Category: Hazardous Waste Management

Got Hazardous Waste? Can You Avoid Becoming an Episodic Generator?

Under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) rules, and most state variations of the RCRA rules, there are three classes of generators: large quantity generators (LQGs), small quantity generators (SQGs), and conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQGs). Note: It is critical to remember that most states have been delegated the authority to run […]

FAQs About the Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) Rule—Part 2

FAQs About the Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) Rule—Part 2 Q: Does the 2014 DSW rule help to ensure that hazardous materials are actually legitimately recycled and not disposed of illegally? A: In addition to the changes to permitting and variances, the 2014 DSW rule “establishes a clear, uniform legitimate recycling standard for all hazardous […]

FAQs About the Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) Rule—Part 1

FAQs About the Definition of Solid Waste (DSW) Rule—Part 1 Q: What was the impetus for the DSW final rule? A: According to the EPA, the 2014 DSW final rule addresses “significant regulatory gaps in the 2008 rule” that could result in negative impacts on “communities adjacent to third-party recyclers, including disproportionately impacting minority and […]

Hazardous Waste Compliance in Construction, Demolition, and Renovation

Hazardous Waste FAQs for Construction, Demolition, and Renovation Projects by CESQGs Q: Do CESQGs have to comply with any recordkeeping and reporting requirements related to hazardous waste in C&D debris? A: As long as a generator remains a CESQG and is in compliance with the CESQG hazardous waste requirements of 40 CFR 261.5, it is […]

RCRA Compliance FAQs for Construction, Demolition, and Renovation

General Hazardous Waste FAQs for Construction, Demolition, and Renovation Q: Which regulations—federal or state—apply to C&D debris containing hazardous wastes? A: Hazardous wastes are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and most states are authorized to implement their own RCRA programs. These programs must be at least as stringent as the federal […]

Environmental Cleanups—A Changing Landscape

Environmental Cleanups—A Changing Landscape In the United States, according to the EPA, 51 percent of the population live within three miles of one of the 156 million sites involved in cleanup under control of the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER). Of these, 30% (or 91 million) are brownfields, 35% (or 106 million) […]

Highlights from OSWER Accomplishments 2013 Report

Highlights from OSWER Accomplishments 2013 Report The OSWER’s job is a big one encompassing diverse industries, practices and waste streams, as well as  state and local regulatory agencies, emergency response agencies and organizations, and the public. Overall, however, the goal is to protect the environment and the public from contamination, whether from a spill, leak […]