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

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.

Mike Jennings

How long have you worked in solid waste?
17 years

What is the one thing you are most proud of in your solid waste career?
It’s rewarding to assist facilities with Cease & Transfer funds.

Governor Signs Proclamation

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

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

2024 DEQ Solid Waste
Training Schedule

March 28, 2024 – Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Operator and Manager Exam Review
May 2024 – Dead Animal Composting
- May 14, 2024 in Burns, Wyoming
- May 16, 2024 in Sheridan, Wyoming
July 25, 2024 – Air Quality Permitting
August 19, 2024 – Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Operator and Manager Exam Review
- This session will be in-person only and will be held during the Annual WSWRA Conference
- Registration conducted through WSWRA
August 19, 2024 – Transfer Station Operation and Management Exam Review
- This session will be in-person only and will be held during the Annual WSWRA Conference
- Registration conducted through WSWRA
November 7, 2024 – Transfer Station Operation and Management

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.