DEQ regulates the storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste while also encouraging reuse and recycling. Responsibilities related to solid waste facility permits, inspections and any necessary enforcement of requirements are all handled by the agency's regional offices. 

The Division of Land Protection and Revitalization provides technical assistance and guidance, and administers other aspects of the Solid Waste Program, including local and regional solid waste planning, financial assurance, solid waste information and assessment reporting, and recycling.

Proposed Changes to Regulations

The Virginia Solid Waste Management Regulations are being amended in order to strengthen some requirements to be more protective of human health and the environment, to clarify some existing requirements, and to address recommended changes.

The main goal is to improve standards for the siting, operation, and monitoring of landfills. Updates to operational requirements for other solid waste management facilities (such as transfer stations, materials recovery facilities, compost facilities, incinerators, etc.) are also proposed. In addition, this amendment proposes to prohibit open burning of household waste on private property (except for clean vegetative waste, clean wood, and clean paper products) and clarifies other open burning exemptions.

The final regulations have been approved by the Waste Management Board and are undergoing Executive Branch review. More information is available on the VA Regulatory Town Hall website.