Landfills & Dumps in Ohio

Ohio's solid waste management is overseen by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) Division of Materials and Waste Management under Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-27. No person may establish or modify a solid waste facility without obtaining a permit to install from the director. The primary purpose of Ohio's solid waste planning program is to divert waste from landfills through reduction and recycling, with Ohio EPA preparing the state plan alongside advice from the Materials Management Advisory Council (MMAC).

Each of Ohio's 88 counties has a solid waste management district that coordinates recycling, litter prevention, and disposal services. Districts provide information about local facilities, collection events, and proper disposal methods. Effective September 30, 2025, municipal solid waste landfills and transfer facilities collect and remit a $4.75 per ton disposal fee to Ohio EPA, with construction and demolition debris charged at $1.60 per ton ($0.80 per cubic yard).

Ohio has 30 existing municipal solid waste landfills affected by federal regulations. In June 2025, the Ohio EPA Director signed a Memorandum of Agreement with EPA Region 5 delegating authority to implement and enforce federal plan requirements for MSW landfills constructed before July 17, 2014. Disposal fees at facilities typically run $30 to $50 per ton, with residential self-haul loads often $20 to $40 per pickup truck. Some districts offer free disposal days for residents.

Tire disposal is available at most landfills for $2 to $5 each, and many districts hold free tire collection events annually. Tire retailers must accept old tires when customers purchase new ones, and improper tire disposal carries penalties. Electronics collection programs vary by district, with some offering drop-off sites and others holding special events. Retailers like Best Buy and Staples accept some electronics for recycling.

Ohio landfills accept drilling waste from oil and gas operations, though since 2023 facilities are no longer required to report shale drilling waste separately in annual reports. According to Ohio EPA, drill cuttings are considered naturally occurring radioactive material and do not require radium testing for disposal in solid waste landfills. Before visiting any facility, contact your solid waste management district for accepted materials, current fees, and operating hours.