Solid Waste Facilities

In accordance with Orange County Code Section 32-214 (a)(1), it shall be unlawful to operate a solid waste management facility without a valid Orange County permit in those areas of Orange County which are subject to the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Ordinance. In general, this includes the following types of facilities:

1. Class I landfills;
2. Class III landfills;
3. Construction and demolition debris disposal facilities;
4. Composting facilities (excluding those located at permitted landfills);
5. Used oil recycling facilities;
6. Waste tire processing facilities. Note: this includes any facility storing over 1,500 used/waste tires, whether cutting/processing or not;
7. Incinerators, if the facility is also storing or disposing of solid waste on the site;
8. Solid waste transfer stations;
9. Yard trash recycling facilities (excluding those located at permitted landfills) having at any time a cumulative volume of solid waste, yard trash, and land clearing debris, compost, mulch, and other recycled product of two hundred (200) cubic yards or greater;
10. Materials recovery facilities (excluding those located at permitted landfills); and
11. Any other facility that the board may consider to meet the definition of solid waste management facility and/or may present any threat to human health or the environment

All solid waste management facilities in unincorporated Orange County, regardless of Zoning District, also require a Zoning Special Exception.  The BCC will make the final decision on both the EPD permit and the Special Exception at a concurrent public hearing.

The environmental permitting process involves reviews by the Environmental Protection Division, Development Review Committee, and the Zoning Division.

1. Do I require an Orange County Solid Waste Management Facility permit if my facility is located in a city?
   Answer: In general, yes, unless the city implements their own solid waste permitting requirements that are at least as protective against air and water pollution. At the time of writing, May 2011, City of Apopka was the only city known to have implemented local rules
2. Can my facility use a single instrument to satisfy the requirements of both the FDEP and Orange County?
   Answer: In general, yes. Pursuant to Florida Statute Section 403.707(10), FDEP and Orange County have entered into an “Interlocal Agreement Relating to the Solid Waste Program Financial Assurance Mechanisms between the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Orange County, Florida” that allows a single instrument to be used that covers the higher of each of the Closure cost estimates and Post-Closure cost estimates.
3. Are Recovered Materials Processing Facilities required to obtain an Orange County solid waste management facility permit?
   Answer: In general, no. By definition in FS 403 and FAC 62-701, recovered materials including metal, paper, glass, plastic, textile, or rubber materials that have known recycling potential, are generally not considered solid wastes. Although not required to obtain a permit, these facilities must register and report to FDEP and Orange County Solid Waste Division.
4. Where can I get more information on the permitting requirements for commercial waste haulers?
   Answer: Commercial waste haulers are licensed through the Orange County Solid Waste Division.
5. What are the requirements for yard trash processing facilities that stockpile less than 12,000 cubic yards total and may be conditionally exempt from obtaining a permit.
   Answer: Comply with the requirements under Section 32-214(c)(9)iv.,including obtaining a Zoning Special Exception if necessary, and submitting an annual notification to EPD.
6. Are facilities that store tires considered Waste Tire Processing Facilities?
   Answer: Yes, if they are storing in excess of 1,500 waste tires - whether they are cutting/processing or not. Additionally note that used tires for resale are counted as waste tires.

Permit fees are updated periodically. The latest permit fees can viewed here.

Environmental Protection Division
3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32803

Email: EPD@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-1400
Fax: (407) 836-1499

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.