Solid Waste Incinerator Operator

Department of Natural Resources

About

Solid waste incinerator operators control processes and equipment to destroy by incineration municipal, infectious/pathogenic, and certain construction/demolition wastes in permitted solid waste incinerators. They maintain and operate the incinerator and related ancillary equipment necessary for the proper functioning of the disposal system; maintain operation records including, but not limited to, tonnages accepted, tonnages diverted to alternate solid waste processes, and quantities of ash disposed via Special Waste Authorization; collect samples from the combustion process and read and interpret data from the various meters and gauges which monitor the equipment\'s operation; periodically and randomly inspect loads of incoming wastes; and, supervise subordinate persons in all of the above functions.

Code Citation Code of Iowa, Chapter 455B

Who Applies Persons who wish to become a certified operator of a solid waster incinerator in such places as landfills and hospitals.

When To Apply At least 30 days before the examination date, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must receive the application and examination fee. Renewal applications and renewal fees must be received by the DNR by June 30 of the renewal year or by July 31 with penalty.

Initial Requirements An applicant must have completed a basic training course approved by the Department of Natural Resources. The required basic training course must be pre-approved and have at least 12 contact hours. At a minimum, the course will address the following: 1) Description of types of wastes 2) Incinerator design 3) Interpreting and using engineering plans 4) Incinerator operations 5) Environmental monitoring 6) Applicable laws and regulations 7) Permitting processes 8) Incinerator maintenance; and 9) Ash and residue disposal. Prior on-the-job experience is not required. Iowa will consider reciprocity concerning applicants from other states.

Duration Expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year and must be renewed every two years.

Processing Time Up to 30 days from receipt of application.

Fee Structure Application: None Renewal: $24 Exam: $20 Other: There is a $32 (maximum) certificate fee. The certificate is prorated twice yearly up to the first renewal period.

Renewal Requirements Ten contact hours of continuing education during a two-year period are required for certification renewal.

Exam A written examination is required and is NOT offered at various locations throughout the state. Specific information concerning dates and locations of tests can be obtained by contacting the Land Quality Bureau of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Additional Information Persons who wish to become a certified operator of a solid waster incinerator in such places as landfills and hospitals.

Services Provided

Service Category

  • Service SubCategory
Contact Information
Becky Jolly
Address
Land Quality Bureau
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319