Solid Waste and Recycling Workers Week - Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality

Jerry Hamal, Wyoming Solid Waste and Recycling Association Board Member

How long have you worked in the solid waste industry? “I have been working in the solid waste industry for 11 years. I have been working in the environmental realm for 26 years.

What do you wish people knew about working in the solid waste industry? “The solid waste industry is a highly regulated and engineered field. Long gone are the days of just filling a hole in the ground. The industry is a conglomeration of hard working, intelligent, dedicated people working together to protect the world we live in!”

Richard Lemm, Solid Waste Permitting & Corrective Action Program, District 3 Supervisor

How long have you worked in solid waste?
8 years

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? Helping the Weston County Solid Waste District permit their new Municipal Solid Waste Landfill.

Timothy Reed, Solid Waste Permitting and Corrective Action Program, District 1 Supervisor

How long have you worked in solid waste?
6 years

How did you get started in your solid waste career?
The roots for a solid waste career began as a kid going to landfills in Fremont County, cleaning out abandoned properties, and the recycling and repurposing of salvaged materials. I had always wanted to work for DEQ!

Tom Nowak. Inspection & Compliance Program, Inspector

How long have you worked in solid waste?
2 Years

What do you wish people knew about DEQ’s solid waste team?
Our goal is to work as a team with the community.

Jody Weikart, Solid Waste Permitting and Corrective Action Program Manager

How long have you worked in solid waste?
5 years

What do you wish people knew about DEQ’s solid waste team?
We are a small group of people who just want to help Wyoming communities and businesses figure out ways to manage their trash that is protective of human health and the environment.

Governor Signs Proclamation

Governor Gordon has proclaimed June 17 – 21, 2024 as Wyoming’s Solid Waste and Recycling Workers Week. Read the Proclamation here.

Allen Griffin, Wyoming Solid Waste and Recycling Association Board Member, City of Powell Sanitation Superintendent

How long have you worked in the solid waste industry? “18.5 years”

What is the one thing you are most proud of in your solid waste career? “I have always been proud of doing a necessary job that many people wouldn’t do, doing it well, and keeping our town looking good. I can hug mattresses (alley cleanup) with the best of them.”

A week long celebration recognizing the hard work and dedication shown by the men and women of the waste
and recycling industry.

FAQ's

How many solid waste facilities are there in Wyoming?

Over 200! This includes over 20 operating municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. Click Here to view the list of facilities

Which county has the most permitted solid waste facilities?

Fremont County

How much waste is disposed of annually in Wyoming?

Over 600,000 tons of Municipal Solid Waste

How much waste is diverted every year in Wyoming?

Over 60,000 tons not including private recycling, big box store recycling, and scrap yards.

How many people work in the DEQ’s solid waste programs?

Permitting – 6
Inspection and Compliance – 6
Landfill Remediation and Cease and Transfer – 3

Who do I call if I have a solid waste question?

Who do I call if I have a solid waste permitting question?

Training

DEQ Landfill Operator/Manager Certification
(June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024)

27 Landfill Operators and Managers took the training course
29 Landfill Operators and Managers passed their certification exam

2025 DEQ Solid Waste
Training Schedule

September 2025 – Green/Food Waste Composting
Introduction to the basics of green waste and food waste composting. For in-person attendees there will be a hands-on field demonstration. More information on the offerings and location for this training will be available soon. Time and Date TBA
October 29, 2025 – Solid Waste Determinations
The Solid and Hazardous Waste Division’s Inspection and Compliance Program will present waste determinations and how to know if your facility can accept certain wastes. Included will be how to review a laboratory report and what standards to compare against. – Casper DEQ Office

To stay up to date on these trainings and all things solid waste please sign up for the DEQ Solid Waste Listserv at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WYDEQ/subscriber/new.