Solid Waste Permits

The Snohomish Health District issues permits for garbage disposal, waste handling, and composting activities in Snohomish County. Examples of permitted activities include:

  • Baling and compaction systems
  • Drop-box locations
  • Incinerators
  • Land application of biosolids
  • Landfills
  • Piles used for storage and treatment
  • Surface impoundments and tanks

Solid waste permit application information

Every new facility is required to submit applicable permits, plans and the required fee at the time of application. All application submittals must include the following:

Solid waste facility types

Each facility will submit one or more of the following applications based on their operations and facility use:

  1. Composting Facility (PDF)
  2. Energy Recovery and Incineration (PDF)
  3. Ground Water Monitoring Requirements (PDF)
  4. Inert Waste Landfill (PDF)
  5. Intermediate Solid Waste Handling (PDF)
  6. Land Application (PDF)
  1. Limited Purpose Landfill (PDF)
  2. Moderate Risk Waste Facility (PDF)
  3. Piles Used For Storage or Treatment (PDF)
  4. Surface Impoundments and Tanks (PDF)
  5. Waste Tire Storage Site (PDF)

Solid waste permit modifications

Facilities that need to make changes to an existing solid waste handling permit must submit the following:

Solid waste permit exemptions

Chapter 173-350 WAC, Solid Waste Handling Standards specifies that certain solid waste facilities are exempt from solid waste permitting if they meet certain requirements and operating procedures as identified in the rule. These facilities include certain recycling facilities, compost facilities, intermediate solid waste handling facilities, piles used for treatment or storage, and moderate risk waste facilities. One of the requirements is for the facility to submit a Notice of Intent to Operate Under Terms and Conditions for Solid Waste Permit Exemption application to the WA State Department of Ecology and the Snohomish Health District with their intent to operate as a facility exempt under chapter 173-350 WAC. For most exempt facilities, there is also Annual Reporting and an application review and inspection fee (see the Safe Environment Fee Schedule (PDF)).

Solid waste permit fees

Solid waste permits are valid July 1 through June 30. Permits issued on or after January 1 are eligible for a reduced fee.

Fees for multiple solid waste facilities at one location are charged the highest permit fee plus 2/3 of the applicable permit fee for each additional permitted operation.

*In addition to base fees, we charge $176 an hour when base fee time limits are exceeded.