The Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association (PWIA) Nov. 26 reminded all truckers that starting Dec. 26, their trucks must display a sticker issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to unload waste at landfills, resource-recovery facilities and waste-transfer stations in Pennsylvania.

Violators will be subject to a fine of up to $10,000 for a first offense and a fine of up to $25,000 plus a year's suspension for a second offense. Operators of waste-processing or disposal facilities will face a fine of $2,000 if they accept waste from a truck without a valid sticker.

"Trucks that do not have the sticker will be turned away and not allowed to unload -- no exceptions," PWIA President Thomas E. McMonigle said.

The law gave DEP the authority for the first time to review the compliance history of hauling companies, to deny written authorization to those with poor records and to revoke authorizations if haulers fail to comply with safety and environmental regulations.

Landfill operators have been handing out fliers and explaining the law to haulers so no one will be caught by surprise Dec. 26. Haulers are encouraged to visit the PWIA Web site at www.pawasteindustries.org for more information, or contact DEP directly at 1-800-346-1932 with any questions about the new rules.