How to Instructions for Generators of Hazardous Wastes

How Do I Manage My Hazardous Waste?

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Information presented in this publication is intended to provide a general understanding of the statutory and regulatory requirements governing hazardous waste. This information is not intended to replace, limit or expand upon the complete statutory and regulatory requirements found in national, state or local references.

If you generate hazardous waste, this fact sheet will help you understand how to properly manage it so that you protect your employees and the environment, and comply with the law. Ask yourself the following questions to determine your hazardous waste management requirements.

TIP

30 gallons (about half of a 55 gallon drum) of hazardous waste with a density similar to water weighs about 220 lbs.

What Type of Hazardous Waste Generator Am I?

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to you depend on the amount of hazardous waste you generate per month. There are three categories of hazardous waste generators:

Conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQG) generate less than a total of 100 kilograms (220 pounds) per month of hazardous waste
Small-quantity generators (SQG) generate a total of 100 to 1,000 kilograms (220 to 2,200 pounds) per month of hazardous waste
Large-quantity generators (LQG) generate over 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) per month of hazardous waste

To determine your hazardous waste generator category , add up the weight or volume of all your hazardous waste generated per month.

Tip

If your generator category changes from month to month, you may want to follow the larger category requirements to ensure you are always in compliance.

What is a Hazardous Waste Manifest?

The manifest allows the waste to be tracked during shipment and at its final destination. All SQGs and LQGs must use the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest or an SQG can enter into a tolling agreement with a recycling facility for all hazardous waste that is shipped from their business. For more information about hazardous waste manifest requirements, call the state haz waste office.

What Requirements Apply to CESQGs?

Identify all hazardous waste that you generate.
Hire a licensed special waste hauler to transport your hazardous waste to a facility permitted to receive hazardous waste. To obtain a list of licensed special waste haulers and permitted facilities, call your state's Hazardous Waste Division.
Do not accumulate more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste on your property at any time.
If you accumulate more than 220 pounds of Special Waste , you must use a hazardous waste manifest. To determine other special waste that you may generate, refer to the "Do I Have a Special Waste" fact sheet.
Store all hazardous waste in containers such as drums

What Requirements Apply to SQGs?

Accumulate hazardous waste in containers such as 55-gallon drums or tanks.
Do not store hazardous waste on your property more than 180 days. You may store the waste for up to 270 days if it will be transported greater than 200 miles from your business
Do not accumulate more than 6,000 kilograms (13,200 pounds) of hazardous waste on your property at any time.
Register with your state's Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) using a Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity form, which can be obtained from the state haz waste office.
Make sure all your hazardous waste is packaged and labeled correctly before transport. Although you are responsible for packaging and labeling your waste, ask your transporter for assistance with this requirement.
Hire a licensed special waste hauler to transport your hazardous waste to a permitted hazardous waste facility using the Uniform Waste Manifest or the manifest of the state you are shipping the waste to or sign a tolling agreement with a recycling facility. To obtain a list of -licensed special waste haulers and permitted hazardous waste facilities, call the state haz waste office.
Keep your hazardous waste manifests or a copy of your tolling agreement at your business for 3 years
If you do not receive a copy of the manifest signed by the disposal company within 60 days of shipment, send a copy to EPA of the manifest copy left by the transporter.

What Requirements Apply to LQGs?

If you are an LQG, there are many additional requirements that you must comply with in addition to the requirements described in this fact sheet. Call the state haz waste office to obtain a complete list of LQG requirements that apply to you.

TIP

Although a licensed transporter ships your waste, you are responsible for ensuring that the transporter and the facility that accepts your waste manage your waste properly. Call the state haz waste office for tips on how to make this determination.

Can I Collect Waste Near the Process?

Yes, an Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) allows you to accumulate hazardous waste near where you generate it. You may accumulate up to 55 gallons in containers that must be labeled "Hazardous Waste." Once you accumulate 55 gallons in the SAA, you have 3 days to move the waste to a 90-day accumulation area. Write the date you move the waste on the container and ensure that the waste is removed from your business within 90 days from that date.

Should I Prepare for an Emergency?

All SQGs must establish safety guidelines and emergency response procedures and be equipped with the following:

An internal communication or alarm system that can provide immediate emergency instructions to all personnel
A telephone or two-way radio to request emergency assistance from local police and fire departments
Portable fire extinguishers, fire control devices, spill control materials, and decontamination supplies
Adequate water volume and pressure to supply water hoses, foam-producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers

Tip

To protect the environment and reduce your regulatory requirements, minimize the amount of waste you generate. For more information, call the state haz waste office.

Are there any any Requirements for the Containers I use to Accumulate Hazardous Waste?

All SQGs must:

Label each container with the words "HAZARDOUS WASTE," and mark each container with the date you start accumulating the waste in a 90-day accumulation area.
Use a container made of or lined with a material that will not cause hazardous waste stored in it to react, ignite, or explode.
Keep all containers of hazardous waste closed except when adding or removing waste.
Do not open, handle, or store containers in a way that might cause them to leak, rupture, or fail.
Inspect areas where containers are stored at least weekly for leaks and deterioration.
Maintain the containers in good condition. If a container leaks, put the hazardous waste in another container.
Do not mix incompatible hazardous waste or materials unless precautions are taken to prevent potential hazards.

For information about requirements for tanks, call the state haz waste office.

For additional information on YOUR hazardous waste and other environmental requirements, please call the haz waste office toll-free at 1-888-EPA-1996. All calls are considered confidential and the caller can remain anonymous.