The DNREC Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances encourages waste reduction, reuse, and recycling; ensures compliance with waste and hazardous substance management laws; leads investigation and clean-up of contaminated sites; regulates installation, operation, removal and remediation of tanks storing petroleum and hazardous substances; ensures boilers and pressure vessels are inspected to prevent catastrophic failures; provides comprehensive emergency planning; and provides 24-hour response to emergency and non-emergency environmental and hazardous materials incidents.
Report environmental spills, violations of environmental laws and regulations, and other issues to DNREC.
The Division works with businesses, residents, and local governments to manage solid, hazardous and infectious wastes, encourage recycling, handle yard waste, and clean up scrap tires.
The Division works with facilities and communities to be aware of risk and avoid accidents and spills. It also responds to environmental emergencies when they happen.
The Division manages and assists with clean-up and restoration of chemical release sites, including brownfield and hazardous substances sites. It assists with voluntary cleanup and corrective actions.
Where toxic substances affect Delaware’s water resources DNREC works across multiple divisions, on a watershed scale, to address pollution problems caused by toxic substances.
The Division oversees the construction, installation and repair of boilers and pressure vessels in Delaware. It provides education, inspection and regulatory oversight.
The Division regulates installation and operation of underground and aboveground tanks. It oversees investigations of leaking tanks and contamination and takes corrective action to protect human health and safety and the environment.
DNREC and DHSS are working with federal agencies to protect the environment and public health in Delaware from the effects of a group of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS.
Find information on Propane Tanks, Open Burning, Asbestos, Debris Pit Clean-up or Septic Systems on the DNREC website.
Related Topics: division homepage, emergency, Health and Safety, pollution, recycling, response, tank management, waste, waste and hazardous substances
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September 4, 2025 -- HSCA Advisory Committee
December 4, 2025 -- HSCA Advisory Committee