Landfill Data

Landfill regulations by state

The federal floor, the materials landfills refuse, and the state rules that decide whether a load gets dumped or turned away at the gate.

By Dumpster Controls Data Desk Updated September 28, 2026 3 min read

U.S. landfills follow two layers of rules. The federal layer, RCRA Subtitle D and 40 CFR Part 258, sets the minimum for municipal solid waste landfills. The state layer decides what a hauler can actually dump, and construction and demolition landfills are regulated mostly by the states. That is why the same load can be accepted in one state and refused in the next.

40 CFR 258
federal criteria for MSW landfillsUnder RCRA Subtitle D

8
material categories landfills commonly refuse Hazardous waste is banned at every MSW and C&D landfill

20
state rules summarized below 4 regions, 43 states

1,750
facilities in the Landfill Finder Counted October 1, 2026

The federal framework

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is the federal law for solid waste. Under RCRA Subtitle D, the EPA sets minimum criteria for municipal solid waste landfills in 40 CFR Part 258: location restrictions, operating criteria, design criteria, groundwater monitoring, corrective action, closure and financial assurance.

Every MSW landfill needs a composite liner, leachate collection, groundwater and methane monitoring, and financial assurance. Construction and demolition landfills sit mostly with the states. Federal guidelines exist, but each state decides how to permit and run C&D facilities, and the rules change at the state line.

What landfills refuse: commonly prohibited materials

Most refused loads come down to one of these eight categories. The exact list is set by each facility and each state.

Dumpster Controls Data Desk summary of federal and state rules · Checked March 16, 2026
Materials commonly prohibited at U.S. landfills, and how they are regulated

Landfill regulations by state

The 20 rules haulers run into most, 5 per region. They are a starting point, not the full code: each state publishes its own statutes and permits.

Dumpster Controls Data Desk summary of state agency rules · Checked March 16, 2026
State landfill and C&D disposal rules, by region

Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT). The strictest disposal rules in the country. Many states require recycling and keep specific materials out of landfills. Connecticut and Massachusetts have effectively banned organics from landfills for large generators.

Southeast (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV). More flexible rules overall, tightening as populations grow. Florida requires C&D recycling in several counties, and North Carolina mandates landfill gas collection at large sites.

Midwest (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI). Wide variation. Minnesota and Wisconsin run strong recycling programs, Kansas and Nebraska have lighter frameworks, and Ohio accepts large volumes of out of state waste.

West (AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY). California sets the most aggressive diversion goals in the nation: AB 341 set a statewide goal of 75 percent by 2020. Washington and Oregon also have strong recycling mandates. The interior West is lighter.

Compliance for haulers

Know your load. Before the truck reaches the gate, know what is in the container. Many facilities turn away mixed loads that contain a prohibited item, and the trip is lost.

Check the state bans. What one state accepts, another may ban. If you cross state lines, keep a checklist for each state you serve.

Keep manifests. Several states require waste manifests or tracking documents from commercial haulers. Where they are not required, the records still protect you.

Cover every load. Nearly every state requires loads to be covered in transit, and fines vary by jurisdiction.

Call ahead for special waste. Acceptance policies change often, especially for treated wood, drywall and asbestos. Check the facility's page or call before hauling.

Methodology

Where this comes from. The Dumpster Controls Data Desk compiled this summary on March 16, 2026 from the federal rules (RCRA Subtitle D, 40 CFR Part 258) and state environmental agency rules. It was revised for clarity on September 28, 2026: the California AB 341 goal now reads 2020, as enacted.

How it is updated. We revise the page when a hauler, an agency or a facility reports a change, and every report is reviewed by our team first. The Landfill Finder lists 1,750 active landfills and transfer stations, counted on October 1, 2026.

Limits. This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Laws, permits and facility policies change. For any legal requirement, cite the statute or the state agency, and confirm acceptance with the facility.

How to use this data

Haulers

Check before the truck leaves

Match the load to the state rules above and the facility's accepted waste in the Landfill Finder. Then price it with the tipping fees by state.

Journalists and researchers

Start here, cite the source law

Use this page to see how states differ, then quote the statute or the agency for the rule itself. Mention the compilation date shown above.

Counties and public works

Compare with neighboring states

See where your rules sit against the region. If a rule here is out of date for your state, send the current text and we revise it after review.

Facility operators

Report a policy or price update

Open your facility in the Landfill Finder and use "Suggest an edit" (it takes a free account), or write to the address below.

Cite this data

Dumpster Controls Data Desk. (2026). Landfill regulations by state. https://dumpstercontrols.io/landfills/resources/regulations

Licensed CC BY 4.0. For a legal requirement, also cite the statute or the agency.

Frequently asked questions

Who regulates landfills in the United States?

Both the federal government and the states. Under RCRA Subtitle D, the EPA sets minimum criteria for municipal solid waste landfills in 40 CFR Part 258: location, operation, design, groundwater monitoring, corrective action, closure and financial assurance. States permit and inspect the facilities and add their own rules, and construction and demolition landfills are regulated mainly at the state level.

What materials are not allowed in a landfill or a dumpster?

Hazardous waste such as paint, solvents and pesticides is banned at all MSW and C&D landfills. Asbestos, lead-based paint debris, medical waste and appliances with CFCs need special handling. Tires are banned in most states, electronics in more than 25 and yard waste in more than 20. Each facility sets its own accepted list, so check before hauling.

Are construction and demolition landfills regulated differently?

Yes. C&D landfills usually have lighter requirements than MSW landfills but still need state permits, and the rules differ widely: Massachusetts bans C&D wood, metal, asphalt, brick, concrete and clean gypsum wallboard from landfills, New Jersey sends C&D waste to registered recycling facilities or permitted landfills, and California requires 65 percent C&D diversion.

Do I need to check the rules in every state I haul in?

Yes. A load that one state accepts can be refused across the line. Keep a checklist per state, keep manifests even where they are not required, cover every load, and call the facility or check its page before hauling special waste such as treated wood, drywall or asbestos.

Can I cite or reuse this summary?

Yes. It is published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Credit the Dumpster Controls Data Desk and link to this page, and cite the statute or agency for any legal requirement. Suggested citation: Dumpster Controls Data Desk. (2026). Landfill regulations by state. https://dumpstercontrols.io/landfills/resources/regulations.

Media and research inquiries

Reporters, researchers, counties and state agencies can write to info@dumpstercontrols.io with questions about the data, a request for a state extract or a correction. Our compilation is published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0: you may copy, adapt and republish it, including in public reports and news stories, as long as you credit the Dumpster Controls Data Desk and link to the page you used.