NNEPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Program

How to Responsibly Dispose of Solid Waste on the Navajo Nation

To responsibly dispose of household solid waste on the Navajo Nation, residents should take their trash to designated transfer stations and not dispose of trash in undesignated areas. It’s a simple way to keep our communities clean and protect the land. Not sure of what options are available in your area? Check out this map with locations of transfer stations, trash collection bins, and recycling centers in your area! Do not dump trash in unauthorized areas throughout Navajo Nation.

Using Safe Packaging Options

The way we handle waste has far-reaching consequences for our land, health, and future. Here are four safe and respectful options to package and dispose of waste, honoring our commitment to Hózhǫ́:

Use Trash Bags: Secure waste in trash bags to prevent litter from blowing away in the wind. This protects wildlife, livestock, our soil, and water resources.
Safe Disposal of Medical Sharps: Properly store and dispose of medical needles to prevent injuries and reduce the risk of infections and disease.
Reuse and Recycle: Reduce waste by reusing when possible and recycling, conserving resources, and lowering our environmental footprint.
Composting: Return plant-based foods to the soil to enrich it and reduce overall waste.

By adopting these practices, we can: protect our environment, uphold the principles of Hózhǫ́, and ensure future generations thrive in harmony with nature.

Waste Disposal & Regulations

Solid Waste Disposal Laws and Regulations

In 1995, the Navajo Nation Council enacted the Navajo Nation Environmental Policy Act. This Act recognizes that “protection, restoration and preservation of the environment is a central component of the philosophy of the Navajo Nation” and contributes to maintaining harmony and balance between humankind and nature.

Navajo Nation Environmental Policy Act

Emphasizes protecting, restoring, and preserving the environment as a core aspect of Navajo philosophy. It prohibits harmful waste disposal and mandates the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) to regulate, monitor, and enforce environmental standards, ensuring the preservation of the Navajo Nation’s cultural, religious, historic, and natural heritage.

Key protections under the Act include:

“It is unlawful for any person to dispose of any solid waste in a manner that will harm the environment, endanger the public health, safety and welfare or create a public nuisance.”
“Recognizes that protection, restoration and preservation of the environment is a central component of the philosophy of the Navajo Nation and contributes to maintaining harmony and balance between mankind and nature.”
It requires NNEPA to, “exert to the fullest extent its authority to regulate, monitor and enforce performance with appropriate environmental standards,” including “to preserve important cultural, religious, historic and natural aspects of the Navajo Nation.”

State Laws

New Mexico

You can find the solid waste laws and regulations on the New Mexico Environment Department’s website

Visit NM Website

Arizona

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality provides information on solid waste laws and regulations

Visit AZ Website

Utah

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has a section dedicated to solid waste rules and regulations

Visit Utah Website

Waste Disposal and Regulations

Respect the Land. Dispose Responsibly

How to Responsibly Dispose of Solid Waste on the Navajo Nation

Using Safe Packaging Options

Waste Disposal & Regulations