Special Waste Disposal

SPECIAL WASTE

A special waste is any material that is not municipal solid waste (normal garbage or trash) and that may require special handling due to its size, physical characteristics, source, packaging, regulatory classification, record-keeping needs, or other trait which may potentially impact employees, equipment, or facilities.

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA AND DISPOSAL COSTS

The decision to accept a material for disposal, and the cost of disposal, is influenced by several factors, including the amount of time and the degree of effort the Authority requires to manage the waste. Costs range from $2 - $150/ton. Some of the factors SWA considers in deciding whether to accept a special waste include:  

  • The regulatory status of the waste and/or other regulatory requirements
  • The type of hazards presented and the potential for worker exposure
  • Analytical data when required.
  • Physical form, characteristics, and volume
  • The potential for beneficial reuse within the SWA (fill)
  • The SWA disposal facility used
  • The resources required to manage the waste
  • The potential impact on the environment
  • The recordkeeping burden
  • The frequency of generation
  • The availability of other disposal facilities or options  

Acceptance of most special wastes is made on a case by case basis at the discretion of the SWA. Special waste is not accepted from out of county.

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Requests for Special Waste disposal will be reviewed by staff for acceptability. Depending on the material it may be directed to either the Class I landfill, Class III landfill or the Waste-to-Energy facilitiy (REF 2).

Special Wastes are Not accepted at Transfers Stations.

Special Waste Guidance Table

ExamplesRequirementsInformation and ProceduresDocuments for Download
  • Asbestos
Requires Documentation, Approval, Appointment, and Escort
Follow the SWA's Asbestos Policy.
Disposal by appointment only.

Asbestos disposal and asbestos removal are two separate activities. Asbestos removal is regulated by the  Palm Beach County Health Department.  

pdficon1 Opens in new windowAsbestos Disposal Policy (PDF)

  • Contaminated Soils
  • Expired Consumer Products
  • Off-spec Consumer Products
  • Industrial Wastes
  • Sandblast Waste
  • Pollution Control Media
  • Wastewater Screenings
  • Spill Cleanups
  • *Treated Biomedical Waste

Requires Documentation, Approval and Inspection








Complete a Special Waste Application Form


Review Delivery Procedures and note payment methods.







*Before 4PM only		pdficon1 Opens in new windowSpecial Waste Application (PDF)

pdficon1 Opens in new windowSpecial Waste Delivery Procedures (PDF)


  • *Boats and watercraft
  • Enclosed Trailers
  • Empty Drums and containers
  • Empty Tanks
Requires Inspection and Authorization
Have load inspected at Home Chemical Center and get Authorization Form.
Deliver to Landfill or REF as directed.

*All hazardous materials such as fuel, batteries, flares, etc. must be removed prior to delivery.

Boat disposal

  • Appliances (white goods)
  • C/D
  • Treated Wood
  • Tires
  • Livestock Waste
  • *Whole Animals
  • **Wastewater sludge

Routinely Accepted






No special procedures required.
Deliver directly to Landfill




*Before 4PM only
** Through contract only







Assured Destruction 

With this option you will unload material under supervision and witness placement into pit at REF2 or Landfill as appropriate.

ExamplesRequirementsInformation and ProceduresDocuments
  • Off-spec Consumer Products
  • Sensitive documents
  • Contraband (Law Enforcement Agencies only)

Requires Documentation, Approval, Appointment, and Escort

$500 Fee in addition to disposal costs.Special Waste Application
Special Waste Delivery Procedures