Solid Waste - Approvals

Refuse collection frequency is prescribed in the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (MCEHC). Chapter II, Section 5, Regulation 4.a of the MCEHC states:

• The frequency of collection shall be in accordance with regulation of the collection agency but not less than that shown in the following schedules:
  • Garbage only - twice weekly
  • Refuse with garbage - twice weekly
  • Rubbish and ashes - as often as necessary to prevent nuisances and fly breeding.

Variance

If a variance from this regulation is required, an approval must be obtained from the Department. A refuse collection frequency variance plan is submitted to the Solid Waste Program when a collection variance is requested.

A refuse collection variance plan must demonstrate that no public health hazard or nuisance will exist and that fly breeding will be controlled by biological, chemical or mechanical means. The plan must also contain provisions for random inspections by the Department of at least 1% of all refuse containers.

The Solid Waste Program reviews and approves proposed refuse collection variance plans. Each plan is also reviewed and approved by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Opens a New Window. . The ADEQ grants the variance prior to implementation of the plan.

Non-Hazardous Liquid Waste Transfer Facilities

Non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facilities are prescribed in the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (MCEHC), Chapter II, Section 1, Regulation 1.cc of the MCEHC states: "Non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility" means a facility or any site owned, operated or utilized by any person where non-hazardous liquid waste is removed from containment and/or processed for the purpose of subsequent transfer or disposal of the waste.

Prior to building or performing activities described as a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility, approval must be obtained from the Department. A non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan is submitted to the Solid Waste Program when a non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility approval is requested.

A non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan must demonstrate that no public health hazard or nuisance will exist and that proper management techniques of the non-hazardous liquid waste are used. If the non-hazardous liquid waste transfer facility plan meets the requirements of the application and applicable regulations, the Solid Waste Program will review and approve the proposed plan.