Special Waste Policies
Southern Idaho Solid Waste’s waste policies and proper waste disposal practices are vital for protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and conserving natural resources. By properly handling trash, communities prevent the spread of disease, reduce pollution in air, water, and soil, and preserve resources through recycling and reuse.
Southern Idaho Solid Waste’s policies provide the framework to ensure consistent and safe management, promote sustainable habits like recycling and composting, and hold individuals, businesses, and governments accountable. Together, proper disposal practices and these policies create healthier communities and a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Accepted Waste
Asbestos Disposal
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Asbestos must be disposed of properly because its fibers are hazardous when released into the air. If inhaled, they can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Safe disposal ensures these fibers are contained, preventing exposure to workers, the public, and the environment. This protects community health and complies with strict regulations designed to manage asbestos safely.
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Battery Recycling
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Do not dispose of batteries in regular trash or recycling bins to ensure safety for employees and the community. Batteries can spark and explode when crushed, causing fires in trucks and facilities, particularly rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, batteries contain toxic materials that can contaminate soil and water. To prevent fires and protect the environment, keep batteries separate from household waste and inform the attendant.
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Ohio Gulch Mixed Construction and Demolition Disposal

Mixed Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste is a specific classification for debris generated from construction, renovation, demolition, or land-clearing activities that has been co-mingled with other non-C&D waste types. The "mixed" designation is a critical regulatory trigger, indicating that the waste load is contaminated and cannot be disposed of in an unlined C&D or inert waste landfill. Instead, it requires disposal in the lined landfill.​
Inert Waste Disposal
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Inert waste refers to non-hazardous, non-combustible, and non-decomposable solid waste that remains stable after disposal. It mainly comes from construction, demolition, and land clearing, including materials like concrete, brick, masonry, and metal, which do not produce harmful gas or leachate. Hazardous items like drywall, asbestos, and lead-painted materials are excluded to maintain environmental safety at disposal sites.
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Mobile Home Disposal
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Southern Idaho Solid Waste allows the disposal of mobile homes at the Milner Butte Landfill. Both single-wide and double-wide mobile homes can be accepted, provided that specific guidelines are followed.
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Wood Waste Disposal
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Clean wood, like raw lumber and branches, can be recycled for mulch or fuel at a lower disposal cost. Contaminated wood, such as painted or pressure-treated materials, is classified as trash and must be landfilled at a higher fee to prevent environmental impact.
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Burned Material Disposal
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The disposal of burned material is allowed only if fully extinguished and with proof of a fire that occurred at least one week prior for Milner Butte Landfill and six weeks for transfer stations. A 24-hour advance notice is required, and all loads will be inspected for smoldering. Waste from burn barrels must be bagged or boxed off-site before delivery; non-compliance will lead to load refusal.
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Electronic Waste Recycling​
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Electronic waste (e-waste) includes discarded electrical devices like computers, smartphones, and batteries. It poses environmental risks due to valuable materials, such as gold and silver, and hazardous substances like lead and mercury. Proper recycling is essential to avoid contamination and health risks, as e-waste should not be disposed of with regular trash.
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Bulk Container Disposal
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Disposing of bulk containers—such as 55-gallon drums, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs or totes), and tanks—is a heavily regulated process governed primarily by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The regulations are not concerned with the container itself, but rather the residue of the material it once held.
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Contaminated Soil Disposal
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Soil is deemed contaminated when hazardous substances exceed state screening or cleanup levels, which are designed to protect human health and the environment. Contaminated soil poses a potential threat due to pollutants and must be managed through remediation or special waste disposal to prevent groundwater and surface water contamination.
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Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Household Hazardous Waste includes leftover toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive consumer products such as paints, cleaners, pesticides, used motor oil, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs. These items can contaminate soil and water, threatening public health and the environment if disposed of with regular trash. HHW must be separated when disposing of it.
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Household Sharps
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Household sharps are medical devices with sharp points used at home, such as needles, syringes, lancets, and EpiPens. These items pose a biohazard risk, as they can cause injuries and transmit blood-borne diseases. Therefore, they should not be disposed of in regular trash or recycling bins but instead placed in puncture-resistant containers for safe disposal.
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Large Animal Carcass Disposal
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​Large animal carcasses must be disposed of properly to prevent the spread of disease, protect water sources, and avoid attracting pests or scavengers. When left untreated, decomposing animals can contaminate soil and groundwater with harmful bacteria and pathogens, posing risks to public health and the environment.
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Mercury Policy
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Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that poses risks to human health and the environment. It can contaminate air, water, and soil, converting into methylmercury, which accumulates in fish and wildlife. Proper disposal is essential to prevent pollution, protect ecosystems, and comply with environmental regulations.
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Mixed County Loads Policy
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Haulers must ensure compliance and notify staff if a load contains waste from multiple counties. Mixed county loads incur significant penalties: a $500 fee for the first offense, increasing by $500 for each additional violation, with no cap. The District enforces a zero-tolerance policy through random inspections, tracking all violations by the hauler.
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Septage and Grease Trap Disposal

To dispose of grease trap waste, haulers must be licensed by the Health District, and the waste must originate from within the district. Each load requires a completed form and must consist of unmixed, non-hazardous waste with a pH between 2.0 and 12.5. Haulers are responsible for compliance, and the facility may conduct inspections, request additional testing, and refuse loads.​
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Sump Disposal​
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To dispose of sump waste, generators must obtain approval by submitting a waste profile and lab analysis testing for characteristics like flashpoint, TCLP metals, pH, and TPH. Upon acceptance, a profile number is issued, and each load requires a transport form with this number. The facility can refuse loads, require further testing, conduct inspections, and direct waste placement.
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Wastewater Sludge Disposal
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Before disposing of WWTP sludge or biosolids, generators must submit a waste profile for approval and confirm the material is free of liquids. Upon approval, a profile number is issued, and each load must include a transport form with this number. Material placement must follow facility directions, which reserves the right to conduct inspections, demand further testing, and refuse loads.
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