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​​​​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 Certification 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.​​​​​​

The permittee shall notify the cabinet in writing of the extended absence of a certified operator ten (10) days prior to an anticipated absence and immediately upon discovery of an extended absence due to an emergency or unanticipated circumstances.

The notice from the permittee shall provide the cabinet with the following information:

  • Name and qualifications of the individual intended to replace the certified operator; and
  • The length of time for which the permittee seeks to have the interim operator fulfill the obligations of the certified operator.

The permittee shall notify the cabinet of the extended absence when the operator or manager shall be absent for:

  • More than ten (10) consecutive operating days for a landfill operator.
  • More than thirty (30) consecutive operating days for a landfill manager; and
  • More than five (5) consecutive operating days for a landfarming operator.


The cabinet shall evaluate the qualifications of the designated interim operator and shall notify the permittee of the cabinet's determination in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of the permittee's notice. The determination shall:

  • Approve or deny the permittee's request for designation of the interim operator.
  • Identify the length of time the interim operator may operate the solid waste site or facility; and
  • Specify conditions as appropriate to the site and the interim operator's qualifications.


How to apply for an Interim License:

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.

The completed form can be e-mailed to kyocp@ky.gov​ or mailed to:


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

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

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