What government agency oversees landfills?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency oversees the laws, regulations and operations of landfills. The day-to-day operations of the landfill are generally overseen by a local or state agency, such as the Michigan Waste Industries Association.

Landfills are well-regulated to prevent safety hazards and protect the environment from issues, such as toxic chemicals seeping into the water table. The EPA began governing landfills in 1979 when it adopted the strict regulations that govern how landfills operate and what safety requirements must be in place for the landfill to operate legally. Local agencies are tasked with making sure that these laws are enforced.