Landfills & Dumps in Virginia

Virginia's solid waste management is regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under the Virginia Solid Waste Management Regulations at 9VAC20-81 in the Virginia Administrative Code. DEQ regulates storage, treatment, and disposal of solid waste while encouraging reuse and recycling. No person may operate any sanitary landfill or other solid waste facility without a DEQ permit, which is required prior to construction, operation, or modification of any facility that stores, treats, disposes of, or otherwise manages solid wastes.

Virginia is updating its state solid waste management plan for the first time since 1979, offering a 20-year vision to prioritize waste diversion and promote circular economy principles. The DEQ sought public comments through December 2025 and anticipates finalizing the plan in 2026 after Waste Management Board approval. Landfill capacity is among the concerns outlined, as Virginia manages about 22 million tons of solid waste annually, with approximately 17 million tons originating inside the Commonwealth.

The Solid Waste Management Regulations establish requirements for facility siting, operation, and monitoring of landfills, including leachate management, gas control, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and post-closure care. Facility owners must maintain self-inspection, monitoring, and unauthorized waste records for at least three years, and notify DEQ of any noncompliance or unusual conditions that may endanger health or the environment.

Disposal fees vary significantly across Virginia's regions. Northern Virginia facilities near Washington D.C. charge $50 to $80 per ton, while other areas may be less expensive. Residential self-haul typically costs $25 to $50 per load, with some localities offering free disposal for residents at convenience centers. Regional authorities like the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority coordinate services across multiple jurisdictions.

Electronics cannot be disposed in regular trash across Virginia. Most localities have e-waste collection at convenience centers or transfer stations, with some items free and TVs or monitors carrying fees. Retailers also accept certain electronics for recycling. Most counties and cities operate household hazardous waste collection programs through events or permanent facilities. Before visiting any facility, contact your local DEQ regional office or the facility directly to confirm accepted materials and current fees.