Delaware Waste Management Guide 2025

Delaware Waste Management Industry Overview

Delaware generates approximately 1.2 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, serving a population of 1.0 million residents plus seasonal beach tourists. The state operates a unique model: Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) manages infrastructure while private haulers provide collection. Delaware closed its last landfill in 2009 and exports all waste to Pennsylvania facilities.

The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) Model

Delaware's waste system is unique among U.S. states. Key features:

• State-Run Authority: DSWA is a public corporation created by state law in 1975. Operates as unified statewide system rather than county or municipal patchwork found in most states.
• 4 Regional Recycling Centers: Northern (Wilmington), Central (Dover), Western (Newark), Southern (Georgetown). Accept recyclables, HHW, e-waste, bulky items, yard waste. Open to all Delaware residents.
• Transfer Station Network: DSWA operates transfer stations consolidating waste for transport to out-of-state landfills (primarily Waste Management facilities in Pennsylvania).
• No In-State Landfills: Delaware closed last landfill (Cherry Island) in 2009. All MSW exported. Forces efficiency and recycling focus. Eliminates local landfill opposition.
• Private Collection: Curbside trash and recycling provided by private haulers (Republic Services, Waste Management, local companies). DSWA sets standards but doesn't collect residential waste.
• Uniform Standards: DSWA ensures consistent recycling acceptance, education, and infrastructure statewide. Eliminates confusion of varying county rules.

State Waste Laws & Regulations

Delaware takes a progressive approach with statewide mandates and comprehensive regulations:

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC): Regulates solid waste facilities, enforces environmental laws, coordinates with DSWA on programs.
• Universal Recycling Law (2010): Only state requiring all properties to recycle. Residential, commercial, multi-family, industrial must participate. Haulers must offer recycling. Unprecedented statewide mandate.
• E-Waste Ban (2010): Illegal to landfill TVs, computers, monitors, laptops, printers, and other electronics. Must be recycled through DSWA centers or certified recyclers. Enforced through haulers and DSWA monitoring.
• DSWA Operating Authority: Delaware Code Title 7, Chapter 64 establishes DSWA powers. Can issue bonds, set fees, operate facilities, contract disposal. Self-funded through tipping fees and recycling revenue.
• 32% Diversion Rate: Delaware achieved 32% diversion in 2023, above national average. Universal recycling law credited for success. Goal: 40% by 2030.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Delaware exploring EPR for packaging, electronics. Would shift disposal costs to manufacturers. Paint stewardship program launched 2022.

Cost Analysis

Delaware waste costs are 10-20% below Mid-Atlantic averages due to small-state efficiency, competitive hauler markets, and DSWA infrastructure investments. Beach areas have seasonal premium pricing during summer tourism surge.

Regional Cost Factors

• New Castle County (Wilmington, Newark): $28-$42/month residential. Densest population (60% of state). Competitive hauler market. Corporate headquarters generate significant commercial waste. Dupont, banking sector, healthcare major generators.
• Kent County (Dover, Smyrna, Milford): $22-$35/month. Lower costs reflect rural character and military presence (Dover Air Force Base). Central DSWA facility serves region efficiently.
• Sussex County Beach Towns (Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, Lewes): $30-$55/month depending on season. Summer (Memorial-Labor Day) 30-50% higher. Tourism drives 300% waste volume increase. Short-term rentals, restaurants, retail generate peak loads. Weekly dumpster needs common for beach properties.
• Sussex County Rural (Georgetown, Seaford, Laurel): $22-$32/month. Agricultural areas. Lower density, competitive pricing. Poultry industry major commercial generator.
• Dumpster Rentals: $300-$550/week for 20-yard. Beach areas $450-$550 in summer. Construction boom along Route 1 corridor drives rental demand. Permit requirements vary by municipality.

Major Waste Service Providers

National Haulers

• Republic Services: Largest Delaware hauler. Serves all three counties. Strong Wilmington metro and beach area presence. Residential and commercial services.
• Waste Management (WM): Second largest operator. Serves New Castle and Kent counties. Operates Pennsylvania landfills receiving Delaware waste. Vertical integration advantage.
• Waste Industries: Regional hauler expanding in Delaware. Serves residential and commercial customers in New Castle County.

Local/Regional Operators

• Peninsula Waste Disposal: Family-owned Delaware hauler since 1970s. Strong Sussex County presence. Beach area expertise. Seasonal service specialists.
• Delmarva Waste: Regional operator serving Delaware, Maryland Eastern Shore. Residential and commercial collection.
• Independent Haulers: Small family-owned companies serve specific towns or rural areas. Often competitive pricing and personalized service.

Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA)

• Role: Infrastructure provider, not curbside collector. Operates recycling centers, transfer stations, HHW facilities.
• Facilities: 4 recycling centers statewide. Free drop-off for Delaware residents. Accepts recyclables, e-waste, HHW, bulky items, scrap metal, tires, yard waste.
• Education: Extensive recycling education programs, school outreach, business consultations. Delaware Recycles brand. (302) 739-9403.

Recycling Programs

Statewide Single-Stream Recycling

Delaware's Universal Recycling Law ensures comprehensive coverage:

• Mandatory Participation: All residential, commercial, multi-family, and industrial properties required to recycle. Haulers must offer service. Only state with universal mandate.
• Single-Stream System: All recycling collected in one container. No sorting required. Processed at Waste Management Delaware Recycling Center (New Castle) and other regional MRFs.
• Blue Bag/Cart Programs: Most haulers provide blue recycling containers. Curbside collection weekly or bi-weekly depending on provider and service level.
• High Participation: 70%+ participation rate credited to mandatory law and DSWA education. Among highest in nation.

Commonly Accepted Recyclables

• Paper/Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, office paper, cardboard boxes (flattened), paperboard, phone books.
• Containers: Plastic bottles and jugs (#1-7), glass bottles and jars (all colors), aluminum cans and foil, steel/tin cans, drink cartons (Tetra Pak).
• NOT Accepted Curbside: Plastic bags (return to grocery stores), Styrofoam, food waste, electronics (take to DSWA), batteries (DSWA drop-off), hazardous materials, textiles, scrap metal (DSWA centers accept).
• Contamination Issues: Plastic bags major contaminant. DSWA education campaigns emphasize "No Bags in Bags" - empty recyclables loose into cart/bin.

DSWA Recycling Centers

Four statewide facilities open to all Delaware residents with proof of residency:

• Northern Recycling Center (Wilmington): 1301 N. Van Buren Street. Serves New Castle County. Open Sat 8am-3pm. (302) 323-4588. Busiest DSWA facility.
• Western Recycling Center (Newark): 899 Brennan Drive (off Route 896). Serves Newark, Glasgow, Bear areas. Open Sat 8am-3pm. (302) 266-7550.
• Central Recycling Center (Dover): 4799 North DuPont Highway (Route 13). Serves Kent County. Open Sat 8am-3pm. (302) 735-5620.
• Southern Recycling Center (Georgetown): 20262 Coastal Highway (Route 1). Serves Sussex County and beach areas. Open Sat 8am-3pm. Busiest in summer. (302) 856-3912.

Accepted Materials at DSWA Centers

• All curbside recyclables (paper, cardboard, containers)
• Electronics and e-waste (TVs, computers, monitors, printers, phones)
• Household hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs)
• Scrap metal (appliances, metal furniture, auto parts)
• Tires (limit 10 per visit, cars/light trucks only)
• Yard waste and brush (composted, free mulch available)
• Bulky items (furniture, mattresses - fees may apply)
• Books, CDs, DVDs (donated to nonprofits)

Corporate & Commercial Recycling

Delaware's status as corporate tax haven creates unique waste dynamics:

Corporate Headquarters Waste

• Fortune 500 Presence: 60%+ of Fortune 500 companies incorporated in Delaware. Many maintain offices in Wilmington. Generate significant commercial waste despite small physical footprint.
• Financial Sector: Credit card companies (MBNA legacy, now Bank of America), banks generate office waste, document shredding needs. High recycling participation.
• DuPont Legacy: Chemical company heritage drives environmental consciousness. Corporate sustainability programs influence Delaware business culture.
• Green Building Standards: Wilmington Riverfront, downtown developments incorporate LEED standards. Require recycling infrastructure, waste audits.

Commercial Recycling Requirements

• Universal Law Applies: All commercial properties must recycle under Delaware law. No exemptions by size or sector.
• Multi-Family Mandates: Apartment buildings, condos must provide recycling access to tenants. Haulers enforce through service agreements.
• DSWA Business Programs: Free waste audits, recycling consultations for Delaware businesses. Helps identify cost savings through diversion.
• Zero Waste Delaware: State initiative promoting waste reduction in businesses, institutions, municipalities. Recognition programs for leaders.

Commercial Service Costs

• 2-yard Bin: $120-$260/month (1-2x/week service)
• 4-yard Bin: $225-$420/month (2-3x/week service)
• 6-yard Bin: $320-$580/month (3-5x/week service)
• 8-yard Bin: $420-$780/month (3-6x/week service)
• Compactor Service: $650-$1,700/month depending on size and frequency
• Recycling: Often 25-40% lower than trash rates to incentivize compliance with recycling law

Beach Tourism Seasonal Impact

Delaware beaches drive dramatic seasonal waste fluctuations:

Summer Surge Statistics

• 300% Volume Increase: Memorial Day-Labor Day waste generation triples in beach corridor (Lewes to Fenwick Island).
• Population Swells: Rehoboth Beach population: 1,500 year-round to 25,000+ summer weekends. Bethany, Dewey similar ratios.
• Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb, VRBO properties generate higher waste than year-round residents. Turnover waste (linens, broken items, tenant trash) significant.
• Restaurant/Retail Peak: Boardwalk businesses, restaurants see 400%+ volume increases. Grease, cardboard, packaging from tourism spending.

Seasonal Service Adjustments

• Pricing Premiums: Haulers charge 20-40% more Memorial-Labor Day. Beach residential service $45-$55/month summer vs. $30-$38 winter.
• Increased Frequency: Twice-weekly or three-times-weekly collection common in summer. Year-round may be once-weekly.
• Temporary Dumpsters: Towns place dumpsters at beach access points, boardwalks. Emptied daily during peak season. Removed post-Labor Day.
• DSWA Southern Center: Georgetown facility sees triple volume summers. Saturday lines long. Residents encouraged to visit off-peak hours or weekdays if possible.
• Event Waste: Firefly Music Festival (Dover), Sea Witch Festival (Rehoboth), Punkin Chunkin generate concentrated waste spikes. Temporary infrastructure deployed.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

DSWA Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Programs

All four DSWA recycling centers accept HHW:

• Northern HHW Facility (Wilmington): 1301 N. Van Buren St. Open Sat 8am-3pm. Free for Delaware residents with ID. (302) 323-4588.
• Western HHW Facility (Newark): 899 Brennan Drive. Open Sat 8am-3pm. (302) 266-7550.
• Central HHW Facility (Dover): 4799 N. DuPont Highway. Open Sat 8am-3pm. (302) 735-5620.
• Southern HHW Facility (Georgetown): 20262 Coastal Highway. Open Sat 8am-3pm. Busiest in summer beach season. (302) 856-3912.

Accepted HHW Materials

• Paint, stain, varnish, solvents, thinners, stripper
• Household cleaners, drain opener, oven cleaner
• Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, pool chemicals
• Motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, car batteries
• Fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, mercury thermometers/thermostats
• Batteries (all types - alkaline, rechargeable, lithium, button)
• Electronics (handled separately in e-waste area)
• Propane tanks (20 lb BBQ tanks accepted)
• Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers

Special HHW Programs

• Paint Care Delaware: Manufacturer-funded paint stewardship program. Drop off at DSWA centers, participating retailers (Sherwin-Williams, others). Paint recycled or reused.
• Pharmaceutical Take-Back: Expired medications accepted at police stations statewide, some pharmacies. DEA National Take-Back Days twice yearly. Prevents water contamination.
• Business HHW: Small businesses (Very Small Quantity Generators) can use DSWA facilities for small amounts. Larger generators need licensed hazardous waste contractors.

E-Waste & Electronics Recycling

Delaware's e-waste ban requires responsible electronics disposal:

Delaware E-Waste Law

• Landfill Ban (2010): Illegal to dispose televisions, computers, monitors, laptops, printers, scanners, fax machines in trash. Violators subject to fines.
• Free DSWA Collection: All DSWA recycling centers accept e-waste free for Delaware residents. No limits on quantity for household generators.
• Certified Processing: DSWA contracts R2 and e-Stewards certified recyclers ensuring data security and environmental compliance.
• Data Destruction: DSWA cannot guarantee data destruction. Residents advised to wipe drives before drop-off or use certified services.

E-Waste Collection Options

• DSWA Recycling Centers: Four statewide locations accept all electronics. Open Sat 8am-3pm. Free for residents with ID showing Delaware address.
• Retailer Take-Back: Best Buy accepts electronics at Dover, Wilmington, Newark stores. Small items free, $30 fee for large TVs/appliances. Trade-in credits available.
• Manufacturer Programs: Dell, HP, Apple, Samsung offer mail-back or trade-in programs. Check manufacturer websites for details.
• Special Events: DSWA occasionally hosts community collection events in partnership with towns, organizations. Announced on Delaware.gov/recycles

Commonly Accepted Electronics

• TVs and monitors (CRT, LCD, LED, plasma)
• Computers (desktops, laptops, tablets)
• Printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers
• Cell phones, smartphones, mobile devices
• Gaming consoles, DVD/Blu-ray players
• Stereo equipment, speakers
• Keyboards, mice, cables, peripherals

Bulky Item & Special Waste Collection

Curbside Bulky Pickup

• Hauler Services: Most private haulers offer bulky item pickup for fee. Typically $25-$65 per item or per pickup. Call hauler to schedule.
• Items Accepted: Furniture, mattresses, box springs, appliances (with doors removed), water heaters, carpeting (rolled and tied).
• Limitations: Weight/size limits vary by hauler. Construction debris usually requires dumpster rental. Call ahead to confirm acceptance.

DSWA Drop-Off Options

• Scrap Metal Free: All DSWA centers accept metal items free: appliances, metal furniture, grills, swing sets, metal shelving, auto parts.
• Bulky Item Fees: Non-metal bulky items may have fees. Mattresses, sofas, upholstered furniture typically $5-$20 per item. Check with center before visit.
• Tires: Up to 10 car/light truck tires per visit. Must be off rims. Free for Delaware residents. No commercial truck tires.
• Appliance Prep: Remove doors from refrigerators, freezers. Tape doors shut on dishwashers. Prevents child entrapment hazard.

Yard Waste & Organics

Delaware's moderate climate generates year-round yard waste:

Curbside Yard Waste Collection

• Seasonal Programs: Most municipalities offer spring-fall yard waste collection. Set out loose, in paper bags, or bundled alongside curb on designated days.
• Wilmington: City provides seasonal leaf collection (Oct-Dec). Brush collection spring and fall. Residents rake leaves to curb for vacuum truck collection.
• Dover: Seasonal yard waste pickup through private haulers. Check with your hauler for schedule and accepted materials.
• Beach Towns: Limited yard waste in beach blocks (minimal landscaping). Inland areas have seasonal collection. Bagged leaves, bundled brush.

DSWA Yard Waste Drop-Off

• All Centers Accept: Grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, branches (under 6" diameter), Christmas trees. Free for Delaware residents.
• Composting Operations: DSWA composts yard waste into mulch. Free mulch available to Delaware residents at recycling centers. Bring shovel and containers.
• Limits: Small quantities accepted free. Large volumes (landscaping trucks) may require commercial account or tipping fees.
• Not Accepted: Treated lumber, stumps, large logs, construction debris, sod, dirt, stones.

Food Waste Programs

• Limited Residential: No statewide curbside food waste collection. Some municipalities exploring pilot programs.
• Commercial Composting: Restaurants, institutions can contract private composting services. Delaware Food Bank, composting businesses offer commercial collection.
• Backyard Composting: DSWA promotes home composting. Educational resources available. Compost bins sold at discounted rates at DSWA centers.

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Debris

C&D Regulations

• No Recycling Mandate: Delaware does not require C&D recycling percentages for projects.
• Voluntary Diversion: LEED projects, green builders recycle for certifications. Growing practice in Wilmington Riverfront developments.
• Disposal Options: Most C&D goes to out-of-state Pennsylvania landfills. Some materials recycled through specialized facilities.

Recyclable C&D Materials

• Concrete/Asphalt: Crushed for road base, aggregate. Cheaper than landfill disposal. Facilities in New Castle County and Pennsylvania accept loads.
• Metals: Structural steel, rebar, copper, aluminum scrapped for recycling revenue. Scrap yards throughout Delaware accept.
• Wood: Clean dimensional lumber reused or chipped for mulch. Painted/treated wood usually landfilled. Limited markets for recycled wood.
• Drywall: Limited recycling. Some facilities recycle into agricultural gypsum. Most C&D drywall landfilled.
• Asphalt Shingles: Some asphalt recyclers accept shingles. Ground into paving material. Not widely recycled in Delaware.

Dumpster Rental for C&D

• Sizes Available: 10-yard, 20-yard, 30-yard, 40-yard dumpsters. 20-yard most common for residential projects.
• Costs: $300-$550/week for 20-yard. Includes delivery, pickup, disposal (weight limits apply). Overages $50-$90/ton.
• Permits: Wilmington, other cities require permits for dumpsters on public streets. Check municipal requirements. Permits $25-$100 typically.
• Prohibited Materials: Hazardous waste, tires, liquids, appliances with refrigerants, batteries, electronics typically banned from C&D dumpsters.

Finding Local Services

How to Identify Your Provider

• New Castle County: Competitive market. Multiple haulers available. Shop for best price and service. Check hauler licensing with county.
• Wilmington City: Private haulers serve most areas. Some neighborhoods may have city-contracted providers. Contact Public Works (302) 576-2180.
• Dover: Competitive market. Choose from Republic Services, Waste Management, local haulers. City website lists licensed providers.
• Beach Towns: Check town websites for franchised haulers or open market. Some towns (Rehoboth, Lewes) have specific hauler requirements or recommendations.
• HOAs/Condos: Many communities have contracted haulers. Check HOA documents or management company.

Switching Haulers

• Contract Terms: Review current agreement for cancellation terms. Most residential contracts month-to-month or annual.
• Notice Requirements: Typically 30 days notice to cancel. Some require written notice. Check contract fine print.
• Equipment Return: Return hauler-owned containers (carts, bins) upon cancellation. Failure may result in equipment fees.
• Compare Pricing: Get quotes from 3+ haulers. Compare service frequency, recycling inclusion, bulky pickup policies, contract terms.

Service Complaints

• Hauler Customer Service: Start with hauler directly for missed pickups, damaged property, billing issues. Most resolve quickly.
• Municipal Enforcement: If franchised hauler, file complaint with town/city. May have enforcement mechanisms for service failures.
• DNREC Violations: Report illegal dumping, unpermitted facilities, environmental violations to Delaware DNREC: (302) 739-9403 or DNREC.Delaware.gov
• DSWA Feedback: Comments on DSWA facility operations, recycling programs: (302) 739-9403 or DSWA.com

Small State Efficiency Advantages

Delaware's small size creates unique waste management benefits:

• Statewide Consistency: DSWA ensures uniform recycling standards, education, and infrastructure. Eliminates county-by-county confusion found in larger states.
• Economies of Scale: Single state authority achieves efficiencies impossible for small counties individually. Bulk purchasing, contract negotiation power.
• Comprehensive Access: Every Delaware resident within 30 minutes of DSWA recycling center. Four facilities serve 1 million people efficiently.
• Rapid Implementation: State can implement programs quickly without county-by-county approval. Universal recycling law deployed statewide simultaneously.
• Data Tracking: DSWA tracks statewide waste and recycling data. Better metrics than states relying on county self-reporting. Enables evidence-based policy.
• Education Reach: Delaware Recycles brand recognized statewide. Consistent messaging across state. School programs in every district.

Key Resources

• Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA): Statewide waste infrastructure provider. DSWA.com | (302) 739-9403. Recycling center info, HHW guidelines, education programs.
• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC): Environmental regulations, enforcement. DNREC.Delaware.gov | (302) 739-9000
• Delaware Recycles: DSWA public education initiative. Delaware.gov/recycles. Recycling guidelines, facility locations, event calendar.
• DSWA Recycling Centers:
  • Northern (Wilmington): (302) 323-4588
  • Western (Newark): (302) 266-7550
  • Central (Dover): (302) 735-5620
  • Southern (Georgetown): (302) 856-3912
• Keep Delaware Beautiful: Litter prevention, beautification programs. KeepDelawareBeautiful.org
• City of Wilmington Public Works: (302) 576-2180. City waste services, leaf collection schedules.

Get Waste Service Quotes

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