Processing facilities are facilities that use biological or chemical decomposition to prepare solid waste for reuse. They do not include transfer stations or recycling centers.

Processing facilities are classified into one of four categories and are regulated according to the volume and type of waste managed.

Tier I processing facilities manage a cumulative volume of 600 cubic yards or less and only accept such wastes as untreated or unpainted wood, yard waste, sheet rock, and clean paper products. Tier I processing facilities also include facilities that only manage a cumulative volume of 200 cubic yards or less of petroleum-contaminated soils or pumpable wastes.

Under Idaho's Solid Waste Management Rules, Tier I processing facilities are subject to Tier I regulations and deadlines including appropriate signage, nuisance (disease, vector, odor, and litter) control, secure access, open burning restrictions, and stormwater runoff controls. The rules also impose new notification and documentation requirements.

Tier II processing facilities manage a cumulative volume of 600 cubic yards or more and include facilities that only manage a cumulative volume of 200 cubic yards or more of petroleum-contaminated soil or pumpable wastes.

As prescribed in Idaho's Solid Waste Management Rules, Tier II processing facilities are subject to basic Tier II regulations and deadlines. Basic Tier II regulations cover five areas: location, operation, design, closure, and post-closure care. For example, siting of Tier II facilities near airports, critical habitat areas, and floodplains is restricted, and all TIer II facilities must develop and implement operating, odor management, and closure plans. All of these regulations are designed to assure that Tier II facilities are constructed and operated in a manner protective of public health and the environment. Tier II processing facilities also must meet certain specific additional design, operating, and closure requirements.

For a complete listing of Tier II facility requirements, refer to Section 012 of Idaho's Solid Waste Management Rules (pdf on Department of Administration Web site).

All Tier II and III facilities, including processing facilities, that were in operation before April 26, 2002, were required submit an operating plan to the local public health district by April 27, 2004. If you are uncertain whether your operation is in compliance, check with your local public health district. The next compliance reporting deadline is April 26, 2007, when all Tier II and Tier III facilities must submit documentation to DEQ demonstrating compliance with siting and design requirements and applicable restrictions.

Link to reporting forms on this Web site.

Processing facilities may be classified as Tier III if they are determined by DEQ to be managing solid waste in a manner or volume that will form toxic leachate or gas or is likely to pose a substantial risk to human health or the environment. If so, they are subject to Tier III regulations and deadlines.

Tier III regulations also cover six areas: location, operation, design, ground water monitoring and corrective action, closure and post-closure care, and financial assurance. Of particular note is required installation of a ground water monitoring system.

For a complete listing of Tier III facility requirements, refer to Section 013 of Idaho's Solid Waste Management Rules (pdf on Department of Administration Web site).

As noted above, all Tier II and III facilities must meet certain reporting deadlines. The next compliance reporting deadline is April 26, 2007, when all Tier II and Tier III facilities must submit documentation to DEQ demonstrating compliance with siting and design requirements and applicable restrictions.

Link to reporting forms on this Web site.