Operators of solid waste facilities are required to be certified. See below for additional information on these requirements.
Operator Certification Requirements
To become a certified operator an individual shall:
- Complete the appropriate certification training course.
- Pass an examination approved by the Environment Department.
- Have at least one year of experience in the operation of a facility of the same type as that for which certification is sought.
- File an application with the department on a form provided by the department.
- Meet the requirements of the Parental Responsibility Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 40-5A-1 to 40-5A-13 (1998 Cum. Supp.).
Operator certification is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.
Renewal of a certification shall be obtained by submitting an application at least 30 days prior to the expiration date and successfully completing one of the following:
- An operator certification training course offered by the department or its designated agent; or
- An alternate training course which has been approved by the department; or
- 24 hours (CEUs) of course work which has been approved by the department.
Operator Certification Courses
Administrative Continuance will expire as of June 30, 2024-please see letter here regarding this matter that was sent to individuals with this extension. By that time, you will need to demonstrate that you obtained 24 Continuing Education Units (C.E.U)s and submit a renewal form to maintain your certification. Failure to meet this deadline could require you to retake the certification course and corresponding exam to regain your certification(s).
To ensure operators had the opportunity to take the required C.E.U.s, the New Mexico Environment Department Solid Waste Bureau (S.W.B.) resumed Operator Certification Training courses as of March 2022. Currently, the S.W.B. has offered 7 certification courses in 2023 and is also offering these certification courses for Spring 2024.
To sign up for these classes through SWANA or NMRC, click the course name below to navigate to the registration page for SWANA or NMRC:
Course Title
Location
Dates
Each of the operator certification courses is worth 24 CEUs towards renewal of any solid waste operator certification.
Students should bring:
- Pen or pencil
- Highlighter, sticky notes (recommended)
- PPE for facility tour (vest and safety boots required)
- Basic calculator (required for landfill and transfer station exams; cell phones are not allowed)
- Ruler or engineering scale (required for landfill exam only)
Students with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, may contact Levi Lementino, Training Coordinator, at 505-795-5878 or Levi.Lementino@env.nm.gov to request any necessary accommodations at the course location when registering for the course.
Additional Training Opportunities
Approved alternative training courses offering 24 CEU’s or more are also available to obtain recertification, including:
SWANA Manager of Landfill Operations Training Course (flexible dates) – online or in-person
SWANA Manager of Transfer Station Management Course (flexible dates) – online or in-person
SWANA Managing Recycling Systems Course (flexible dates) – online or in-person
SWANA Managing Composting Programs Course (flexible dates) – online or in-person
Additional information and resources for C.EU.s may also be found with our partners below:
New Mexico SWANA, Roadrunner Chapter
New Mexico Recycling Coalition
Requests for Alternate C.E.U.s can be submitted through the Alternate C.E.U. Approval Form. You may complete other alternative training courses with a total of 24 hours of coursework to obtain recertification. Prior approval by the Solid Waste Bureau is required. Contact William Schueler by email at william.schueler@env.nm.gov to get prior approval for any other alternative training opportunities.