Certification Requirements for Landfill Managers and Operators

Changes to the Certification Program effective February 1, 2006.

Upcoming Certification Exam

Landfills in Wisconsin are required to be run by certified facility managers and site operators. A person interested in obtaining a landfill Site Operator/Facility Manager certification must take training approved by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and pass an examination conducted by DNR. The details regarding the training and certification requirements can be found in chapter NR 524, Wis. Adm. Code. Following is additional information regarding certification requirements:

A certified facility manager or site operator must be present at a municipal solid waste or intermediate demolition waste landfill during all hours of operation. The designated facility manager need not be at the landfill during all hours of operation but must be present within 50 miles of the landfill and able to be contacted during 75% of the hours of operation.

A trained operator (who need not be certified) is allowed to operate a high volume industrial waste landfill provided that a certified facility manager oversees the operation at least twice a week, and there is no outstanding Notice of Violation (NOV) against the landfill. A certified facility manager must be present within 50 miles of the landfill and able to be contacted during 75% of the hours of operation. A certified site operator or facility manager need not be present at the site during waste delivery.

A certified site operator, who must be present during all hours of operation, is allowed to operate a small demolition waste landfill.

Currently, certification training and examinations are arranged by DNR twice a year in May and November at 6 locations throught the state.

• Eau Claire
• Green Bay
• Madison
• Rhinelander
• Rice Lake
• West Allis

DNR also provides interim training to accommodate new uncertified appointees while awaiting DNR approved training and examination. Landfill owners can request interim training for their employees.

The certification for facility managers is valid for two years. The incumbent must obtain 8 hours of continuing education credits during this two year period.

The certification for site operators is valid for two years. The incumbent must obtain 4 hours of continuing education credits during this two year period.

If proper continuing education credits are not earned within the specified period and the recertification fee is not paid within three months of expiration of a certificate, the certificate automatically expires. A person seeking reinstatement must retake and pass the certification examination.

Under certain circumstances DNR may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a certification.

There is no reciprocity for certification received from other states.

Fees for both facility managers and site operators are:

Initial certification: $200.00 (Examination fee: $50.00; Certification fee: $150.00)
Recertification: $150.00
Interim training: $150.00

For further details, contact: Amalendu Bagchi at (608) 267-7576 or Amalendu Bagchi.