DEQ regulations require the management of solid waste and hazardous waste in a manner to protect human health and the environment. 

What is Solid Waste?

Solid waste is any discarded material that is identified by the Solid Waste Management Regulations. It includes solid, liquid, semi-solid, or contained gaseous material. Types of solid waste are garbage, refuse, household hazardous waste, industrial waste, demolition waste, construction waste, debris, municipal waste, yard waste and other discarded materials. Solid waste is generated by residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and many other operations. The regulations also consist of requirements for solid waste management, including storage, treatment and disposal.

What is Hazardous Waste?

Hazardous waste is a subset of solid waste with properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquid, solid, contained gas or sludge. They can be the by-products of manufacturing processes or simply discarded commercial products, such as cleaning fluids or pesticides. By law, facilities that generate waste must determine if any of their wastes are hazardous. Businesses and other facilities in Virginia are required to comply with the Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, which closely follow federal standards. 

What is Specialty Waste?

Specialty waste is another subset of solid waste with properties that require special handling or treatment prior to disposal. Examples of specialty waste include automotive wastes, such as tires, medical wastes, animal carcasses and e-waste.