about us

The Delaware Solid Waste Authority

You may not know us, but we're people just like you. We've been working together since 1975, helping to keep Delaware safe and clean without using tax dollars.

Taking Care of Delaware's Trash... Here's How We do It:

Innovative Technology

DSWA leads the way! We're known throughout the world for our integrated solid waste management system.

Looking Toward the Future

We have a Plan that will carry us through the next 20 years, including a reliable system to handle Delaware's trash - for now and for the future. So as we celebrate over 30 years of solid waste management, please join us today in sharing our commitment to Delaware's tomorrow.

Energy from Trash

Methane gas collected from decomposing trash at the Cherry Island Landfill is used to generate electricity at the nearby electric plant. Similar strategies are being investigated at the other DSWA landfills.

Education

Trash - we all make it! School and community programs explain how we all can throw away less and how the trash we throw away is safely handled. A toll-free response line makes calling us easy for you and helps us to be more responsive.

Recycling

Together, we've made voluntary recycling a success story in Delaware. Over 96% of the material you bring to Recycling Drop Off Centers is recycled into new products - over 300 million pounds so far!

Special Recycling Programs

We're partners in keeping your home and community safe. When you have hazardous household products, old electronic devices, or used motor oil and oil filters, we provide a safe way of recycling these unwanted items. We work to recycle these materials through safe, convenient collection programs.

Modern Landfills

The trash you throw away is safely disposed in one of three DSWA landfills. DSWA's landfills are carefully designed and constructed to protect the groundwater, control odors from decomposing trash, and provide a reliable, efficient means of disposal. DSWA landfills are recognized throughout the world for innovative technology and research.

Collection Stations

Residents of rural areas can toss bagged household trash at one of five DSWA Collection Stations. By paying per bag, you pay only for what you throw away. If you recycle first, you can save even more while helping the environment.

Transfer Stations

Trash collectors and residents can bring trash to any of three Transfer Stations eliminating the need to travel further to a DSWA landfill. All DSWA facilities have recycling centers too, so you can always recycle first!

Composting

If you have a yard, you can probably use mulch. We can show you how easy it is to compost your yard waste and food scraps into mulch and reduce the amount you throw away by as much as 15%.

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