Landfills & Dumps in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's solid waste management is regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the Solid Waste Management Act (Act 97 of 1980) and 25 Pa. Code Chapters 271-285 for municipal waste and Chapter 287 for residual waste. The Act requires county plan development, permits and licenses, and establishes the Solid Waste Abatement Fund. Operators of municipal waste transfer, processing, and disposal facilities must obtain DEP permits to build, operate, expand, and close facilities.

Chapter 273 establishes requirements for municipal waste landfills, including prohibitions on accepting waste that would violate laws in the county or state where it was generated. Loads composed primarily of leaf waste may not be disposed at landfills. Commercial landfills and resource recovery facilities submit quarterly solid waste management reports and fees to the Bureau of Waste Management, reporting the amount, type, and origin of waste received.

Act 101 mandates recycling in larger Pennsylvania municipalities, requiring separation of paper, glass, metal, and plastics. Some counties have implemented additional requirements beyond state minimums. Landfill fees vary widely across the Commonwealth, ranging from $40 to $80 per ton depending on location, with residential self-haul typically costing $20 to $50 per load. Some facilities charge by weight while others use flat load rates.

Residual waste under Chapter 287 includes garbage, refuse, and other discarded materials from industrial, mining, and agricultural operations, excluding coal refuse regulated under the Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act. Construction and demolition facilities specialize in C&D waste, with many materials recyclable including concrete, wood, and metal. Fees are typically lower than general landfill rates, and clean fill may be accepted free at some sites.

Counties operate household hazardous waste collection programs through events or permanent sites. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have regular collection schedules, while rural areas rely on periodic events. Small Quantity Generators must submit re-notification by September 1st in required years, with those submitting EPA Form 8700-12 since September 2, 2025, meeting requirements through September 1, 2029. Before visiting any facility, contact the DEP or facility directly to confirm accepted materials and current fees.