Landfill Operators Certification Training

2023 Initial Certification: May 23-25, 2023

Registration Deadline: May 1, 2023

2023 Training will be held at

$400.00 per person

On May 24, previously certified Landfill Operators may attend for 8 hours of recertification credit. The cost for the recertification hours will be $199.00 per person.  Registration can be completed at the same above link by selecting LOCT 8 hour, in the Registration Type box.

A certified Landfill Operator must be present at a municipal solid waste landfill during all hours of operation. A person interested in obtaining a Landfill Operator certification must take training provided by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and pass an examination conducted by TDEC. The details regarding the training and certification requirements can be found in TN Rule 0400-11-01-.12. The following is additional information regarding the certification program:

·  TDEC's landfill operators’ certification training program (LOCT) consists of three (3) days of classroom instruction (including a field exercise) and a final exam on the fourth day. Those landfill operators taking the exam must achieve at least a score of 70 (out of 100 points) to be certified. Topics that are covered during the three (3) days include: Tennessee Solid Waste Management Regulations, Landfill Math, Landfill Plans, Landfill Operations, Surveying, Waste Acceptance/Random Inspections, Groundwater Monitoring, Landfill Gas Management, Erosion Control, Liners & Leachate Collection, Closure & Post Closure, and Compliance Inspections & Recordkeeping.

· The certification for Landfill Operators is valid for three years. To be recertified, a Landfill Operator must obtain 24 hours of TDEC approved training during this three-year period.

· There is reciprocity for those Landfill Operators holding SWANA certification. 

· Per Rule 0400-11-01-.12(1)(c)8; TDEC will honor other State’s certification programs and similar 3rd party private certifications upon being shown evidence that the course content meets or exceeds Tennessee LOCT criteria.  

• Register Here for 2023 rescheduled Humboldt workshops on February 21-23, 2023.
  • Onsite recertification workshops will be assigned at a later date.

If you would like to receive updates via email or need to update contact information, or request an invoice for training  please contact Rebekah Poston at Rebekah.Poston@tn.gov.

Expiration Reports

Due to weather-related delays, 2022-2023 recertifications are still being processed. New expirations reports will be posted once all rescheduled training is completed. Certification hours will only be counted if fees are paid in full.

For external hours please submit documentation to Rebekah Poston at Rebekah.Poston@tn.gov.

Continued Training Opportunities for Landfill Operators

Landfill operator certification is valid for 3 years.  During those 3 years, certified operators must attend 24 hours of Department approved training, or they must retake the 3 -day certification training.  TDEC recognizes the following training opportunities for a Certified Landfill Operator to obtain the 24 hours required for recertification:

· One of the days of instruction in the 30-hour course scheduled.

· The online or in-person 8-hour Landfill Operators Continuing Education workshop for certified landfill operators, the 8-hour Class 1 Landfill workshop, or the 8-hour Class 3 Landfill workshop conducted by the Division of Solid Waste Management. Each course is $199 per person. When the payment is verified your LOCT Course Completion will be updated.

· Tennessee Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Training and Certification and Re-Certification Program (includes Level I certification and Level II certification training classes). Training course information can be obtained from the following website: www.tnepsc.org. Submit your training certificate to Jerry Branham or Rebekah Poston to receive credit.

· Any course providing a certificate or completion report from SWANA, TWSDA, CTAS, or TRC other relevant training from 3rd parties or environmental conferences may be submitted for consideration.

Online Class Modules

Once both module parts are completed you will receive an invoice for payment. When the payment is verified your LOCT Course Completion will be updated. Each class is $199 per person.

Landfill Operators Continuing Education Class

Class 1 Landfill Class

Class 3 Landfill Class

Manuals

Recertifications

When you have completed all 24 hours of training required prior to certification expiration, DSWM will send you an invoice for your recertification fee and prompt you to submit the required paperwork. 

· “EVEA” form - Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Attestation form (CN-1497)
   (An “EVEA” form with a valid ID must accompany all applications.)

Recertification packets must include the form, a copy of a valid photo ID, and a copy of your invoice with a check or money order or receipt from an online payment by credit card. If you did not receive an invoice, contact Rebekah Poston at Rebekah.Poston@tn.gov or call 615-552-8002. Completed recertification packets must be mailed:

Attn: Rebekah Poston
TDEC Division of Solid Waste Management
WRS Tennessee Tower
312 Rosa L Parks Ave, 14th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243

TDEC is now able to accept online payments for renewing LOCT certification!  Note: Payment does not ensure recertification. Landfill operators must still reapply for recertification and complete all 24 hours of required training prior to certification expiration.