United States Solid Waste and
Environmental Protection Emergency Response EPA/530-F-93-009
Agency (OS-305) May 1993
Off ice of Solid Waste
v>EPA Environmental
Fact Sheet
Hazardous Waste Minimization:
Interim Final Guidance for Generators
The concept of waste minimization enjoys widespread support and
achieves one of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) primary
goals of preventing or minimizing the generation of hazardous waste. To this
end, the Agency is developing guidance to help hazardous waste
management organizations and facilities design satisfactory programs that
fulfill the provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA), and that meet their specific waste management and economic
needs.
Background
RCRA sets national policy that emphasizes the importance of reducing
or preventing the generation of hazardous waste. It also contains provisions
to promote implementation of waste minimization programs at hazardous
waste management facilities. Under those provisions, hazardous waste
generators must certify that they have a waste minimization program in-
place to reduce the volume or quantity and toxicity of their waste to the
degree they determine to be economically practicable. Owners and
operators of facilities that receive a permit for the treatment storage, or
disposal of hazardous waste that they generate on the premises also are
required to make the same certification at least once a year.
Action
EPA is issuing interim final guidance that describes the basic elements
of a hazardous waste minimization program and defines the term waste
minimization. The term waste minimization includes source reduction, or
preventing waste from being generated in the first place (using the legal
definition of source reduction that is found in the Pollution Prevention Act)
and certain forms of recycling. fThose forms of recycling that closely
resemble conventional waste management practices are not included in the
definition.)
By describing the basic elements of a hazardous waste minimization
program, hazardous waste generators may be able to properly certify
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programs that are more suited to their individual needs. EPA believes that
a "program-in-place" includes:
top management support;
characterization of waste generation and waste management costs;
periodic waste minimization assessments;
appropriate cost allocation;
encouragement of technology transfer; and
program implementation and evaluation.
The public is encouraged to submit comments on this interim final
guidance. The Agency is committed to establishing a strong partnership
with the states to develop a network of pollution prevention programs.
While this interim guidance is designed to encourage generators of
hazardous waste to reduce the amount and toxicity of their waste, the
states play a key role in assisting all industries in implementing pollution
prevention measures.
Contact
For additional information or to order a copy of the Federal Register
notice, contact the RCRA Hotline, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
EST. The national, toll-free number is (800) 424-9346; TDD (800) 553-
7672 (hearing impaired); in Washington, D.C., the number is (703) 412-
9810, TDD (703) 412-3323.
Copies of the Federal Register notice or other documents pertaining to
hazardous waste minization may be obtained by writing: RCRA Information
Center (RIC), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste
(OS-305), 401 M Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20460.
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