Wyoming Solid Waste Management Act Recycling Mandates

The Wyoming Solid Waste Management Act (W.S. 35-11-501 et seq.) requires that all solid waste be disposed of, treated, or recycled at facilities approved by the DEQ Solid and Hazardous Waste Division and the local governing body. Wyoming bans lead-acid batteries from land disposal under W.S. 35-11-517, mandating retailer take-back and recycling statewide. The DEQ administers the Recycling Program and oversees permits for landfills, transfer stations, and baling facilities. Municipalities operate collection programs locally, but all disposal facilities and material restrictions flow from the state framework. No city or county may permit disposal of state-banned materials in solid waste streams.

Disposing of lead-acid batteries or other banned materials in landfills violates W.S. 35-11-901 and may result in DEQ enforcement, civil penalties, and required cleanup at violator expense.