United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA530-K-97-004
September 1997
http://www.epa.gov
RCRA: Reducing Risk
From Waste
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Acronyms
These acronyms appear throughout the document. See the Glossary at the end of
this document for full definitions.
CESQG Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
HHW Household Hazardous Waste
LDR Land Disposal Restrictions
LQG Large Quantity Generator
MSW Municipal Solid Waste
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
SQG Small Quantity Generator
TRI Toxics Release Inventory
TSDF Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility
UST Underground Storage Tank
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Contents
2 What Is RCRA?
5 Subtitle C: What Is a Hazardous Waste?
6 Characteristic Wastes
6 Listed Wastes
9 Expanding Definitions
10 Subtitle C: Controlling Hazardous Waste from
Generation to Disposal
10 The Regulated Community
10 Generators
12 Hazardous Waste Minimization
12 Transporters
12 Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities
14 Land Disposal Restrictions
17 Used Oil Management Standards
17 The RCRA Structure
17 The Tracking System
19 The Permitting System
20 Closure and Financial Assurance
22 Citizen Action and Public Participation
25 Subtitle D: Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste
28 Making RCRA Work
28 Monitoring
29 Corrective Action
29 Enforcement
31 Conclusion
32 Related Environmental Laws
34 CFR Guide to Hazardous and Solid Waste Regulations
36 For More Information
41 Glossary
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What Is
RCRA?
'' i - s our society has changed over time, so have the amount and
•'" " types of wastes we produce. Not only do households discard
'e «] trash and garbage, but industrial and manufacturing process-
'•:" , es create many different types of wastes as well. As technolo-
'", gy has advanced, we have continually updated and improved
our methods of waste treatment and management. Today, although
many individuals, organizations, and businesses take steps to prevent
or reduce the amount of waste they generate, it is inevitable that
some materials still must be discarded. Environmental controls and
sound management practices allow us to balance industrial growth
with ecological and human health needs.
In 1965, to encourage environmentally sound methods for dis-
posal of household, municipal, commercial, and industrial refuse,
Congress passed the first federal law to require safeguards on these
activities, the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Congress amended this law
in 1976 by passing the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) (pronounced "Ric-ra"). The primary goals of RCRA are to:
• Protect human health and the environment from the potential
hazards of waste disposal.
• Conserve energy and natural resources.
• Reduce the amount of waste generated.
• Ensure that wastes are managed in an environmentally sound
manner.
As more information about the health and environmental
impacts of waste disposal became available, Congress revised
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RCRA in 1980 and in 1984. The 1984 amendments are referred to as the
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments.
RCRA is divided into sections called Subtitles. Subtitles C and D set forth a
framework for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPAs) comprehen-
sive waste management program:
• EPAs Subtitle C program establishes a regulatory framework for managing
hazardous waste from generation until ultimate disposal.
• EPAs Subtitle D program establishes a system for managing solid (primarily
nonhazardous) waste, such as household waste.
RCRA also regulates underground storage tanks (USTs) that store petroleum
or certain chemical products under Subtitle I. Requirements exist for the
design and operation of these tanks and the development of systems to prevent
accidental spills. Examples of facilities using these tanks include petroleum
refineries, chemical plants, and commercial gas stations.
The Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 was a 2-year demonstration pro-
gram that expired in June 1991. It created a Subtitle J program designed to
track medical waste from genera-
tion to disposal. At present, no
federal EPA tracking regulations
are in effect for medical waste,
but many states have adopted
their own programs.
The Role of the States
The Comprehensive
Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act
(known as Superfund or
CERCLA) is a related statute
that deals with cleaning up inac-
tive and abandoned hazardous
waste sites. RCRA, on the other
hand, deals with materials that
are currently destined for dispos-
al or recycling.
The term "RCRA" is often
used interchangeably to refer to
the law, regulations, and EPA
In a given state, the hazardous waste regu-
latory program described in this document may
be run by either EPA or a state hazardous
waste agency. Both of these entities can be
referred to as the "regulatory agency," depend-
ing on the state.
RCRA encourages states to assume prima-
ry responsibility for implementing the RCRA
program, instead of EPA. States that want to
adopt and implement the RCRA Subtitle C pro-
gram must develop a program for the manage-
ment of hazardous waste that is at least as
stringent as the EPA program. State programs
can be more stringent or broader in scope,
however. This process ensures that minimum
standards are met nationwide, while providing
flexibility to states in implementing rules.
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policy and guidance. The law describes the waste management program man-
dated by Congress that gave EPA authority to develop the RCRA program.
EPA regulations carry out the Congressional intent by providing explicit, legally
enforceable requirements for waste management. These regulations can be
found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 238 through
282. EPA guidance documents and policy directives clarify issues related to the
implementation of the regulations. These three elements are the primary parts
of the RCRA program.
This booklet is intended to provide an overall perspective on how RCRA
works, including the roles of EPA, states, tribes, the public, and the regulated
community. It focuses primarily on Subtitle C and presents some information
on Subtitle D as well. Additional information and publications can be obtained
by calling the RCRA Hotline at 800 424-9346 or TDD (hearing impaired)
800 553-7672. From within the Washington, DC, area, call 703 412-9810 or
TDD 703 412-3323.
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1 •'I .,J '
Subtitle C: What Is a
Hazardous Waste?
dZdhl'ius \\dsics conic in nidin shapes diiil I'll ins. They can
be litjiiii Is s>'Hi Is, > onidiru'd g.tscs ni sludges They can be
11ic I A pi ('dm is ol iiiciiinlcH i in ing pioi esses 01 simply dis-
i aided i ('iimien i<)l pi ('dm is, like t lea n ing fluids or pesli-
i ides, \Vliciic\ci iheii lomi, puipei niciriii^ciiicnl and dis-
posal are essential to protect human health and the environment.
RCRA provides a general definition of (he term "hazardous
waste." EPA has defined by regulation which specific materials are
considered hazardous waste under Subtitle C. Under this defini-
tion, the universe of potential hazardous wastes is extremely large
and diverse. The regulatory definition evolves and changes as new
information becomes avail-
According to EPA estimates, of the 13 billion
tons of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and
household wastes generated annually, more than
279 million tons (2 per-
cent) are "hazardous,"
as defined by RCRA regu-
lations.
able. EPA works closely with
industry and (he public to
determine which of these
wastes should be subject to
i he R( RA h,)/,)[d('iis \\.isie
de\( loped i(.iii delilllll
• h tr i' i''i isi i's ol hdZ-
dl' I')US \\dSl'1 ill' I I'HII
llSlS ')! Sp'1' ill' ll i/-
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Characteristic Wastes
A waste is hazardous if it exhibits one or more of the following characteristics:
• Ignitability. Ignitable wastes can create fires under certain conditions or are
spontaneously combustible. Examples include waste oils and used solvents.
• Corrosivity. Corrosive wastes are acids or bases that are capable of corroding
metal, such as storage tanks, containers, drums, and barrels. Battery acid is a
good example.
• Reactivity. Reactive wastes are unstable under "normal" conditions. They can
cause explosions, toxic fumes, gases, or vapors when mixed with water.
Examples include lithium-sulfur batteries and explosives.
• Toxicity. Toxic wastes are harmful or fatal when ingested or absorbed. When
toxic wastes are disposed of on land, contaminated liquid may drain (leach)
from the waste and pollute ground water. Toxicity is defined through a lab-
oratory procedure called the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
(TCLP). The TCLP helps identify wastes likely to leach concentrations of
contaminants that may be harmful to human health or the environment.
Certain chemical wastes and heavy metals are examples of potential toxic wastes.
Listed Wastes
By definition, EPA determined that some specific wastes are hazardous.
These wastes are incorporated into lists published by the Agency. These lists are
organized into three categories:
• Source-specific wastes. This list includes certain wastes from specific indus-
tries, such as petroleum refining or pesticide manufacturing. Certain sludges
and wastewaters from treatment and production processes in these industries are
examples of source-specific wastes.
• Nonspecific source wastes. This list identifies wastes from common manufac-
turing and industrial processes. These include solvents that have been used in
cleaning or decreasing operations.
• Commercial chemical products. This list includes specific commercial chemi-
cal products in an unused form. Some pesticides and some pharmaceutical
products become hazardous waste when discarded.
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What Is a Hazardous
Waste?
To be considered "hazardous waste,"
materials must first meet the legal defini-
tion of "solid waste." Solid waste is dis-
carded material, including garbage,
refuse, and sludge (solids, semisolids, liquids, or contained gaseous materials).
Solid wastes that meet any of the following criteria are considered hazardous and
subject to EPA regulations. Hazardous wastes are those that:
• Possess one or more of the four characteristics of hazardous waste.
• Are included on an EPA list of hazardous waste.
• Are a mixture of nonhazardous and hazardous waste listed solely for a characteristic
(e.g., dirty water mixed with spent solvents).
• Derive from the treatment, storage, or disposal of a hazardous waste (e.g., incinera-
tion ash or emission control dust).
• Are soil, ground water, or sediment (environmental media) contaminated with haz-
ardous waste.
• Are either manufactured objects, plant or animal matter, or natural geological materi-
al (debris) containing hazardous waste that are intended for disposal (e.g., concrete,
bricks, industrial equipment, rocks, and grass).
What Is not a Regulated Hazardous Waste?
The following are some of the wastes that have been excluded from RCRA haz-
ardous waste regulations:
• Domestic sewage.
• Irrigation waters or industrial discharges allowed under the Clean Water Act.
• Nuclear material regulated by the Atomic Energy Act.
• Household wastes, even when they include hazardous materials, such as paints and
pesticides.
• Certain mining and mineral processing wastes.
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Typical Hazardous Wastes Generated by Selected Industries
Waste Generators
Chemical manufacturers
Vehicle maintenance shops
Printing industry
Paper industry
Construction industry
Cleaning agents and cosmetic
manufacturing
Furniture and wood
manufacturing and refinishing
Metal Manufacturing
Waste Type
Strong acids and bases
Reactive wastes
Ignitable wastes
Discarded commercial chemical products
Paint wastes
Ignitable wastes
Spent solvents
Acids and bases
Photography waste with heavy metals
Heavy metal solutions
Waste inks
Spent solvents
Ignitable wastes
Corrosive wastes
Ink wastes, including solvents and metals
Ignitable wastes
Paint wastes
Spent solvents
Strong acids and bases
Heavy metal dusts and sludges
Ignitable wastes
Solvents
Strong acids and bases
Ignitable wastes
Spent solvents
Paint wastes
Paint wastes containing heavy metals
Strong acids and bases
Cyanide wastes
Sludges containing heavy metals
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All listed wastes are presumed to be hazardous regardless of the concentra-
tions of their constituents. They must be handled according to EPA's Subtitle
C hazardous waste regulations. If, however, a company can demonstrate that its
specific waste is not hazardous, the waste may be "delisted." Delisted wastes are
no longer subject to Subtitle C regulations.
Expanding Definitions
RCRA regulations were written so that all characteristic and listed hazardous
wastes are regulated under Subtitle C. As newer technologies have become
available and new multimedia (land, air, and water) modeling tools have
emerged, EPA has been able to better evaluate the risks posed by different haz-
ardous constituent concentration levels. Consequently, RCRA regulations can
be refined to more closely match the risk of a waste with the appropriate man-
agement approaches. The Agency is altering its current approach to managing
hazardous wastes so that some wastes will not be subject to full regulation as
hazardous wastes. Some may fall out of the realm of Subtitle C requirements
and will be managed as nonhazardous solid waste instead.
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Subtitle C: Controlling
Hazardous Waste from
Generation to Disposal
Jill" PA designed the RCRA regulations to ensure proper man-
agement of hazardous waste from the moment the waste is
r generated until its ultimate disposal—"cradle to grave." This
step-by-step approach monitors and controls hazardous
L i waste at every point in the waste cycle, thereby protecting
human health and the environment from the dangers of misman-
agement. This approach has two key elements:
• Tracking. A tracking system requires each facility handling
waste to obtain an identification number. Generators must pre-
pare a uniform manifest document to accompany any trans-
ported hazardous waste from the point of generation to the
point of final disposal.
• Permitting. EPA or the states must issue a permit to facilities
before they can treat, store, and dispose of hazardous waste.
The permit prescribes enforceable management standards for
the wastes.
The regulated community in this system includes those who
generate, recycle, transport, treat, store, and dispose of hazardous
wastes.
10
The Regulated Community
Generators
The hazardous waste management cycle begins with a genera-
any person or business that produces hazardous waste or first
tor-
causes hazardous waste to become subject to RCRA regulations.
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Examples of generators include owners and operators of large manufacturing
facilities, small businesses, universities, and laboratories.
Under the RCRA regulations, generators are responsible for determining
whether their waste is hazardous and accounting for the final disposal of their
waste. Generators are regulated according to the amount of waste they produce
and are categorized into three groups:
• Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) are those that generate the largest amount
of hazardous waste—more than 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) per calen-
dar month, which is about five full 55-gallon drums. Since this category
includes about 20,000 companies that produce the majority of the nation's
waste, these generators are regulated more stringently than their counter-
parts who generate less waste. Examples of LQGs include pharmaceutical com-
panies and chemical manufacturers.
• Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) are those that generate between 220
pounds (100 kilograms) and 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of hazardous
waste per calendar month. Examples of SQGs include laboratories, printers,
and dry cleaners.
• Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs) are those that
generate less than 220 pounds (100 kilograms) of hazardous waste per cal-
endar month. Because these generators produce a small amount of haz-
ardous waste and because full regulation would present an economic burden
on businesses, CESQGs are subject to very minimal requirements. Examples
of CESQGs include 1-hour photo labs and dental offices.
RCRA regulations apply to facilities that manage waste on site, as well as to
those that ship waste off site. About 98 percent of the nation's hazardous waste
is treated or disposed of by generators on site. These generators are typically
large businesses that can afford treatment equipment and possess the necessary
space for storage and disposal. Smaller firms, and those in crowded urban loca-
tions, are likely to transport their waste off site where it is managed by a com-
mercial firm or a publicly owned and operated facility.
Generators that send their waste off site are required to package, mark, and
label their waste properly for transportation. Proper packaging ensures that no
hazardous waste will escape from containers during transport. Marking and
labeling enables transporters and public officials, including those who respond
to emergencies, to rapidly identify the waste and its hazards.
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Hazardous Waste Minimization
Proper hazardous waste management requires a waste minimization plan. To
reduce the amount or toxicity of hazardous waste that must be managed (and
therefore the amount of waste subject to regulation), many generators reduce,
reuse, or recycle as part of their everyday practices. The most environmentally
sound and economically efficient way of managing any waste is not to generate
it in the first place (source reduction). Facilities can avoid creating hazardous
wastes, or limit the amount created, by not mixing hazardous and nonhaz-
ardous wastes, by changing some materials or processes, and by safely storing
hazardous products and containers to avoid spills and leaks.
If hazardous wastes are generated, they often can be recycled in an environ-
mentally sound manner. In the context of hazardous waste management, there
are certain practices or activities that are defined as recycling. A recycled mater-
ial is one that is used, reused, or reclaimed. For example, cleaning solvents that
become dirty through use can be filtered (reclaimed) and used again instead of
being disposed of. The term "waste minimization" includes source reduction
and environmentally sound recycling.
Wastes that cannot be recycled must be treated to reduce the toxicity of the
hazardous constituents and the ability of the constituents to move throughout
the environment. Treatment residues must be disposed of in an environmen-
tally sound manner.
Transporters
Transporters pick up properly packaged and labeled hazardous waste from
generators and transport it to designated facilities that recycle, treat, store, or
dispose of the waste. They must put proper symbols on the transport vehicle to
identify the type of waste being transported. The U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) jointly regulates the transportation of hazardous waste.
DOT specifies the markings, labels, and packaging required to ship hazardous
waste. These symbols, like the labels on the hazardous waste containers, enable
firefighters, police, and other officials to identify the potential hazards immedi-
ately in case of an emergency. Because an accident involving hazardous waste
could create very serious problems, EPA regulations also require transporters to
comply with procedures for hazardous waste spill cleanup.
Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities
Treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) receive hazardous waste
from generators or other TSDFs. Treatment facilities use various processes to
12
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Approaches to Waste Minimization
Substitution of raw materials might offer the greatest opportunity for waste mini-
mization. By replacing a raw material that generates a large amount of hazardous
waste during its processing with one that generates little or none, manufacturers can
substantially reduce their waste volume.
Manufacturing process changes consist of either eliminating a process that produces
a hazardous waste or altering a process so that it no longer produces the waste.
Substitution of products can also be effective. For example, citrus-based solvents
often can be used instead of chlorinated solvents for cleaning or coating.
Recycling (also referred to as recovery and reuse) is the process of removing
reusable elements from a waste and returning them to productive use. Generators
commonly recycle solvents, acids, and metals.
Source separation (or segregation) keeps hazardous waste from contaminating nonhaz-
ardous waste through management practices that prevent the wastes from coming into
contact with each other. This is the cheapest and easiest method of reducing the vol-
ume of hazardous waste to be disposed of and is widely used by industry. In addition to
reducing disposal costs, source separation reduces handling and transportation costs.
alter the character or composition of a hazardous waste. Some treatment
processes enable waste to be recovered and reused in manufacturing settings,
while other treatment processes reduce the volume or hazard of waste to facili-
tate further storage or disposal. Storage facilities hold hazardous waste temporar-
ily until it is treated or disposed of. Treatment and storage activities take place
in various units such as tanks, containers, incinerators, surface impoundments,
containment buildings, and waste piles. Disposal facilities usually place haz-
ardous waste in landfills or surface impoundments after it has been treated
properly (see page 14 for more information).
One common method of treatment (and disposal) of hazardous waste is
incineration, or combustion. In the United States, almost 300 facilities burn
almost 4 million tons of hazardous waste in incinerators each year. Another 1
million is disposed of in other types of combustion facilities, known as boilers
and industrial furnaces. These units offer an effective technology for managing
much hazardous waste. The RCRA program specifically subjects these units to
strict emissions controls and other requirements. In addition, all new units
must receive a permit from the state or federal permitting agency to operate
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and must pass a test known as a trial burn, before operation begins to ensure
that these units will not endanger human health or the environment (see page
19 on permitting). EPA continually evaluates the safety of hazardous waste
combustion by examining and revising emissions standards.
Land Disposal Restrictions
About 23 million tons of hazardous waste are land disposed annually. This
widespread disposal of hazardous waste in units located directly on the land
has the potential to contaminate soil and ground water. To adequately protect
Types of Land Disposal
i Landfills are disposal facilities where hazardous waste is placed in or on land. Properly
designed and operated landfills are double-lined to prevent leakage. They also are
equipped with systems that collect surface water runoff (like rain) that can come in con-
tact with waste and become contaminated.
i Surface impoundments are double-lined natural or fabricated depressions or diked
areas that can be used to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. Surface
impoundments may be any shape and any size (from a few hundred square feet to
hundreds of acres in area). Surface impoundments are often referred to as pits, ponds,
lagoons, and basins.
i Underground injection wells are steel- and concrete-encased shafts into which haz-
ardous wastes are deposited by force and under pressure. Liquid hazardous wastes
are commonly disposed of in underground injection wells. Injecting wastes into
encased wells deep in underground land formations protects ground-water aquifers
from risk of contamination.
i Waste piles are noncontainerized, lined accumulations of solid, nonflowing hazardous
waste. While some are used for final disposal, many waste piles are used for tempo-
rary storage until the waste is transferred to its final disposal site.
i Land treatment'^ a disposal process in which hazardous waste is applied onto or
incorporated into the soil surface. Natural microbes in the soil break down or immobi-
lize the hazardous constituents. Land treatment facilities are also called land applica-
tion or land farming facilities.
14
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Landfills
Surface Impoundments
Land Treatment
Underground
Injection Wells
In 1995, of all hazardous waste disposed of in or on
the land, about 21 million tons were disposed of in
underground injection wells, 1 million tons were dis-
posed of in landfills, 575,000 tons were disposed of
in surface impoundments, and 10,000 tons were
disposed of by land treatment practices.
public health and safety, hazardous wastes must be treated to minimize any
risks before they can be disposed of in land disposal units.
RCRA's Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) program sets treatment standards
and requires that hazardous wastes be treated before they are land disposed to
destroy or immobilize hazardous constituents. All hazardous waste must be
15
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Common Hazardous Waste Treatment Technologies
Several processes exist for making hazardous wastes less hazardous:
Biological treatment uses micro-organisms to break down hazardous organic com-
pounds in a waste stream and make the waste less toxic.
Carbon adsorption is a chemical process that removes hazardous substances from the
waste using specially treated carbon. This method is particularly effective in removing
organic compounds from liquid waste.
Dechlorination removes chlorine from a substance to make it less toxic.
Glycolate dehalogenation uses chemical substances to react with hazardous contami-
nants to change their structure and toxicity.
Incineration (or combustion) destroys waste or makes it less hazardous through burn-
ing. Incineration is frequently used to destroy organic wastes.
Thermal treatment uses elevated temperatures as the primary means of changing the
chemical, physical, or biological character of a waste. (Examples include wet air oxi-
dation, molten salt pyrolysis, and calcination.)
Neutralization makes certain substances less acidic and other substances less
alkaline.
Oxidation makes a waste less toxic by combining it with oxygen.
Precipitation removes solids from a liquid waste so that the
hazardous solid portion can be disposed of safely.
Soil washing uses water or a washing solution in mechanical
processes to scrub soils and remove hazardous contami-
nants.
Solidification and stabilization removes wastewater from a
waste or changes it chemically, making it less likely to be
transported by water.
Solvent extraction separates haz-
ardous constituents from oily wastes,
oils, sludges, and sediments to
reduce the volume of waste that
must be disposed of.
f
16
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treated so that the concentration of hazardous constituents is below a certain
level established for each waste. There are numerous treatment technologies
available and new ones continually being developed (see box on page 16).
Used Oil Management Standards
EPA has established a set of required practices, or management standards,
for recycling used oil and burning it for energy recovery. These are common-
sense, good-business practices designed to maximize recycling and minimize
disposal of used oil, as well as to ensure its safe handling. Used oil comes from
automotive crankcases, machine lubricants, and industrial processes. During
normal use, impurities, such as dirt, metal scrapings, water, or chemicals, can
get mixed in with the oil so that in time the oil no longer performs well.
Eventually, this oil must be replaced with virgin or re-refined oil to do the job
at hand. Then, used oil must be either disposed of, recycled, or burned for
energy recovery.
Used oil can be treated to remove hazardous contaminants and reused as a
new lubricating oil or as a fuel. An estimated 380 million gallons of used oil
are recycled each year. It takes 42 gallons of crude oil, but only 1 gallon of used
oil, to produce 2-1/2 quarts of new, high-quality lubricating oil.
The used oil management system is designed to minimize the potential risks
associated with used oil. These standards impose requirements on used oil gen-
erators, collection centers, transporters, and processors. The used oil program
also imposes standards on used oil burners and marketers to ensure that the
burning of used oil for energy recovery is conducted in a manner that is pro-
tective of the environment. For example, used oil destined for burning must be
tested for hazardous contaminants and burned in units that can control haz-
ardous air emissions. Used oil generators also can burn used oil in space heaters
used at their place of business.
The RCRA Structure
The Tracking System
To assist in tracking shipments of waste, EPA requires LQGs, SQGs, trans-
porters, and TSDFs to obtain EPA identification numbers. LQGs and SQGs
must also prepare Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifests for each shipment of haz-
ardous waste. A manifest is a form containing copies for all participants involved
in the waste shipment. It identifies the type and quantity of waste and the gener-
17
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A manifest must accompany every waste shipment. The resulting paper trail
documents the waste s progress through treatment, storage, and disposal. A missing
form alerts the generator to investigate, which may mean calling in the state agency
or EPA.
Transporter
Generator
Storage Facility
EPA or State Agency
18
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ator, transporter, and facility to which the waste
, „ , A hazardous waste mani-
is being shipped. Generators must also certify on
fest must accompany every
the manifest that they are minimizing the
waste shipment. The result-
amount and toxicity of their waste and that the
ing documentation tracks the
method of treatment, storage, or disposal they
waste s progress to TSDFs. A
have chosen will minimize the risk to human
,,. missing form alerts the gen-
health and the environment. When the waste
„ , , , „ , erator to investigate, which
reaches its final destination, the owner of that
may mean calling the state
facility returns a copy of the manifest to the gen-
J FJ 8 agency or EPA.
erator to confirm that the waste has arrived.
If the waste does not arrive as scheduled,
generators must immediately notify EPA or the authorized state agency so that
it can investigate and take appropriate action. Generators, transporters, and
TSDFs must retain copies of the manifest for 3 years. Every other year, genera-
tors also must provide information on their activities to their authorized state
agency or EPA.
The Permitting System
Owners or operators of TSDFs must obtain a permit in order to operate. A
permit specifically allows a facility to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste
and outlines the precautions that must be taken to manage the waste in a man-
ner that adequately protects human health and the environment.
New TSDFs must receive a permit before they begin construction. Operating
TSDFs with expiring permits must submit new permit applications 6 months
before their existing permits run out. TSDFs operating under interim status must
also apply for a permit. Congress granted interim status to facilities that already
existed when RCRA was enacted or that were already operating when new wastes
were listed. Interim status allows facilities to continue operating while their permit
applications are being reviewed by the federal or state permitting agency. While
both permitted and interim status TSDFs are subject to similar standards, the
interim status standards are designed to be self-implementing. Generally, permit-
ted and interim status TSDFs must:
• Analyze and identify wastes prior to treatment, storage, and disposal.
• Prevent the entry of unauthorized personnel into the facility by installing
fences and surveillance systems, and by posting warning signs.
• Inspect the facility on a periodic basis to determine if there are any problems.
• Train employees in safe use of equipment and emergency response procedures.
19
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• Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies and establish other emergency
response procedures.
• Comply with the manifest system and with various reporting and record-
keeping requirements.
• Comply with facility-specific standards as dictated in the permit.
In addition to these general requirements, all TSDFs must comply with
specific design and operating standards for their hazardous waste treatment,
storage, and disposal units. These standards are especially important for dis-
posal units, which must ensure that disposed waste will not leach or otherwise
escape into soil or ground water. Disposal unit standards:
• Ban liquids from landfills.
• Ban underground injection of hazardous waste within 1/4-mile of a drink-
ing water well.
• Require stringent structural and design conditions, such as double liners,
leachate collection systems, and ground-water monitoring.
• Limit facility sitings in unstable hydrogeologic areas.
EPA also established regulations to address air emissions from hazardous waste
disposal since some hazardous waste compounds can evaporate into the air. To
prevent such escapes into the atmosphere, EPA requires certain equipment to be
used for recycling, treatment, storage, and disposal of some hazardous wastes.
Closure and Financial Assurance
RCRA regulations and permits set forth certain procedures that are designed
to protect the environment and surrounding communities when owners and
operators of hazardous waste facilities close their sites. In addition, RCRA sets
standards for ground-water monitoring, disposal unit maintenance, and security
measures that some owners and operators of hazardous waste facilities will need
to follow for up to 30 years after the facility closes (known as postclosure care).
Closure activities can be expensive, and some facilities might not be able to
cover these costs at the time of closure. For example, if a company undergoes
bankruptcy and has little money left at the time of the closure of its TSDF, it
might not be able to provide the required closure and postclosure care. To address
this situation, RCRA regulations require owners and operators to:
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Establish separate, secure financial assurance mechanisms (such as trust
funds, surety bonds, and letters of credit) to pay for completion of all clo-
sure and postclosure operations.
Be prepared to pay for 30 years of ground-water monitoring, disposal unit
maintenance, and security measures after the facility closes.
Demonstrate financial assurance for third-party liability to cover any acci-
dents or mismanagement that results in the release of hazardous waste. Such
funds can be used to compensate citizens or other third parties for any dam-
age to neighboring property or injury to human health.
State Authorization
The hazardous waste regulatory program described in this document may be run by
EPA or a state hazardous waste agency. Currently 47 states and two territories have
been granted authority to run Subtitle C RCRA programs. As EPA continues to promul-
gate new or revised rules, states must become authorized to implement those rules.
Thus, state authorization is an ongoing process.
EPA's regional offices implement and enforce RCRA in states and territories that do
not have authorized programs. In states that are authorized, EPA can step in to assist
states in enforcing the law, if needed. Otherwise, states that are authorized to operate
RCRA programs oversee the hazardous waste tracking system in their state, operate the
permitting system for hazardous waste facilities, ensure public participation require-
ments are met, act as the enforcement arm in cases where individuals or companies
practice illegal hazardous waste management, and implement all other aspects of the
RCRA program.
In terms of permitting hazardous waste facilities, authorized states are generally con-
sidered to be the "permitting agency."
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Citizen Action and Public Participation
The public plays an important role in the permitting process for both haz-
ardous and municipal solid waste facilities. Facilities applying for a permit must
involve the public in some aspects of the process. Businesses and the state or
federal permitting agency also must make information available to the public.
The public has opportunities to submit comments and request public hearings.
The following are some of the ways in which the public can stay involved:
• When a business submits a permit application, it must hold an informal meet-
ing with the public and advertise the meeting with signs and/or advertisements
in the paper or radio. The business must explain the plans for the facility,
including information about the proposed processes it will use and wastes it
will handle. Members of the public can sign up on the facility's mailing list.
• When the permitting agency receives a permit application from the busi-
ness, it sends a notice to everyone on the mailing list. The application is
then available for public review.
• The permitting agency may require the business to set up a library for the
public with available relevant documents, such as the permit application
and reports.
• The permitting agency announces its decision about granting or denying
the permit by sending a letter to everyone on the mailing list and placing a
notice in a newspaper or broadcasting over the radio. It also issues a fact
sheet to explain the decision. Once the notice is issued, the public has 45
days to comment on the decision. Citizens may request a public hearing by
contacting the permitting agency.
• The permitting agency must consider and respond to all public comments
when making its decision.
• The public has the right to appeal the final permit decision.
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• The permitting agency must notify
the public prior to a trial burn at a
combustion facility by sending a
notice to everyone on the facility
mailing list.
Cleaning up hazardous waste facili-
ties, known as corrective action, is also
of concern to citizens and local com-
munities. Since spills from TSDFs can
affect entire municipalities, RCRA
guarantees that the public will have a
role in the facility cleanup process. For
example, the corrective action process
gives the public access to facility
inspection information, requires public
notice of remediation proceedings, and
allows the opportunity for public com-
ment and participation in the remedy
selection process.
Public participation initiatives are
also used to remedy the disproportion-
ate effects of environmental pollution
on particular groups, such as minority
More Ways to
Participate
Many avenues exist for citizens to
learn about and participate in what is
happening around them, in addition to
those offered under the RCRA pro-
gram. A related law, known as the
Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act, establishes a citi-
zen's right to obtain information about
toxic and hazardous chemicals handled
at facilities in the community. One
such avenue is the Toxics Release
Inventory (TRI). Through this program,
facilities across the country are
required to report the quantities of 643
different toxic chemicals that are
released into the environment each
year. Facilities must report whether
these toxic chemicals were released
into the air or water or disposed of in
underground injection wells or landfills.
Facilities also have to indicate which
releases were sent to a commercial
Subtitle C landfill.
and low-income populations. For
example, through efforts to ensure environmental justice, EPA is analyzing how
to incorporate public participation into decisions concerning the siting of haz-
ardous waste facilities and the prioritization of corrective action cleanups.
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Ground Water
What Is It? ..
Ground water is water that naturally flows through and is
retained in soil and rock bodies beneath the land. It is a major
source of drinking water and of water used for agriculture in the " ,-,
' t I \ j "' li
United States. Almost half of this country's population depends v;>; '$,
upon ground water for some or all of its drinking water. >.. '1 •_-•. i' •.
Contamination
Ground-water contamination can occur when liquids (usually rainwater) move through
waste disposal sites, carrying pollutants with them, and into the ground water. The
resulting mixture of liquid and pollutant is called leachate. Once contaminated, ground
water is expensive and difficult to clean up. All new hazardous waste disposal sites are
equipped with leachate collection systems.
Protection
RCRA regulations require ground-water monitoring, which detects early signs of cont-
aminants leaching from hazardous waste disposal facilities. The most common monitor-
ing device is a well from which samples of water are taken and analyzed for hazardous
constituents.
RCRA regulations also require hazardous waste landfill and surface impoundment
facilities to install double liners to protect against ground-water contamination. Liners are
continuous layers of natural or synthetic materials, such as clay or plastic, that are placed
beneath or on the sides of a landfill or surface impoundment and restrict the escape of
hazardous waste into ground water.
24
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Subtitle D: Municipal
And Industrial Solid
Waste
CRA also covers municipal solid waste
(MSW) and nonhazardous industrial waste.
MSW is common garbage or trash generated
by homes, industries, and commercial and
institutional offices. Industrial nonhazardous
wastes are wastes and wastewaters generated by man-
ufacturing processes that are not considered to be
hazardous.
Communities across the United States currently generate more
than 200 million tons of MSW every year. This amount averages
to about 4 pounds per person per day. EPA encourages individuals
and businesses to "reduce, reuse, and recycle" to decrease the
amount of waste generated. EPA promotes a hierarchy of waste
management options for businesses and municipalities, as follows:
1. The best option is to not generate waste in the first place or to
reuse what you already have. This is known as source reduc-
tion or waste prevention. For example, individuals can prevent
waste by leaving grass clippings on the lawn and by buying
items with less packaging, such as bulk foods. Reusing items,
such as bags and containers, instead of throwing them away
reduces waste. Companies can buy reusable items, such as pal-
lets, instead of disposable ones.
2. The second best option is recycling or composting. Many
types of glass, paper, plastic, metal, and other assorted materials
are recyclable. That means that it is technologically feasible for
these materials to be broken down and remade into new prod-
25
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ucts. To make this type of manufacturing economically feasible, people also
need to buy products that are made from recycled materials. Many compa-
nies are recycling these types of materials, and common consumer goods are
available with recycled content. Many municipalities and companies are also
producing compost, a soil amendment, from yard trimmings from residents.
3. The final option for those materials that are not easily recyclable or com-
postable is disposal, either landfilling or combustion (preferably with ener-
gy recovery) .
Approximately 60 percent of MSW is disposed of in landfills. Unlike their
hazardous waste counterparts, federal MSW regulations do not require the
treatment of waste before disposal. Although much of MSW consists of paper,
aluminum cans, plastics, and other nontoxic items, some components, includ-
ing batteries, and certain household products, such as cleaners, paints, stains,
and pesticides, can present potential risks when improperly disposed of.
The Subtitle D program focuses on establishing standards, or criteria, for
municipal solid waste landfills to ensure the safe management of MSW. The
federal standards address the design, operation, and closure of MSW landfills.
They impose restrictions on where such landfills may be located (e.g., not in a
floodplain), and they require liners and ground-water monitoring. In addition,
when these landfills become full, their closure is governed by specific proce-
dures, as well as financial assurance requirements to pay for such operations.
These federal standards are
What IS ill MSW? designed to be self-implementing
by the owner or operator of a facil-
Nationwide, MSW contains large per- •<-<:** j +. -u i i +.
s K ity. btate and tribal regulatory
centaqes of paper and yard trimmings and . ., ,,
3 r r J 3 agencies provide the primary over-
a smaller percentage of metals, glass, plas- sight ^ issue permits EpA
tics, food scraps, and other materials such ^ states ^ tribes tQ
as rubber, leather, textiles, and wood.
landfflls continually minimize
Construction and demolition debris, auto- . , f .
risks from waste.
mobile bodies, or municipal sewage are
among the materials that are not consid- Another category of Subtitle D
ered MSW, according to the Agency's defi- waste is called industrial solid
nition. Some states define the components waste or industrial nonhazardous
somewhat differently. waste- This waste is not consid-
ered MSW or hazardous waste
under Subtitle C. Each year,
approximately 12,000 manufac-
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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Households often discard many common items that contain hazardous constituents,
such as paints, stains, oven cleaner, motor oil, batteries, and pesticides. If these items
were generated in large quantities by a business or manufacturing facility, they might be
regulated as a hazardous waste. Individuals generating these types of waste from their
homes are exempt, however, from the hazardous waste regulations. Certain other types
of residences are exempt as well, such as motels, hotels,
and campgrounds. The average household in the United
States generates about 20 pounds of HHW per year.
To reduce the risks of disposing of these items in MSW
landfills or incinerators, many communities have established
HHW collection programs. These programs aggregate HHW
and ensure its safe disposal in facilities designed to treat or
dispose of hazardous waste. More than 3,000 collection pro-
grams have been documented in all 50 states.
turing facilities generate and manage an estimated 7.6 billion tons of industri-
al solid waste (about 97 percent in the form of wastewater) on site in surface
impoundments, landfills, land application units, and waste piles. Most non-
hazardous industrial waste is managed in surface impoundments.
27
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Making RCRA
Work
hree additional elements to the RCRA program provide
strength and extra insurance to minimize risks from waste:
monitoring, corrective action for environmental cleanups,
and enforcement.
Monitoring
For EPA's Subtitle C program to be effective, all regulated
groups must comply. To ensure compliance, state or federal offi-
cials inspect and monitor facilities regularly and take enforcement
measures when necessary.
Inspection of a site is one of the RCRA program's most impor-
tant monitoring tools. An inspection is required of all TSDFs at
least once every 2 years and annually for state and federal facilities.
During an inspection, regulatory personnel generally review the
company's records, assess the facility's operating methods, and take
waste samples, if needed. In particular, inspectors check for com-
pliance with ground-water monitoring requirements, proper han-
dling and labeling of wastes, and assurance of financial responsibil-
ity. If a facility is not complying with RCRA regulations, EPA or
the state takes enforcement action.
28
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Corrective Action
Despite RCRA's numerous precautions to prevent the release of hazardous
waste into the environment, accidents still happen, and contamination persists
from past mismanagement of these wastes. EPA estimates that between 50 and
70 percent of all TSDFs have some degree of environmental contamination
requiring detailed investigation and perhaps cleanup. Under a program entitled
Corrective Action, EPA has the statutory authority to require permitted and
interim status TSDFs to clean up hazardous waste contamination. In addition,
EPA also may use a "catch-all" statutory provision to require corrective action
at any type of facility, such as generator sites, to ensure that all waste released
into the environment is cleaned up in a timely manner.
To achieve necessary cleanups, facilities investigate environmental contami-
nation and take remedial action to correct any problems associated with releas-
es that may occur. Similarly, releases of materials from MSW landfills and
USTs also occur. The RCRA regulations in these program areas also feature
specific provisions and procedures to ensure necessary corrective action.
Enforcement
Enforcement may include civil and criminal penalties, orders to correct the
violations, fines, and/or imprisonment. For minor violations, EPA or the state
agency often notifies the facility through a letter or phone call that it is not in
compliance and that legal actions will be taken if the owner or operator does
not comply within a certain time period. For severe or recurrent violations,
EPA or the state can levy a penalty on the owner or operator of up to $27,500
per day for each day the facility fails to comply past the specified deadline. EPA
or the state can also suspend the facility's permit to operate and can bring a
criminal suit against a facility's owner or operator. Examples of potential crimi-
nal violations of RCRA include falsifying information on a manifest, report, or
permit; transporting waste either without a manifest or to a facility without a
permit; and disposing of hazardous waste without a permit. Furthermore, if a
facility deliberately violates RCRA, thus endangering human health and the
environment, the violator could receive up to 15 years in prison and a maxi-
mum $250,000 fine.
On the other hand, to alleviate the use of time-consuming and expensive
criminal and civil sanctions, EPA has established policies to allow more flexibil-
ity in the enforcement process, giving businesses the opportunity to mitigate
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penalties for noncompliance and offering incentives for self-policing and self-
auditing. EPA's enforcement strategy gives states the flexibility to create their
own enforcement policies up front. One of EPA's new initiatives encourages
both large and small facilities to voluntarily audit themselves, to disclose
instances of noncompliance, and to make good faith efforts to promptly cor-
rect the violations in return for a reduction of applicable penalties. Similarly,
when EPA does take enforcement action against a business, the Agency may
include in the settlement or enforcement action provisions allowing the facility
to conduct supplemental and beneficial environmental projects in order to mit-
igate penalties for noncompliance.
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Conclusion
CRA is a response to a complex environmental manage-
U ment issue—one that is ultimately connected to the way
our country operates, its heavy reliance on industrial pro-
% duction, and our technologically sophisticated lifestyles. As
mlong as we demand the products that generate these wastes,
we will need well-designed and well-operated facilities and sound
alternatives for waste management. Technological change, popula-
tion growth, and economic expansion present added environmen-
tal challenges. The cooperation of industry, government, and the
public will ensure that these challenges are met.
The management of hazardous waste is a dynamic process that
is continually being refined and updated based on new research,
technology, and regulations. Since RCRA was enacted in 1976,
substantial progress has been made in promoting a clean and safe
environment while maintaining our nation's manufacturing and
industrial strength. EPA continually works to protect the environ-
ment, while also achieving the following:
• Reduced administrative burdens on generators.
• Increased avenues for public participation.
• Increased flexibility to the regulated sectors for complying with
RCRA requirements.
• Multimedia modeling, risk assessment technologies, and other
state-of-the-art scientific practices.
We plan to continue pursuing partnerships with states, tribes,
industry, and the public.
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Related
Environmental
Laws
CRA is one of a series of laws regulating potentially harmful
substances in the environment. These laws were developed
at different points in time and reflect concerns about partic-
ular issues such as ground-water protection, water quality,
.air quality, and worker safety. Some laws address the same
hazardous substances at different points in their existence. For
example, RCRA may regulate the disposal of a particular hazardous
waste, while the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) pro-
tects workers who are exposed to that same substance in the work-
place. In another example, RCRA exempts certain wastewater treat-
ment units from hazardous waste permit requirements, since these
units are permitted under the Clean Water Act. Because the con-
cerns addressed by these laws sometimes overlap, EPA works with
the states and other federal agencies to help ensure that all aspects
of environmental protection are well coordinated. EPA, in conjunc-
tion with other federal and state agencies, also attempts to identify
and address areas not covered by existing laws.
Some of the environmental laws addressing hazardous sub-
stances include:
• Atomic Energy Act (EPA, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission)—regulates nuclear energy
production and nuclear waste disposal.
• Clean Air Act (EPA)—limits the emission of hazardous pollu-
tants into the nation's air.
• Clean Water Act (EPA)—regulates the discharge of hazardous
pollutants and sewage sludge into the nation's surface waters.
32
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Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(Superfund) (EPA)—provides for the cleanup of inactive and abandoned
hazardous waste sites.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPA)—addresses
the storage of chemicals in communities, planning for accidental releases,
and the availability of information on releases of toxic wastes to the public.
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (EPA)—regulates the regis-
tration and use of pesticides.
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (DOT)—governs the transportation of
hazardous waste and materials.
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (EPA)—addresses waste dis-
posal at sea.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration)—regulates hazards in the workplace, including worker
exposure to hazardous substances.
Pollution Prevention Act (EPA)—focuses on reducing the amount of pollu-
tion at the source and promoting recycling.
Safe Drinking Water Act (EPA)—limits contaminant levels in drinking
water.
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (U.S. Department of the
Interior)—regulates the environmental aspects of mining (particularly coal)
and reclamation.
Toxic Substance Control Act (EPA)—regulates the manufacture, use, and dis-
posal of certain chemical substances.
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r-* ,T" //
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Part 265—Interim status standards for owners and operators of hazardous
waste TSDFs.
Part 266—Standards for the management of specific hazardous wastes and spe-
cific types of hazardous waste management facilities.
Part 268—LDRs.
Part 270—EPA administered permit programs: the Hazardous Waste Permit
Program.
Part 271—Requirements for authorization of state hazardous waste pro-
grams.
Part 272—Approved state hazardous waste management programs.
Part 273—Standards for universal waste management.
Part 279—Standards for the management of used oil.
Part 280—Technical standards and corrective action requirements for
owners and operators of USTs.
Part 281—Approval of state USTs.
Part 282—Approved UST programs.
35
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For More Information
To obtain additional information, contact the following resources:
EPA Resources:
RCRA/Superfund/EPCRA Hotline
RCRA/Superfund/EPCRA Hotline
401 M Street, SW.
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 800 424-9346 or TDD 800 553-7672
In Washington, DC: 703 412-9810 or TDD 703 412-3323
Answers questions on matters related to solid and hazardous waste.
RCRA Docket Information Center (RIC)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
RCRA Docket Information Center (5305G)
401 M Street, SW.
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 703 603-9230
Fax: 703 603-9234
E-mail: rcra-docket@epamail.epa.gov
Home Page: http:7www.epa.gov/epaoswer
Provides public access to all regulatory materials on solid waste
and distributes technical and nontechnical information on solid
waste.
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Small Business Ombudsman Clearinghouse/Hotline
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Small Business Ombudsman (1230C)
401 M Street, SW.
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 800 368-5888
Fax: 703 305-6462
Helps private citizens, small businesses, and smaller communities with ques-
tions on all program aspects within EPA.
Pollution Protection Information Clearinghouse (PPIC)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Pollution Protection Information Clearinghouse
401 M Street, SW. (7409)
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 202 260-1023
Fax: 202 260-4659
E-mail: ppic@epamail.epa.gov
Provides a library and an electronic bulletin board (accessible by any PC
equipped with a modem) dedicated to information on pollution prevention.
EPA Information Resources Center
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Headquarters Library
401 M Street, SW, Room M 2904
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 202 260-5922
Fax: 202 260-6257
E-mail: library-HQ@epamail.epa.gov
Maintains environmental reference materials for EPA staff and the general pub-
lic, including books, journals, abstracts, newsletters, and audio-visual materials
generated by government agencies and the private sector. Also provides access
to online computer service bulletin boards and CD/ROM systems.
Other Resources:
National Response Center
Phone: 800 424-8802
TSDF owners or operators should call this number to report an emergency.
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Emergencies could include fires, explosions, or other release of hazardous waste
from a facility that could threaten human health. Emergencies also include
spills that could reach surface water. The Response Center will evaluate the sit-
uation and help make appropriate emergency decisions.
EPA Regional Offices:
EPA Region 1
(Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island,
Vermont)
Hazardous Waste Programs
JFK Federal Building
Boston, MA 02203-2211
Phone: 617 565-3420
Library Phone: 617 565-3300 or 800 372-5427
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.01
EPA Region 2
(New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)
RCRA Compliance Branch
290 Broadway, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10007-1866
Phone: 212 637-3000
Library Phone: 212 637-3185
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.02
EPA Region 3
(Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West
Virginia)
Hazardous Waste Management Division
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215 566-5000 or 215 566-3110
Library Phone: 215 566-5364
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.03
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EPA Region 4
(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee)
RCRA Branch
Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street, SW.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404 562-8440
Library Phone: 404 562-8190
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.04
EPA Region 5
(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin)
Waste, Pesticides, and Toxics Division
77 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312 353-2000 or 312 886-7435
Library Phone: 312 353-2022
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.05
EPA Region 6
(Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)
Hazardous Waste Enforcement Branch
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75270
Phone: 214 655-6444
Library Phone: 214 665-6424
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.06
EPA Region 7
(Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)
Hazardous Waste Branch
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101-2728
Phone: 913 551-7000
Library Phone: 913 551-7241
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.07
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EPA Region 8
(Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota)
Pollution Prevention Division
One Denver Place
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
Phone: 303 312 6312
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.08
EPA Region 9
(Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam)
Superfund/Hazardous Waste Division
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415 744-1305 or 415 744-1730
Library Phone: 415 744-1500
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.09
EPA Region 10
(Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington)
Waste and Chemical Management Branch
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206 553-1200
Library Phone: 206 553-1289
Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/region.10
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Glossary
The following acronyms and words are used throughout the document.
Acronyms
These acronyms are defined below under their full names.
CESQG Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
HHW Household Hazardous Waste
LDR Land Disposal Restrictions
LQG Large Quantity Generator
MSW Municipal Solid Waste
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
SQG Small Quantity Generator
TRI Toxics Release Inventory
TSDF Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility
UST Underground Storage Tank
Definitions
Characteristic Wastes—Wastes can be defined as a hazardous waste if they
exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity,
reactivity, and toxicity. Those that possess these characteristics are known as
characteristic wastes.
Code of Federal Regulations—This document codifies all the rules made by
the executive departments and agencies of the federal government. It is divided
into 50 volumes, known as titles, that represent broad areas subject to federal
regulation. Title 40 of the CFR (referenced as 40 CFR) lists all environmental
regulations, including those discussed in this document.
Composting—The natural biological decomposition of organic material in the
presence of air to form a humus-like material. Controlled methods of compost-
ing include mechanical mixing and aerating or placing the compost in open air
41
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piles and mixing or turning it periodically. Homeowners can also compost
waste in their backyards to help reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator—Generators of less than
220 pounds of hazardous waste per calendar month are known as CESQGs.
These are subject to only minimal regulations.
Corrective Action—The process of remediating or cleaning up a spill or release
of containments into the environment.
Generator—Any person or business that produces hazardous waste or first
causes hazardous waste to become subject to RCRA regulations. Generators
include small or large businesses, manufacturing plants, or other facilities.
Generators are subject to specific hazardous waste regulations.
Hazardous Waste—Wastes that meet EPAs definition for solid waste and pos-
sess the characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity (as
defined by RCRA) or are included on an EPA list of hazardous wastes are con-
sidered to be hazardous.
Hazardous Waste Minimization—Reducing the amount or toxicity of waste
produced by a generator, by either source reduction or environmentally sound
recycling.
Household Hazardous Waste—Items such as paints, stains, oven cleaner,
motor oil, and batteries are commonly disposed of in the trash by households.
While these items are not regulated as hazardous waste, they contain hazardous
constituents. HHW refers to items such as these that can be disposed of in
MSW landfills but are often collected by communities and managed as haz-
ardous waste.
Land Disposal Restrictions—These rules require that hazardous wastes be
treated before they are land disposed to destroy or immobilize hazardous con-
stituents that might otherwise migrate into soil and ground water.
Landfills—Specially designed disposal units for disposal of hazardous or solid
waste. Modern landfills generally have double synthetic liners to prevent releas-
es and are covered and maintained when the landfills are no longer used.
Large Quantity Generator—Generators that produce more than 2,200
pounds (1,000 kilograms) of hazardous waste per calendar month (about five
full 55-gallon drums) are considered to be LQGs. They must follow certain
regulations.
42
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Listed Wastes—Specific wastes determined by EPA to be hazardous and pub-
lished in EPA lists are called listed wastes. These lists are organized into three
categories: source-specific wastes, nonspecific source wastes, and commercial
chemical products.
Manifest—A multicopy shipping form used to identify the type and quantity of
waste, the generator, the transporter, and the TSDF to which the waste is being
shipped. The manifest includes copies for all participants in the waste shipment
chain and is often obtained from the state agency.
Municipal Solid Waste—Discarded material, such as common garbage or refuse
generated by industries, commercial and institutional facilities, and homes.
Nonhazardous Industrial Waste—Wastes and wastewaters from manufacturing
facilities regulated under Subtitle D that are not considered to be MSW, haz-
ardous waste, or other wastes under Subtitle C and D.
Permit—An official license that specifically allows a facility to treat, store, or
dispose of hazardous waste and outlines the precautions that must be taken to
manage the waste in a manner that adequately protects human health and the
environment. Owners or operators of hazardous waste TSDFs must obtain a
permit in order to operate.
Recycling—The series of activities by which discarded materials are converted
into raw materials and used in the production of new products.
Regulatory Agency—Either the EPA or state agencies are responsible for
implementing, monitoring, and enforcing the RCRA program.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act—This Congressional act encour-
ages environmentally sound methods for disposal of household, municipal,
commercial, and industrial waste. Its primary goals are to protect human health
and the environment from the potential hazards of waste disposal, conserve
energy and natural resources, reduce the amount of waste generated, and
ensure that wastes are managed in an environmentally sound manner. RCRA is
divided into sections called Subtitles.
Small Quantity Generator—Generators of between 220 pounds (100 kilograms)
and 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of hazardous waste per calendar month are
considered to be SQGs. They are regulated to a lesser degree than LQGs.
Solid Waste—Discarded material, such as garbage, refuse, and sludge (includ-
ing solids, semisolids, liquids, or contained gaseous material), is considered to
be solid waste.
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Source Reduction—This refers to the design, manufacture, purchase, or use of
materials to reduce the amount or toxicity of the materials before they enter
the waste stream.
State Authorization—The process by which states are given authority to run
the RCRA program instead of EPA.
Subtitle C—This section of RCRA establishes a regulatory framework for
managing the generation, storage, treatment, and disposal of certain wastes
defined as hazardous wastes.
Subtitle D—This section of RCRA establishes a system for managing solid
waste, including both garbage/trash and nonhazardous industrial waste.
Subtitle I—This section of RCRA regulates toxic substances and petroleum
products stored in underground storage tanks, such as at commercial gas stations.
Surface Impoundments—Lined natural or synthetic depressions or diked
areas that can be used to treat, store, or dispose of waste.
Toxics Release Inventory—The TRI database compiles information submitted
by certain federal and manufacturing facilities. These facilities are required to
report on releases to the environment of 643 specific chemicals, listed by EPA.
Transporter—Hazardous waste transporters pick up properly packaged and
labeled hazardous waste from generators and transport it to designated facilities
that treat, store, recycle, or dispose of the waste. Transporters are subject to spe-
cific hazardous waste regulations, both by EPA and DOT.
Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility—Facilities that receive hazardous
waste from generators or other facilities for treatment, storage or disposal of
waste are known as TSDFs.
Underground Injection Wells—Steel- and concrete-encased shafts into which
hazardous wastes are deposited by force and under pressure.
Underground Storage Tank—Tanks located below the surface of the ground
that store petroleum or chemical products are known as USTs.
Unit—This term generally refers to tanks, containers, incinerators, surface
impoundments, containment buildings, and waste piles.
Waste Piles—Noncontainerized, lined or unlined accumulations of solid, non-
flowing waste.
Waste Prevention—See source reduction.
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