The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the law that oversees the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste, is seeing some major updates go into effect on May 30, 2017. A majority of the rules within RCRA are from amendments made in 1984 so this marks the first time in over 30 years that we're seeing major changes that affect our clients.
In total, there are over 60 changes implemented through the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule. It reorganizes the regulations to make it easier to understand and address ambiguities in an effort to improve compliance throughout the business community. Additionally, the updates provide greater flexibility for hazardous waste generators to manage waste in a cost-effective manner through episodic generation and Very Small Quantity Generators of Hazardous Waste – Large Quantity Generators (VSQG-LQG) consolidation provisions.
Here are some of the main changes that may affect your business.
- Clarifications have been added to require waste determinations be accurate.
- Confirmation is included regarding when a generator's hazardous waste determination must be made.
- Additional information has been added on how to determine if a solid waste is either a listed and/or characteristic hazardous waste.
- It identifies what waste determination records must be kept.
- Requirements have been made for small quantity generators (SQGs) and LQGs to identify and mark RCRA waste codes on containers prior to sending hazardous waste off-site.
Preparing for the Compliance Date
Again, the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Final Rule officially goes into effect on May 30, 2017. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees RCRA, has information available on their website regarding the updates.
- Frequent Questions about the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Final Rule
- Fact Sheet About the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Final Rule
SOURCE: About the AuthorLea HenselCommunications and Marketing CoordinatorIowa Waste Reduction Center, Business and Community Services