Solid Waste

The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County (DOH-Palm Beach) solid waste program enforces established standards which provide for the safe handling, storage, transportation and disposal of solid waste. "Solid Waste" refers to sludge, garbage, rubbish, refuse, special waste, or other discarded material resulting from domestic, industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural, or governmental operations. These rules and regulations minimize the contamination threat to ground water, surface water, air, and soil, and protect the public from potential disease transmission. DOH-Palm Beach inspects solid waste management facilities including compost debris, waste tire collection centers and processing facilities and material recovery facilities.

The solid waste program also investigates complaints related to solid waste facilities, commercial facilities, and private residences. Typical complaints include equestrian waste, questionable pond filling, recovered screen material (RSM), mulch, tire storage/ disposal, and water treatment plant sludge. The Department does accept anonymous complaints and when applicable performs joint investigations with other State, County, and Local agencies.

Enforcement activities are initiated as a result of noncompliance with specific rules and regulations. The type of violation determines the enforcement action taken. Penalties vary depending on the nature and severity of the violation's.

Authority: Interagency Agreement between Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County.

Chap 120, 386, 403, F.S.

FDEP Waste Management Rules and Forms