Landfills & Dumps in Missouri

Missouri's waste management system is overseen by the Department of Natural Resources Waste Management Program, which permits and regulates solid waste disposal areas throughout the state. Under Code of State Regulations 10 CSR 80-2, companies constructing or operating disposal areas must obtain appropriate permits. These legally binding documents specify which wastes can be accepted and identify special handling requirements. Missouri operates three main types of disposal areas: sanitary landfills for municipal waste, demolition landfills for construction debris, and utility waste landfills for power plant ash.

The state is divided into 20 solid waste management districts that foster regional cooperation between cities and counties. These districts help plan and implement recycling services and waste disposal alternatives at the local level, funded by tonnage fees paid at Missouri landfills and transfer stations. Each district manages grant programs for local improvements and maintains facility lists for their region. Contact your district office for information about facilities, recycling options, and special collection events in your area.

Disposal costs vary significantly across Missouri. St. Louis and Kansas City area landfills charge $35 to $55 per ton for municipal waste, with residential self-haul rates ranging from $25 to $50 per pickup load. Some facilities impose minimum charges. Rural areas in the Ozarks and northern Missouri typically have lower rates. Before visiting, contact facilities directly for current pricing and accepted materials.

Sanitary landfills, sometimes called municipal solid waste landfills, accept residential and commercial wastes with characteristics similar to household garbage. Demolition landfills exclusively accept construction materials, brush, wood waste, soil, rock, concrete, and inert solids that won't dissolve in water. Utility waste landfills handle fly ash, bottom ash, slag, and flue gas emission control waste primarily from coal-burning power plants. Each facility type has specific acceptance criteria.

Metro areas offer dedicated yard waste facilities producing mulch and compost, and many communities provide seasonal curbside collection. Yard waste is often banned from regular trash in larger cities. Household hazardous waste collection events are held in spring and fall by most districts, with some urban areas operating permanent drop-off sites for paint, pesticides, automotive fluids, and pool chemicals. The DNR recently held a public hearing for a proposed new landfill in Pettis County, demonstrating ongoing expansion of disposal capacity.