TL;DR
In Alabama, you need a permit before you collect or haul solid waste. Your Local Health Department (LHD) issues it. You get either a Solid Waste Collector Permit or a Transporter Permit. Haulers of hazardous waste or scrap tires need separate permits from ADEM. Alabama stands out in one way. The Department of Public Health, not the state environmental agency, oversees non-hazardous waste hauling.
What permits do I need to haul dumpsters in Alabama?
In Alabama, Local Health Departments handle most solid waste hauling rules. They work under the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).[2]
State-level requirements
Solid Waste Collector/Transporter Permit — You must apply for and receive a permit from the LHD before you collect or haul any solid waste.[1] Do you collect waste door-to-door? Then you need a Solid Waste Collector Permit. Do you haul waste without door-to-door pickup, such as roll-off dumpster work? Then you need a Solid Waste Transporter Permit instead.[1] The legal basis is Ala. Code §§22-27-1 to 22-27-49 and ADPH Rules Chapter 420-3-4.[1]
One LHD may honor a permit issued by another LHD. But it does not have to.[1] Check with each county where you plan to work.
Scrap Tire Transporter Permit — ADEM issues this permit under Code of Alabama §22-40A-1 et seq.[4] You need a $10,000 performance bond. You also need $1,000,000 proof of insurance that names ADEM as certificate holder.[4]
Hazardous Waste Transporter Permit — ADEM's Land Division issues this permit through its Industrial Hazardous Waste Branch. The rules are in ADEM Administrative Code Division 14.[3]
ADPH Solid Waste Collection Rules
Ala. Admin. Code 420-3-4Vehicles and equipment that collect or haul solid waste must be built, run, and kept up so they do not create a public health nuisance. Vehicles must not spill waste during transport.
What are the environmental compliance requirements?
Vehicle standards
You must keep all collection and hauling vehicles in shape so they do not spill or create a public health nuisance.[1] Vehicles need leak-proof bodies. They also need covers or tarps so waste cannot blow or fall out on the road. You may only take waste to ADEM-permitted disposal sites.
Recordkeeping
Haulers must keep records. These must show the date the waste was picked up, where it came from, and the name and location of the disposal site.[1]
What zoning rules apply to dumpster placement?
Cities and counties set the zoning rules for dumpster placement. Birmingham requires a city business license and Zoning Certificate of Operation.
What insurance do I need in Alabama?
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Commercial Auto Liability | $750,000 CSL (FMCSA minimum for interstate) |
| General Liability | Required by most LHDs and municipalities |
| Workers' Compensation | Required for employers with 5+ employees |
| Scrap Tire Transport | $1,000,000 proof of insurance (ADEM requirement)[4] |
Alabama does not require workers' compensation from employers with fewer than 5 employees. Still, coverage is strongly recommended.
How do I register as a waste transporter in Alabama?
- Contact your Local Health Department in each county where you plan to work.[2]
- Complete the appropriate permit application — the Collector Permit covers door-to-door service. The Transporter Permit covers roll-off and dumpster hauling.[1]
- Submit proof of insurance and vehicle information.
- Pass a vehicle inspection if your LHD requires one.
- Receive your permit and keep it in each vehicle.
- If hauling scrap tires, apply separately to ADEM with the required bond and insurance.[4]
Tip
Each county's LHD runs its own permit program. So check with every county where you plan to work. Fees and rules can vary a lot from county to county.
Official References
| # | Resource | Agency | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ADPH Solid Waste Collection & Transportation Rules | Alabama Department of Public Health | regulation |
| 2 | ADPH Solid Waste Branch | Alabama Department of Public Health | website |
| 3 | ADEM Waste Permitting and Registration | Alabama Department of Environmental Management | website |
| 4 | ADEM Scrap Tire Rules (Division 4) | Alabama Department of Environmental Management | regulation |