be disposed of in regular municipal landfills and must go to specially permitted facilities. Electronics and appliances are accepted at most transfer stations, though items with refrigerants carry fees of $10 to $25 for proper refrigerant recovery. Household hazardous waste collection events are held throughout the state, with some larger facilities maintaining year-round drop-off areas.

Beginning in January 2025, new e-Manifest requirements affect waste generators statewide, requiring registration through the RCRAInfo system for small and large quantity generators of hazardous waste. The Division of Waste Management provides technical assistance and compliance guidance to help facilities and generators meet these requirements. Before visiting any disposal facility, contact them directly to confirm accepted materials, current fees, and operating hours.