Operator Certification & Licensing
Landfill Operator Certification

Renewing Your Certification

Recertification for both Facility Manager and Site Operator is required every two years.

As of February 1, 2006, DNR will not pre-approve continuing education training. Those who are renewing their certificate must submit the continuing education credit slip [PDF] provided with their renewal reminder letter. Renewal reminder letters are mailed to operators approximately 6 weeks prior to their certification expiration date. Facility Managers need 8 hours of continuing education credits and Site Operators need 4 hours of continuing education credits.

Note: It is the operator’s responsibility to know their own certification expiration date and to retain their continuing education documentation at their place of employment.

The renewal fee for Facility Managers and Site Operators is $150.
The late renewal fee is $250 ($150 plus $100 late penalty fee).

Any change in address or employment should be mailed to the certification coordinator at:

WI Department of Natural Resources
Operator Certification Program
PO BOX 7921
MADISON WI 53707-7921

Or by calling Kelly Thompson at (608) 266-8948.

Late Recertification

Wisconsin Administrative Code ch. NR 524 [PDF Exit DNR] allows for a certificate to be renewed with the late penalty fee within 6 months of the expiration date. If it is not renewed within six months of the renewal date, the written certification exam must be re-taken to become certified. Anyone not renewed beyond the six month period must re-take the certification exam. Operators are considered to be working out of compliance if their certificate is expired.

All renewals must be postmarked on or before the expiration date (or within the six month extension period) to be legally accepted by the Department. All renewals are subject to the $250 late fee if it is received past the expiration date.

For more information or questions on the landfill operator certification program, please contact:

Kelly Thompson
(608) 266-8948

Amalendu Bagchi
(608) 267-7576