&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
May 2006
EPA530-F-06-007
www.epa.gov/osw
Laboratories
EPA is proposing the Academic Labs rule in order to tailor RCRA regulations to the
unique environment of academic laboratories. This alternate set of regulations provides
academic laboratories with increased flexibility, helping them ensure that the -waste they
generate is safely managed.
Action
EPA is proposing to add a new section to the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste generator requirements. The alternative
set of regulations allows college and university laboratories the flexibility to make
hazardous waste determinations in the laboratory; at a central accumulation area; or
at an on- or off-site treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF). Colleges and
universities may also choose to remain subject to existing generator requirements.
Existing generator regulations that are geared to industrial facilities may not fit
well in educational facilities. Industrial waste generators typically produce large
volumes of a few waste streams. College and university laboratories, on the other
hand, produce a relatively small volume of many different types of waste. As such,
academic laboratories find it difficult to comply with the existing regulations.
The Academic Labs Rule proposal gives college and university laboratories more
flexibility that helps them safely manage their hazardous waste.
For information
More information about the Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous
Waste; SubpartK; Standards Applicable to Academic Laboratories proposal: http://
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/specials/labwaste/index.html. To find more detailed
information or to ask a question, please go to www.epa.gov/osw, and click on Find an
Answer or Ask a Question.
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