Solid Waste
The LRGVDC is the state designated agency for solid waste management issues in the region. The Solid waste management program, funded by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), includes the development of the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan, carried out under the guidance of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). The main focus of Solid Waste Department is to assist local governments and communities with solid waste management issues important to the region.
The LRGVDC Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) meets quarterly throughout the year to discuss solid waste management issues, new laws and regulations, review permit applications for MSW management facilities, opportunities for grants and other funding as well as other solid waste management related issues. The committee consists of twenty-five (25) voting members reflecting a broad range of interests in solid waste management.
A Subcommittee of seven (7) SWAC members shall be appointed to review all SWAC applications for completeness and eligibility. Projects will then be reviewed and ranked by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
LRGVDC Staff support consists of two (2) full-time staff. Staff support will furnish all administrative work for the solid waste advisory committee; carryout and conduct various municipal solid waste management-related services and activities that support the implementation of the regional solid waste management plan; administer region-wide sub-grant assistance grants program; and conduct various managed projects.
Solid Waste Programs:
Landfill Inventory
In 1993, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill (HB)2537, which required Councils of Governments (COGs) to develop an inventory of closed municipal solid waste landfills to be included in the regional solid waste management plans. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) contracted with Southwest Texas State University (SWTSU) to coordinate with the COGs to identify the closed landfills.
In 1999, Senate Bill (SB) 1447 was passed and required COGs to further document and map the exact boundaries of each closed landfill or approximate the boundaries if exact boundaries could not be identified. The full requirements of SB 1447 may be found in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 363-064.
The LRGVDC inventoried closed and unauthorized landfills within the three-county area as part of a contract with the TCEQ. The project entailed sorting through the list to identify missing data and additional data sources and verifying all sites. The survey identified a total of 36 closed landfills. The inventory documents each site, including a data summary site and a site map.
Click on the following links for summary inventories of closed landfills and open landfills. For more details, contact the LRGVDC Solid Waste Staff.
Regional Solid Waste Management Plan Amendments & Plan Updates
As directed in the Texas Health and Safety Code and TCEQ Rules, COGs must amend regional solid waste management plans to conform to the requirements set forth in the Texas Health & Safety Code.
Development of the 2002-2022 LRGVDC Regional Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment was completed and approved by the LRGVDC Board of Directors on August 22, 2002. Plan Amendment is pending TCEQ approval and adoption.
The two major goals addressed in the Regional Plan are Goal 1) Reduce waste generation/disposal and develop responsible waste disposal practices and Goal 2) Plan for and provide adequate regional waste disposal capacity.
Review of MSW Management Facilities Permit & Registration Applications
The LRGVDC with assistance from its Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) shall review permit and registration application for municipal solid waste management facilities within the Region, to streamline and resolve local issues and concerns. Determination of conformance with the LRGVDC Regional Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment shall be provided to TCEQ in writing within the review period requested.
Regional Outreach Education & Training
The LRGVDC is the central point of contact for the region on TCEQ solid waste management outreach, education and training programs, notices and information to the public on solid waste management issues. The LRGVDC maintains a resource center on regional solid waste information and reference materials. The LRGVDC also conducts education and training activities to support implementation of the goals and objectives of the LRGVDC Regional Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment.
Grant Programs
The LRGVDC administers the Regional Solid Waste Grants Program with funding provided by TCEQ. Projects or services funded must promote cooperation between public and private entities and must not be otherwise readily available or create a competitive advantage over a private industry. Projects must also conform and address goals in the LRGVDC Regional Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment.
Click on the following links for a presentation on the LRGVDC’s Regional Solid Waste Grant funding program guidelines and eligibility. LRGVDC Solid Waste Grant Presentation. LRGVDC funded project list and pictures.
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Private/Public Providers List
Request For Reimbursement 
SWAC Presentation
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