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Waste Disposal Permits

Can I open a private landfill in Georgia?

Yes, private entities can operate landfills, particularly for inert (construction) or non-hazardous waste. However, you must obtain an Environmental Decision, which involves a rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and meeting strict EU-aligned technical standards for lining and leachate management.

What defines an "inert waste" landfill?

Inert waste landfills accept materials that do not undergo significant physical, chemical, or biological transformations, such as concrete, bricks, and tiles. The permitting requirements are slightly less stringent than for municipal waste, but you still need a valid permit and a designated site.

What is the procedure for obtaining an Environmental Decision?

The process includes site selection analysis, scoping application, preparing an EIA report, and public hearings. The Ministry evaluates the project's impact on soil and water. The entire process takes at least 6-9 months. We manage this procedure from start to finish.

Are there specific rules for closing a landfill?

Yes, closure is not just abandoning the site. You must submit a closure plan detailing recultivation, topsoil cover, and long-term monitoring of gas and leachate. The operator remains financially liable for after-care maintenance for a period specified by the Ministry (often 20-30 years).

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Waste disposal permits relate to final disposal operations, specifically the establishment and operation of landfills. Georgia is in the process of closing old, uncontrolled dumpsites and opening new regional landfills meeting European standards. This area is strictly regulated because improper waste disposal leads to soil, water, and air pollution. Legislation requires that any landfill (municipal, inert, or hazardous waste) possess an Environmental Decision. Obtaining a permit requires complex engineering and ecological studies, including the design of leachate management and biogas collection systems. Legal services are needed for both state companies (Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia) and private investors intending to set up landfills for inert waste (construction debris).

What Does Waste Disposal Legal Service Cover?

Our team offers full legal support at the design and operation stages of landfills:

  • Site Selection: Legal analysis of site selection criteria and change of land category.
  • EIA and Permit: Preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment report and obtaining the Environmental Decision for landfill construction.
  • Technical Regulation: Monitoring compliance with rules for landfill construction and operation.
  • Waste Acceptance Criteria: Developing procedures for accepting waste at the landfill and contracts with waste generators.
  • Closure and After-care: Preparing and agreeing on the landfill closure and recultivation plan.
  • Inert Waste Landfill: Special permits for construction waste disposal sites.

Common Scenarios and Needs

Private companies often want to set up landfills for inert waste (rubble, concrete), as removing construction waste is a major problem in the construction sector. Setting up such a landfill requires an EIA, which is unexpected for many. Also, operators of existing old landfills face problems complying with new regulations, as this requires large investments in leachate systems. Disputes with the surrounding population due to smell and pollution are frequent.

Georgian Legislation and Regulations

The field is regulated by the "Waste Management Code" and the Government Decree "On the Construction, Operation, Closure and After-care of Landfills". These documents establish landfill classes (inert, non-hazardous, hazardous) and technical requirements. The permitting procedure is outlined in the "Environmental Assessment Code".

The Process: How a Specialist Works

The lawyer helps the client prepare project documentation. In the EIA process, special attention is paid to hydrogeological studies to rule out groundwater pollution. The lawyer manages public hearings, which are always a sensitive topic in the case of landfills. After obtaining the permit, the lawyer prepares service contracts with waste delivery companies.

Why Legal.ge?

Setting up a landfill is one of the most complex environmental projects. Poor planning leads to project failure and public protest. Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers with experience in the waste management sector. Specialists on our platform will help you navigate complex permitting procedures and create a legal and safe business. Care for the environment with Legal.ge.

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