Frequently Asked Questions

• General

• What are your location and hours?

  • See the Location & Hours page for the Solid Waste Program’s location and hours.

• How do I contact the Solid Waste Program?

  • Contact information for the Solid Waste Program is on the Location & Hours page.

• What are the applicable rules and regulations?

  • See the Rules and Regulations page for the rules and regulations that apply to non-hazardous solid waste, non-hazardous liquid waste and bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicles, refuse containers, chemical toilets, portable restroom units, portable waste holding tanks, non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facilities and construction debris landfills.

• Does Maricopa County provide any refuse collection services?

  • No. Solid waste and sanitation collection, bulk trash collection, household hazardous waste collection and recycling in incorporated areas of the county are administered by the local municipality that has jurisdiction. Solid waste and sanitation collection, bulk trash collection, household hazardous waste collection and recycling in unincorporated areas of the county are provided by private services.

    Solid waste transfer and waste tire recycling services within Maricopa County are administered by the Maricopa County Waste Resources and Recycling Management Department . To locate a refuse transfer station or landfill located within Maricopa County please see the Refuse Transfer Stations and Landfills resource pages. To locate a solid waste and sanitation collection service please see the Resources page.

• Where can I get information about recycling?

  • To locate your nearest recycling or Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, please visit Earth911.org. Additional recycling information may be found on the Resources page.

• What is the cost of my permit?

  • Each permit requires an annual fee. The annual fees are listed on page eleven of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code

• When does my permit expire?

  • Permits are issued for a period of one year. Permits may be renewed annually provided that the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

• Is there a fee for my Arizona Department of Environmental Quality License?

  • Contact Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for information regarding ADEQ license fees.

• How will I know when my permit expires?

  • A renewal notice for the permit will be sent to the mailing address listed on the permit prior to the expiration date of the permit. If the permit is no longer required, contact Maricopa County Environmental Services Department to cancel the permit.

• On what part of the vehicle do I put my Maricopa County permit number?

  • The Maricopa County permit number should be placed on the rear and two door side panels of the vehicle. See the Rules and Regulations for more detailed information.

• What size lettering do I use for my Maricopa County permit number?

  • The lettering must be a minimum of 3” lettering and must be of a contrasting color to the surface they are located on to allow easy identification of the vehicle. See the Rules and Regulations for more detail information.

• Non-hazardous Solid Waste (NHSW) Transportation

• What is Non-hazardous Solid Waste?

  • The Maricopa County Environmental Health Code defines "Non-hazardous Solid Waste" as any garbage, trash, rubbish, industrial wastes, refuse, or other discarded material that does not contain hazardous wastes or is not classified as being exempt for the definition of solid waste pursuant to the Arizona Revised Statutes.

• How must non-hazardous solid waste be disposed?

  • Non-hazardous solid waste must be disposed by an approved method at an approved site. Approval must be obtained in advance of the commencement of operations and prior to any change of method or site. See the Landfills and Refuse Transfer Stations resource pages for a list of approved disposal sites.

• Who has to have a non-hazardous solid waste transportation permit?

  • Chapter II, Section 5 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states:

    • “No person shall collect, haul, remove or dispose of non-hazardous solid waste as a function or service of their business/organization without a valid permit to do so.”
    
    
• What are the non-hazardous solid waste transportation vehicle regulations?

  • Vehicles used for the collection and transportation of non-hazardous solid waste shall have securely covered, watertight metal bodies of easily cleanable construction, shall be cleaned frequently enough to prevent their becoming a public health nuisance, and shall be maintained in good repair. Non-hazardous solid waste compartments therein shall not be opened or exposed except during filling, emptying and cleaning vehicles. Vehicles shall be loaded and moved in such a manner that the contents are not exposed and do not fall, leak, spill or escape; and where spillage does occur, it shall be picked up immediately by the permit holder and removed in a sanitary manner.

• How much does a non-hazardous solid waste transportation vehicle permit cost?

  • The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code. Only the vehicle loaded with non-hazardous solid waste is required to be permitted. On tractor/trailer combinations, only the trailer will be permitted.

• When does a non-hazardous solid waste transportation vehicle permit expire?

  • Non-hazardous solid waste transportation vehicle permits are issued for a period of one year. Permits may be renewed annually provided that the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

• What is required to obtain a non-hazardous solid waste transportation vehicle permit?

  • A permit application must be completed and a vehicle inspection performed prior to a non-hazardous solid waste transportation vehicle permit being issued for a vehicle. When you contact the Solid Waste Program, an inspector will be assigned and meet with you at a location convenient to conduct the vehicle inspection(s) and fill out the required documentation.

• When can I use my vehicle to transport non-hazardous solid waste?

  • All non-hazardous solid waste transportation vehicles must be inspected and permitted before operation begins.

• How do I apply for a non-hazardous solid waste transportation vehicle permit?

  • Please contact the Solid Waste Program to apply for a non-hazardous solid waste transportation vehicle permit.

• Non-hazardous liquid waste (NHLW) Transportation

• What is non-hazardous liquid waste?

  • Non-hazardous liquid waste is defined as as human excreta and liquid or semi-solid wastes that include, but are not limited to, sludges, septic wastes, grease trap wastes, grit traps waste, wastewaters and other liquid wastes that do not contain hazardous wastes.

• How must non-hazardous liquid waste be disposed?

  • Non-hazardous liquid waste must be disposed by an approved method at an approved place. Approval must be obtained in advance of the commencement of operations and prior to any change of method or place. See the Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste Disposal Site resource page for a list of approved disposal sites.

• Who has to have a non-hazardous liquid waste transportation permit?

  • Chapter II, Section 7 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states:

    • “No person shall remove, store, transport or dispose of any non-hazardous liquid wastes without applying for and receiving a permit to do so.”
  
  
• What are the non-hazardous liquid waste transportation vehicle regulations?

  • Vehicles used for the collection, storage, transportation and disposal of non-hazardous liquid waste must have a secure liquid and gas tight NHLW storage tank(s) constructed so that no offensive material may spill or escape from the tank, shall be operated in an approved sanitary manner, minimizing exposure to flies and other insects, spillage, odor, and without other hazard or danger to the public health, shall be cleaned frequently enough to prevent their becoming a public health nuisance, and shall be maintained in good repair.

    NHLW storage tanks shall have a minimum capacity of 750 gallons, with the exception of tanks used exclusively for servicing chemical toilets, which may have a smaller capacity. Storage tanks shall not be open or exposed except during filling, emptying and cleaning. Vehicles shall be loaded and moved in such a manner that the contents are not exposed and do not leak, spill or escape. If spillage does occur, it shall be carefully cleaned up and the area affected by the spill properly disinfected.

• What are the non-hazardous liquid waste operation and sanitation regulations?

  • No unclean vehicles or auxiliary equipment shall be allowed to stand or remain near any occupied premises without necessity. The loading and unloading of such vehicles and the transportation through any street, place or premises shall be completed in a timely manner.

    All vehicles, tools, equipment shall be maintained in good repair at all times. At the end of each day's operation all containers, suction pumps, hose, and other tools and equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. No vehicle, tank, or equipment used in these operations shall be used to contain or transport water for potable purposes.

• How much does a non-hazardous liquid waste transportation vehicle permit cost?

  • The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code. Only the vehicle loaded with non-hazardous liquid waste is required to be permitted. On tractor/tanker combinations, only the tanker will be permitted.

• When does a non-hazardous liquid waste transportation vehicle permit expire?

  • Non-hazardous liquid waste transportation vehicle permits are issued for a period of one year. Permits may be renewed annually provided that the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

• What is required to obtain a non-hazardous liquid waste transportation vehicle permit?

  • A permit application must be completed and a vehicle inspection performed prior to a non-hazardous liquid waste transportation vehicle permit being issued for a vehicle. When you contact the Solid Waste Program, an inspector will be assigned and meet with you at a location convenient to conduct the vehicle inspection(s) and fill out the required documentation.

• When can I use my vehicle to transport non-hazardous liquid waste?

  • All non-hazardous liquid waste transportation vehicles must be inspected and permitted before operation begins.

• How do I apply for a NHLW transportation vehicle permit?

  • Please contact the Solid Waste Program to apply for a non-hazardous liquid waste transportation vehicle permit.

• Bio-hazardous Medical Waste Transportation

• What is bio-hazardous medical waste?

  • The Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) Title 18, Chapter 13, "Solid Waste Management" defines bio-hazardous medical waste in Section R18-13-1401.5 as:

    1. “Bio-hazardous medical waste” is composed of one or more of the following:
    2. Cultures and stocks: Discarded cultures and stocks generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of a human being or animal or in any research relating to that diagnosis, treatment or immunization, or in the production or testing of biologicals.
    3. Human blood and blood products: Discarded products and materials containing free-flowing blood or free-flowing blood components.
    4. Human pathologic wastes: Discarded organs and body parts removed during surgery. Human pathologic wastes do not include the head or spinal column.
    5. Medical sharps: Discarded sharps used in animal or human patient care, medical research, or clinical laboratories. This includes hypodermic needles; syringes; pipettes; scalpel blades; blood vials; needles attached to tubing; broken and unbroken glassware; and slides and coverslips.
    6. Research animal wastes: Animal carcasses, body parts, and bedding of animals that have been infected with agents that produce, or may produce, human infection.
    
    
• How must bio-hazardous medical waste be disposed?

  • Bio-hazardous medical waste must be disposed by an approved method at an approved site. Approval must be obtained from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) in advance of the commencement of operations and prior to any change of method or site. See the Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) Title 18, Chapter 13, Article 14 "Bio-hazardous Medical Waste and Discarded Drugs" for the rules and regulations related to approved methods and sites for the disposal of bio-hazardous medical waste.

• Who has to have a biohazardous medical waste transportation permit?

  • The Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) Title 18, Chapter 13, "Solid Waste Management" states in Section R18-13-1402.A(3) that a permit must be obtained by:

    • A person who transports bio-hazardous medical waste and any motor vehicle used for that purpose.
    
    
• What are the bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle regulations?

  • Vehicles used for the transportation of bio-hazardous medical waste must have a secure, covered and leak-proof cargo compartment(s) constructed of non-porous material impervious to bio-hazardous medical waste, shall be operated in an approved sanitary manner, minimizing exposure to flies and other insects, spillage, odor, and without other hazard or danger to the public health, shall be cleaned frequently enough to prevent their becoming a public health nuisance, and shall be maintained in good repair.

    Bio-hazardous medical waste storage compartments in the vehicle shall not be open or exposed except during filling, emptying and cleaning. Vehicles shall be loaded and moved in such a manner that the contents are not exposed and do not fall, leak, spill or escape. If spillage does occur, it shall be carefully cleaned up and the area affected by the spill properly disinfected.

• How much does a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit cost?

  • The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code. Only the vehicle loaded with bio-hazardous medical waste is required to be permitted. On tractor/trailer combinations, only the trailer will be permitted.

• When does a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit expire?

  • Bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permits are issued for a period of one year. Permits may be renewed annually provided that the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

• What is required to obtain a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit?

  • A permit application must be completed and a vehicle inspection performed prior to a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit being issued for a vehicle. When you contact the Solid Waste Program, an inspector will be assigned and meet with you at a location convenient to conduct the vehicle inspection(s) and fill out the required documentation.

• When can I use my vehicle to transport bio-hazardous medical waste?

  • All bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicles must be inspected and permitted before operation begins.

• How do I apply for a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit?

  • Please contact the Solid Waste Program to apply for a bio-hazardous medical waste transportation vehicle permit.

• Refuse Containers

• What is refuse?

  • The Maricopa County Environmental Health Code defines "refuse" as all putrescible and non-putrescible solid and semi-solid wastes, except human excreta, but including garbage, rubbish, ashes, manure, street cleanings, dead animals, abandoned automobiles, and industrial wastes.

• What is garbage?

  • Garbage is defined as swill and any accumulation of animal, vegetable and other matter that attends the preparation, handling, consumption, storage or decay of plant and animal matter including meats, fish, fowl, birds, fruit, vegetable or dairy products including any waste wrappers or containers.

• What are ashes?

  • Ashes are defined as any residue, other than salvage, from the burning of any combustible material.

• What is rubbish?

  • Rubbish is defined as non-putrescible solid waste, excluding ashes, consisting of both combustible and non-combustible wastes such as paper, cardboard, waste metal, tin cans, yard clippings, wood, glass, bedding, crockery and other similar materials.

• Where must refuse be disposed?

  • Refuse must be disposed by an approved method at an approved site. Approval must be obtained in advance of the commencement of operations and prior to any change of method or site. See the Landfills and Refuse Transfer Stations resource pages for a list of approved disposal sites.

• What are refuse container regulations?

  • All refuse storage containers made available by the permit holder for public use other than those provided by a municipality shall be plainly and durably marked with the permit holder's name and telephone number. Containers shall be of sufficient size and number to accommodate the service area, shall be emptied completely during the collection operation and where required, treated to prevent insect harborage or odor nuisance.

• How often do refuse containers have to be emptied?

  • The frequency of collection shall be in accordance with regulations of the collection agency but not less than that shown in the below schedule:

    • Garbage only - twice weekly
    • Refuse with garbage - twice weekly
    • Rubbish and ashes - as often as necessary to prevent nuisances and fly breeding
    
    

    Any variance from the required frequency of collection must be reviewed and approved by the Solid Waste Program.

• What is a refuse container collection frequency variance plan?

  • A variance from the required frequency of collection of refuse containers, as prescribed by Chapter II, Section 5, Regulation 4.a of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code, requires an approval from the Department. A refuse container variance plan is submitted to the Solid Waste Program when a variance is requested.

• What documentation is required for a refuse container variance plan approval?

  • A refuse container variance plan must demonstrate that no public health hazard or nuisance will exist and that fly breeding will be controlled by biological, chemical or mechanical means. The plan must also contain provisions for random inspections by the Department of at least one percent of all refuse containers.

    The plan must describe how all of these requirements are to be met. The plan can be submitted for review as a written report. Supplementary material in support of the plan, such as drawings or charts, may be included in the submittal package.

• What is the cost of a refuse container variance plan approval?

  • The initial and maximum fee amounts for a refuse container variance plan review are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (MCEHC). The plan must be submitted for review with the initial fee amount.

    The total cost of the plan approval will depend on the number of man-hours expended by the Solid Waste Program staff to complete the review. If the initial fee does not cover the cost of the review and approval, the Department will send a bill for the additional cost. The total cost of the review and approval will not exceed the maximum fee amount listed in the fee schedule in the MCEHC.

• How do I submit a refuse container variance plan for review and approval?

  • Please contact the Solid Waste Program to submit a refuse container variance plan.

• Who has to have a refuse container collection frequency variance permit?

  • Refuse containers included in a refuse collection frequency variance plan must be permitted.

• How much does a refuse container permit cost?

  • Permit fees for refuse containers are based on the number of containers being permitted. The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code.

• When does a refuse container permit expire?

  • Refuse container permits are issued for a period of one year. Permits may be renewed annually provided that the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

• What is required to obtain a refuse container permit?

  • A permit application must be completed and an inspection performed prior to a refuse container permit being issued. When you contact the Solid Waste Program, an inspector will be assigned and meet with you at a location convenient to conduct the inspection and fill out the required documentation.

• When can I use my refuse containers?

  • All refuse containers must be inspected and permitted before they can be used.

• How do I apply for a refuse container permit?

  • Please contact the Solid Waste Program to apply for a refuse container permit.

• Chemical Toilets, Portable Restroom Units and Portable Waste Holding Tanks

• What is a chemical toilet?

  • A chemical toilet is a privy having a water tight, impervious pail or tank containing a chemical solution placed immediately beneath the seat or urinal and a pipe or conduit connecting the riser with the tank.

• What is a portable restroom unit?

  • A portable restroom unit is a trailer or skid-mounted temporary restroom facility that contains a toilet, urinal, hand washing sink, shower, and/or other sanitary fixture and includes an integral non-hazardous liquid waste holding tank or uses another approved waste storage or disposal method.

• What is a portable waste holding tank?

  • A portable waste holding tank is a watertight container installed above ground and used to collect non-hazardous liquid waste from temporary facilities, such as office trailers and temporary kitchens.

• How must the waste from a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank be disposed?

  • The waste from a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank is non-hazardous liquid waste (NHLW). NHLW must be disposed by an NHLW hauler permitted by Maricopa County. See the Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste Disposal Sites resource page for a list of approved disposal sites.

• Who has to have a chemical toilet permit, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit?

  • Chapter II, Section 6 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states:

    • “No person shall provide, for rent or hire portable,or install portable, nonpermanent chemical toilet facilities, portable restroom units, portable waste holding tanks, or an underground sewage vault unless the person holds a valid permit to do so.”
    
    
• What are the chemical toilet, portable restroom unit and portable waste holding tank regulations?

  • Chemical toilets shall be constructed with floors of a smooth finished, nonabsorbent material. Seats, walls and ceilings must be of smooth, easily cleanable, light colored finish. The tank and bowl must be ventilated by means of a screened pipe at least 4" in diameter, which shall extend at least 6" above the roofline.

    Portable restroom units shall be constructed with floors of a smooth finished, nonabsorbent material. Seats, walls and ceiling shall be of smooth, easily cleanable, light-colored finish.

    Waste holding tanks shall be structurally designed specifically for waste holding tank application and constructed from corrosion resistant, leak free, durable material. The tank and all waste plumbing shall be ventilated to drain all fixtures and minimize objectionable odors.

    Units shall be installed to allow unobstructed access for servicing equipment to remove waste.

    A solution of sodium hydroxide or other approved chemical shall be maintained in the tank or receiving element of the chemical toilet at a level that prevents septicity and the creation of objectionable odors.

    All chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks shall be plainly and durably marked with the permit holder’s name and telephone number, in clear, easily readable letters, on outside of the toilet.

• How often do chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks have to be serviced?

  • Chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks shall be emptied often enough to prevent overflowing, creation of an unsanitary condition, a health hazard or nuisance, and shall be maintained in good repair so as to prevent leakage of the contents to the surrounding ground or onto the floor or other portions of the structure.

• Where can chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks be placed?

  • No toilet shall be installed within twenty (20) feet of an occupied premise or within ten (10) feet of any public thoroughfare or sidewalk, unless authorized by the Solid Waste Program.

• What is the blue liquid in the tank and why is it there?

  • The blue liquid is a solution of sodium hydroxide or other approved chemical. It is added to prevent the waste from turning septic and creating objectionable odors.

• Are toilet facilities required on construction sites?

  • Chapter II, Section 6 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states:

    • “No person shall initiate or proceed with construction, erection, alteration, repair, or razing project without first having provided an adequate number of suitable sanitary job toilet facilities for the use of persons on the project in a ratio of at least one toilet per twenty persons. Such toilets shall be of the water-flushed or chemical type approved by the department and located on or within two hundred (200) feet of each work area within the project site.”
    
    
• Are toilet facilities required at public gatherings?

  • Chapter II, Section 6 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states:

    • “At any public gathering for any commercial, religious or public event where adequate permanent toilet facilities are not provided on the immediate premises as required by State law, suitable approved sanitary toilet facilities of the water-flushed or chemical type adequate for the estimated attendance, shall be located within two hundred (200) feet of such gathering, with the minimum of 1 per 100 attendance or as required by the Health Officer.”
    
    
• How much does a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit cost?

  • Permit fees for chemical toilets, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks are based on the number of toilets being permitted. The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code.

• When does a chemical toilet, portable restroom units and portable waste holding tanks permit expire?

  • Chemical toilet, portable restroom unit and portable waste holding tank permits are issued for a period of one year. Permits may be renewed annually provided the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

• What is required to obtain a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit?

  • A permit application must be completed and an inspection performed prior to a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit being issued. When you contact the Solid Waste Program, an inspector will be assigned and meet with you at a location convenient to conduct the inspection and fill out the required documentation.

• When can I use my chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank?

  • All chemical toiletstoilet, portable restroom unit and portable waste holding tanks must be inspected and permitted before they can be used.

• How do I apply for a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit?

  • Please contact the Solid Waste Program to apply for a chemical toilet, portable restroom unit or portable waste holding tank permit.

• Construction and Debris Landfills

• What is a construction and debris landfill?

  • A construction and debris landfill is a site at which solid waste derived from constructing, repairing or remodeling of buildings or other structures or demolishing buildings or other structures is disposed of, stored or interned.

• Who has to have a construction and debris landfill permit?

  • Chapter II, Section 4 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states:

    • “No person shall conduct, operate or maintain a sanitary landfill without a permit therefore or otherwise than in compliance with the regulations.”
    
    
• What are the construction and debris landfill regulations?

  • Chapter II, Section 4, Regulation 4 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (MCEHC) governs construction and debris landfills. In addition to the MCEHC regulations, these landfills are regulated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Contact the ADEQ Waste Programs Division for additional information concerning the applicable rules and regulations.

• How much does a construction and debris landfill permit cost?

  • The fees for operating permits are listed in the fee schedule of Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code.

• When does a construction and debris landfill permit expire?

  • Construction and debris landfill permits are issued for a period of one year. Permits may be renewed annually provided that the permit holder is in compliance with the rules and regulations.

• What is required to obtain a construction and debris landfill permit?

  • A permit application must be completed and an inspection performed prior to a construction and debris landfill permit being issued. When you contact the Solid Waste Program, an inspector will be assigned and meet with you to conduct the inspection and fill out the required documentation.

• When can I use my landfill to receive construction debris?

  • All construction and debris landfills must be inspected and permitted before operation begins.

• How do I apply for a construction and debris landfill permit?

  • Please contact the Solid Waste Program to apply for a construction and debris landfill permit.

• Non-hazardous Liquid Waste Transfer Facilities

• What is a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility?

  • A non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility is defined as a facility or any site owned, operated or utilized by any person where non-hazardous liquid waste is removed from containment and/or processed for the purpose of subsequent transfer or disposal of the waste.

• How must the waste from a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility be disposed of?

  • Non-hazardous liquid waste must be disposed by an approved method at an approved place. Approval must be obtained in advance of the commencement of operations and prior to any change of method or place. See the Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste Disposal Site resource page for a list of approved disposal sites.

    
    
• Who has to have a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility approval?

  • Chapter II, Section 1 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code states:

    • “All sewage, refuse, human excreta, and other wastes shall be kept, transported, treated, disposed of, or reclaimed by a method or methods which are in compliance with these regulations, and at sites which are approved by the Department.”
• What are the non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility regulations?

  • Construction of a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility cannot commence prior to receiving an “Approval to Construct” from the Depatment.

    Facilities shall be operated in an approved sanitary manner that minimizes exposure to flies and other inspects, spillage, odor, and without causing other hazards or dangers to the public health. Facilities shall be designed to prevent emission of any offensive odor beyond the boundary of the facility, and shall not be operated in a way that emits any such odor on a persistent basis beyond the boundary of the facility. The facility must be designed to prevent wastes from being deposited into any waters of the County or upon or under any land within the County, except as approved by the Department.

• What is a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan?

  • A non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan provides information on operational and structural techniques proposed for the management and handling on non-hazardous liquid waste at a designated location.

• What documentation is required for a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan approval?

  • A non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan must demonstrate that no public health hazard or nuisance will exist through structural and operational techniques.

    The plan must include technical plans for construction, operation and maintenance procedures and emergency situation response procedures for spills and other environmental impacts nuisances or hazards.

• What is the cost of a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan approval?

  • The initial and maximum fee amounts for a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan review are listed in the fee scheduled in Chapter I of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (MCEHC) fee schedule. The plan must be submitted for review with the initial fee amount.

    The total cost of the plan approval will depend on the number of man-hours expended by the Solid Waste Program staff to complete the review. If the initial fee does not cover the cost of the review and approval, the Department will send a bill for the additional cost. The total cost of the review and approval will not exceed the maximum fee amount listed in the fee schedule in the MCEHC.

• How do I submit a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan for review and approval?

  • Please contact the Solid Waste Program to submit a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan.