Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

West Virginia Statewide Rule

West Virginia Mandatory Solid Waste Collection Framework

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across West Virginia (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
W. Va. Code 22C-4-10
Service Required
All households
Open Dumping
Prohibited statewide
Authority
Solid Waste Management Board
Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: West Virginia Legislature

Summary

West Virginia Code Chapter 22C Article 4 requires every household and business in the state to subscribe to or use approved solid waste disposal services, with statewide enforcement through the Solid Waste Management Board and county authorities.

(a) Each person occupying a residence or operating a business establishment in this state shall either: (1) Subscribe to and use a solid waste collection service and pay the fees established therefor; or (2) Provide proper proof that said person properly disposes of solid waste at least once within every thirty-day period at approved solid waste facilities or in any other lawful manner.

Source: West Virginia LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

West Virginia Code Section 22C-4-10 establishes a statewide mandatory solid waste collection requirement, declaring that every person generating solid waste must dispose of it through an approved commercial collection service or by self-haul to a permitted facility. The Solid Waste Management Board oversees county and regional plans. The Department of Environmental Protection regulates landfills and transfer stations under Chapter 22 Article 15. Open dumping is prohibited under Code Section 22-15-10, applying uniformly throughout the state.

Violations & Penalties

Failing to subscribe to collection service or to prove lawful disposal under W. Va. Code §22C-4-10 is a misdemeanor punishable by a $50 to $1,000 fine or community service, plus a $150 annual civil penalty and unpaid fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must West Virginia residents subscribe to trash service?
Yes. W. Va. Code 22C-4-10 requires every generator of solid waste to use approved collection services or self-haul to permitted facilities. Counties enforce subscription compliance through approved haulers.
Can West Virginia cities exempt residents from trash collection?
No. The statewide mandatory disposal requirement preempts local exemptions. Localities may set rates and routing but cannot relieve residents of the duty to use approved disposal methods.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.