Landfills & Dumps in West Virginia

West Virginia's solid waste management is regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Waste Management under WV Code Section 22-15 (Solid Waste Management Act) and Section 22-15A. The DEP reviews permit applications and issues permits for landfills, transfer stations, waste tire monofills, construction and demolition landfills, composting facilities, and recycling facilities. Each county must establish a Solid Waste Authority (SWA) and develop a comprehensive waste management plan under state law.

To obtain a solid waste disposal permit, applicants must submit detailed information about the proposed site, waste type, handling procedures, and environmental impact assessments. The DEP reviews applications, conducts site inspections, and may require public hearings before granting permits. All landfills must meet liner requirements, groundwater monitoring standards, closure bonding, and post-closure care obligations. Facilities are typically inspected for compliance on a yearly basis.

Several materials are banned from West Virginia landfills. Lead-acid batteries, tires (except those collected through DEP remediation programs), and yard waste cannot be disposed in solid waste landfills. Effective July 1, 2016, covered electronic devices may not be disposed in landfills if a county or regional solid waste authority determines there is a cost-effective recycling alternative available.

An additional solid waste assessment fee applies to all waste disposed at any solid waste landfill in the state. This fee is $1.00 per ton effective July 1, 2025, having increased incrementally from 20 cents in 2021. Landfill fees typically range from $30 to $45 per ton, with residential drop-off sites often charging flat fees of $10 to $25 per load. Some areas offer free disposal days for residents, and commercial rates are based on weight.

Starting January 22, 2025, all Small and Large Quantity Generators must register with the federal e-Manifest system. By December 1, 2025, unmanifested waste reports must be submitted electronically within 20 days of accepting waste. As of January 8, 2025, the maximum penalty for RCRA violations is $93,058 per violation per day. Before visiting any facility, contact your regional solid waste authority or the DEP to confirm accepted materials, current fees, and operating hours.