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Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

​​​​The Certification and Licensing Branch oversees the training and certification program for solid waste operators. Licenses for landfill operators, landfill ​​managers, compost operators, and landfarm operators are valid for five years. After this five-year period, operators and managers are required to attend a certification class and pass an examination.​

For questions related to solid waste permit applications, reporting documents, and fees for various types of waste management and disposal facilities please visit the Solid Waste Branch Program.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Certification is obtained by meeting minimum education and experience requirements, submitting the appropriate forms and fee and by passing the certification examination. Regulations pertaining to the certification of solid waste operators are located in ​401 KAR 47:070​ and 401 KAR 45:090​​.​

The fact sheet listed below provides general guidance on how to become a certified compost, landfarm, landfill system operator or landfill manager:
How to Become a Certified Solid Waste Operator Fact Sheet​

Applicants must submit an Application for Certification-Solid Waste along with the Registration Form for Exams and Training-Solid Waste. You can apply online or via paper application. 

Apply Online:

  • To begin the process, establish a EEC efo​rms​ account. Or sign in if you already have an account.​
  • Click on Forms in the toolbar at the top.
  • Under the list of available eforms, you can click on the column header "Form Name" or "Division"​​​ to sort by that category.​
  • Click on the plus sign next to the Registration Form for Exams and Training​ (Solid Waste)​​ ​form.
  • Once the application has been completed, select the Continue to Pre-Payment button. You will be directed to pay at this time. 


Paper Application:

  • Complete the Application for Certification-Solid Waste along with the Registration Form for Exams and Training-Solid Waste which can be found in the DEP Forms Library.
  • Checks should be made ​payable to Kentucky State Treasurer. 
  • The completed form along with check or money order should be mailed to:

Operator Certfication Program
300 Sower Blvd.
Frankfort, KY 40601​​​​

Once you're approved to take an exam we will send a study manual to the address provided on your application. You can also visit our test preparation page to find resources for wastewater and drinking water exams.​​​​

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Need help?
Call 502-564-3170
Email kyocp@ky.gov​

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
300 Sower Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601

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The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability or sex. This policy protects the rights of Cabinet employees, service applicants and customers. Vendors, agencies and organizations providing services to the Cabinet or its recipients of federally-aided programs also must comply with this policy.

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