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LCSWMA has developed a comprehensive licensing, enforcement and reporting program to ensure the safe and efficient operation of its facilities and to protect the environment. Individuals or haulers cannot collect or transport Regulated Municipal Waste or Source Separated Recyclable Materials in any vehicle or container that has not been licensed by LCSWMA.

Licensing
LCSWMA has established a set of rules and regulations that govern the collection and transportation of solid waste and recyclable materials. Each year, LCSWMA updates these regulations to reflect changes in facility operation, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations, waste categorization and fee structures.

Compliance
LCSWMA's rules and regulations also describe what types of waste LCSWMA will accept at its facilities. Generally speaking, LCSMWA will dispose of municipal solid waste (the refuse created at homes and businesses, including construction/demolition debris) and residual waste (created through a manufacturing process). Most waste generated in Lancaster County falls into these categories. LCSWMA will not accept hazardous waste, explosives or radioactive materials. County facilities are not suited for these materials which can be problematic or dangerous to landfill or incinerate.

To ensure that waste haulers do not deliver unacceptable wastes, LCSWMA stations trained compliance officers at all delivery points to inspect delivery vehicles and incoming loads. The compliance officers watch loads of waste as they are dumped at the Transfer Station, Waste-to-Energy Facility and the Frey Farm Landfill, removing unacceptable items by hand or, if necessary, with equipment.

When a violation does occur, unacceptable materials are returned to the waste hauler or are disposed by LCSWMA at an appropriate facility, and the hauler is given a written warning or a fine. In cases of repeated violations, a waste hauler may lose disposal privileges and licenses. Charges may also be filed in Lancaster County Court.

In addition to inspecting wastes, compliance officers observe the operation of waste haulers throughout the county to see that all operating vehicles and containers have permits and that all municipal solid waste generated in the county is delivered to appropriate facilities.

Reporting
All waste entering LCSWMA's Transfer Station, Waste-to-Energy Facility and Frey Farm Landfill through a specialized computer program. Part of this recording system requires that waste haulers complete manifest forms for every load of waste delivered to LCSWMA. The manifests ask for information such as: origin of waste (by municipality); generator of waste (residential, industrial or commercial/institutional); type of material; and waste hauler license number. LCSMWA enters this information in the computer system.

Vehicles are weighed on scales which record, via computer, the weight. LCSWMA uses the tonnage and manifest records for computerized customer billing, as well as tracking and accumulating data on weights, types and sources of all wastes delivered to LCSWMA facilities. Keeping accurate records enables LCSWMA to plan and build appropriately sized and efficient solid waste facilities and to develop new waste reduction and recycling programs. The manifest reporting system is also used to track the delivery of recyclable materials to LCSWMA or private markets and processing facilities. Haulers of recyclable materials are required to regularly submit manifests which identify facilities where recyclables are directed. This documentation allows LCSWMA to efficiently track the movement of both waste and recyclables and provide reports to both municipal and state government agencies.

License Application
LCSWMA has established a set of rules and regulations that govern the collection and transportation of solid waste and recyclable materials. According to these rules and regulations, all commercial waste haulers must obtain a license for each of their vehicles, roll-off containers and trailers.

Those wishing to obtain licenses must show proof of general liability insurance, vehicle insurance and workers' compensation insurance. They must also agree to abide by LCSWMA's Rules and Regulations. Licenses must be displayed on vehicles and containers.